I love Christmas. Everything about it. And we have been looking forward to this Christmas for several years now. Each of the past few Christmases, we have said that this would be our last without Lily, only to have to wait another year for her referral. Well, as EVERYONE knows by now, that is in the past and our beautiful baby girl is finally with us. This indeed is a Christmas long waited for.
We so enjoy the season and for so many reasons.
Music.
I always insist that Christmas music NOT be played until Thanksgiving and that it end my New Year's Day. I never win. (I don't really mind but please don't tell Julianne.) I love the old stuff I grew up on: Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Frank, & Dean. I've included some on my playlist so turn up your speakers. Of course I had to add Brian Setzer's Jingle Bells. And I'd be kicked out of the house if Amy were not part of the mix!
Holiday Decor
We love to decorate. This year was a treat as we had a little tree trimming party. The above pictures show the finished product as well as some of our new lawn additions.
Family and Friends
Since Julianne's father passed, we have been hosting Christmas Day. We love preparing the meal and opening our house to family and friends. Look for many pictures to be posted after Christmas Day.
Shopping
Yes, because of the ease of internet shopping, I enjoy Christmas shopping once again. No lines. No rude drivers. Just click click click and hope it arrives on time. How easy is that?
The Reason for the Season
Above all the previously mentioned, the greatest part of Christmas is its true meaning: The celebration of the birth of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. So many of us can easily stress out during this time of year. Even though I love the season, I admit it can be stressful for me too. But all that fades when I'm able to focus on what God has done for us. God sent to us His Son, to live the perfect, sinless life that we could not. But He was not only sent to live, but to die in our place so that we might have life and restored fellowship with God. Nothing in us was deserving of such a gift. But it is with much gratitude that I receive His gift of grace. Pray that we always keep this foremost in our thoughts and actions during this wonderful season. And even more that we teach this to our daughter.
We so enjoy the season and for so many reasons.
Music.
I always insist that Christmas music NOT be played until Thanksgiving and that it end my New Year's Day. I never win. (I don't really mind but please don't tell Julianne.) I love the old stuff I grew up on: Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Frank, & Dean. I've included some on my playlist so turn up your speakers. Of course I had to add Brian Setzer's Jingle Bells. And I'd be kicked out of the house if Amy were not part of the mix!
Holiday Decor
We love to decorate. This year was a treat as we had a little tree trimming party. The above pictures show the finished product as well as some of our new lawn additions.
Family and Friends
Since Julianne's father passed, we have been hosting Christmas Day. We love preparing the meal and opening our house to family and friends. Look for many pictures to be posted after Christmas Day.
Shopping
Yes, because of the ease of internet shopping, I enjoy Christmas shopping once again. No lines. No rude drivers. Just click click click and hope it arrives on time. How easy is that?
The Reason for the Season
Above all the previously mentioned, the greatest part of Christmas is its true meaning: The celebration of the birth of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. So many of us can easily stress out during this time of year. Even though I love the season, I admit it can be stressful for me too. But all that fades when I'm able to focus on what God has done for us. God sent to us His Son, to live the perfect, sinless life that we could not. But He was not only sent to live, but to die in our place so that we might have life and restored fellowship with God. Nothing in us was deserving of such a gift. But it is with much gratitude that I receive His gift of grace. Pray that we always keep this foremost in our thoughts and actions during this wonderful season. And even more that we teach this to our daughter.
3 comments:
Just for this delightful post, I'm passing on to you the Spirit of Christmas award! I received it this morning, and I've been popping in here all morning (in between other projects, like cleaning out the kitchen cupboards!) and passing this award on to some of my new cyber friends. Take a peek at my blog, click on the link and get the code, and pass on the Spirit of Christmas to some of your fellow bloggers.
Have a blessed holiday, and enjoy every minute of it with your precious Lily. Are we not truly blessed of our Lord with the joy of our children? Blessings to you and your family, Nina
Nina,
My first blogging award. Thank you, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed reading my post. I did as you said: I went to your blog, clicked on the link, but did not see the same Spirit of Christmas icon you had so I could not get a code. But I thank you just the same. Thank you for the Christmas wishes. Same to you and yours.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas celebrating and remembering the greatest gift that came our way :)
I know you and Julianne will have an extra special Christmas this year now that you have Lily with you this year. Enjoy.
And your Christmas tree looks so beautiful!
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