Home for the Holidays

Well it came! Our first CHRISTmas, and we spent it in our home. It was a busy couple of days, with dinners and family from both sides, but it was wonderful! We kept it simple. Santa was the only one who gave gifts and he had a $30 limit for each of us, + stockings. We both got things we really wanted too! It was a perfect day. First, we had our little tree, an "heirloom" from Gma VB. We even got a cute ornament to mark our First little family CHRISTmas together.

In The Light

In The Dark

Second, We woke up early CHRISTmas morning to open gifts and say that Santa HAD come!

He ate the cookies and drank the milk!!!

Look how cute our stockings are

Thomas was excited to get a 2nd bowl to the ice cream maker:

Now he can make 2 flavors without having to wash the bowl first!

 I was so very thrilled to find a recipe stand! (I've wanted one for years!)

Looks like I'm crying but just reading.

Even has a splash guard!

It was a wonderfully, perfect morning. After we went down stairs and watched Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and had crepes for breakfast! It was also quite nice to have church to help celebrate the birth of our Savior. God Bless Us, EVERY ONE!

Do you see what I see....

I have always hated the abbreviation Xmas. It annoys me a great deal, hence my spelling of CHRISTmas. I've written and typed it that way for a few years and I prefer it. This year it came to my attention the shorthand Xmas is not taking Christ out of the CHRISTmas but is in fact over 1,000 years old! It comes from the Greeks and XP is their abbreviation for Christ. I understand the reasoning behind using it and am no longer irritated by others insisting on keeping it around, but for myself.... When I think of Christ's birth, I think of love. I think of a humble mother experiencing the greatest joy in spite of lowly conditions. I think if the Savior of the the World in all his Glory, living and dying for me. I think of tender mercies and unconditional love for all. 

When I look at Christmas, I think of Santa and the spirit of giving, sharing with those you care for. I see twinkling lights and hear happy tunes that bring smiles to our faces from time to time. I see a time when the world TRIES to live a little better and be considerate of other. 

When I see Xmas, ancient abbreviation or mainstream commercialism, I see mad rushes to stores at the last minute. I see racing into the parking spot someone else was clearly waiting for. I see yelling a retail workers because they can't give you exactly what you want. I see an abbreviated and shallow holiday where everyone only thinks of "me." I see brake lights and stop lights and motorists changing the station frantically to get rid of the obnoxious seasonal sounds.

When I see CHRISTmas, I think of giving all the love I have to those around me. I think of family near and far and how it's never long enough to be with them even if they're only down the street. I think of warming the soul with service and respect. I see a time of year when people DO live a better life and encourage others to be better also. I see stars twinkling in the heavens and hear the sounds of Angels praising the season, reminding us why we celebrate it. I see love, kindness, forgiveness, and comfort from pain and suffering. 

I would never begrudge another from believing or celebrating in whatever way they will, but seeing what I see and feeling what I feel, I will never understand why anyone would want to celebrate the Savior's birth abbreviated.

Merry CHRISTmas to all, and to all a good LIFE. He's the only way to have it!