'Tis the Season

Can you believe there are only 17 days left until Christmas???!!! I suppose some people have been feeling bombarded by the Christmas season since October when the stores started putting out all the seasonal decor but I always feel like the Christmas season never lasts quite long enough. Maybe it was the subliminal messaging of the Wal-Mart Christmas aisle nestled next to the Halloween decor, but I felt anxious to get the season started well before the rest of my family. I held off celebrating one holiday before another- much to Kole's pleasure- and Turkey day was great. Nevertheless, my tree went up the day after Thanksgiving and it will stay up until New Year's Day. Still, with only 17 days left until the Big Day, I feel the impending doom and everything being over and done with before I’ve really gotten into the swing of things... but that seems to be the story of my life.

Now, I have to admit I love Christmas day just like everyone else but even more than the main event, I love everything that leads up to it. I love putting up the decorations, the music, the busy people rushing everywhere, the snow (yes, Christmas time is the only time I actually want snow around and it's all melted this year! Blah!), I love starting new family traditions and building upon the ones Kole and I experienced as children, I love the heavy anticipation that seems to hang in the air, racking my brain and scouring the stores to find the “right” gift (A skill I still have yet to master and probably never will), and I especially love the way Jesus Christ is honored openly all over the world. There is a sign at Deseret Book that I want- it says “The magic of the season is not in the presents but in His presence.” I think that’s so true!

I think the Christmas season has definitely gotten better (more expensive but better) since we had kids. Christmas can be pressure filled for adults but it's mostly just fun for kids and it's nice to remember to slow down and enjoy the little things right along with them. Every day they are so excited about everything. We go out to run errands and they see all the Christmas stuff and they act like it is Christmas morning. Perhaps my kids are just easily entertained and satisfied but it's refreshing to glimpse Christmas through their little eyes. What a blessing to have the opportunity to experience the awesomeness of Christmas with them. I wish these childhood years would last forever. 

I decided not to do a Christmas letter this year. I figure our friends and family can just look on here if they want to know what we've been up to. Most of you probably already know this year we've had our ups and downs, our good news and bad- the famed opposition in all things was an on going theme much of the latter half. Nevertheless, we've still been blessed all along the way. Somehow everything seems to work out in the end and we end up feeling in awe of our blessings. I am happy and thankful to have such amazing family and friends, a wonderful husband that I'm still crazy about after all these years and kids that I love beyond compare. It's great to live so close to those we love and get to celebrate this Christmas season together.  Like our Christmas card says, “Being together is the best gift ever."

May your days be merry and bright and may you enjoy every last minute of this special season.