Christmas 2008

We had a great Christmas this year. The weeks preceeding the holidays were wrought with sickness. Flu caught a few of us. Colds and such caught a few others. We still managed to all get together for Christmas Eve. We only had 3 of our entire family that didn't show up. That is pretty good for that many people. We ate too much, sang Christmas carols, gave out about a hundred gifts from under the big tree, and played "Dirty Santa." That was just the beginning of the evening. We then went to my daughter's house for another gift-giving extravaganza. We always exchange gifts amongst ourselves (our immediate family) after the Christmas Eve party at my mother-in-law and sister-in-law's house. The kids get so tired by the end of that party. I believe that next year, we will do that on another day. New traditions.

We had a wonderful time. I love to give gifts. I think that is more fun than receiving gifts. Not that I don't like to receive, I do, I just like giving them more. This year, we were fortunate to be a part of giving to others that were not as blessed as we are. The delight and gratitude on those people's faces just blew me away. I know 'tis better to give than receive, but this time, it was brought to me face to face. I knew these people. I love these people. And I could help these people in this small way. My daughter and a friend from church helped to bless these folks also. They were very happy with the blessing as shown by the tears on their face and the many hugs that we received.

One of my dear friends had chosen a family to give their gifts to this year. You heard right. Whatever they would have spent on each other, they gave to spend on this family. The family was so blessed by this. Instead of getting gifts that they didn't really need, my friend's family bought for this other family instead. They got much joy out of shopping for toys for the kids, and they even got stuff for the mother. It was such a blessing to be a small part of this.

I know I have used the word blessing a lot in this post, but honestly, it is the only word that fit. Our blessings are so many this year. God has blessed us with good health, a fine house to live in, wonderful friends, and family that loves each other. What else would anyone need?

Christmas

I think that Christmas is a time for reflection. A time for deep thoughts. Not just thoughts about what to get for our family members at Christmas, but a time of introspection. I think that as the year winds to a close, we become more aware of a new year coming on really fast. I have noticed as I have aged, that this time of year comes quicker and quicker every year. I love Christmas. It is a busy time, a fun time, and a family time. I am sad for those who lose loved ones at this time of year, because no matter how happy Christmas is, it invariably will be tainted with sad memories of our loved ones that have gone on before us. I love the celebrations that we have as a family. I love the gifts. I love buying gifts that I know will be welcomed by the receiver, and I love the gifts that I get to receive. It doesn't really matter what they are, it is the fact that the person giving the gift thought about you enough to give you a present.

Some gifts are better than others, that is for sure. But the greatest gift of all is being able to attend church with my family. Waters Edge puts on the best Christmas Eve service that I have ever seen -- and I've seen a few in my time. This year promises to be a great one. I love the secrecy about the service, and the glory to God is so apparent. It always blows me away that the staff at Waters Edge is so creative week after week and even though I know how creative they are, this service is typically over the top as far as creativity goes. I love being a part of this church.

Gifts are a part of Christmas -- give a gift this year that will last for eternity. Give Jesus the gift of your heart. You'll never be sorry.

Merry Christmas and God bless us everyone.

It has been awhile...

It has been awhile since my last post. I haven't much to say. I have been pretty introspective lately. Lots going on in my head. It will be the second anniversary of my mother's passing on Dec. 15th. I think that is affecting my mood of late. I guess it will get easier with the passing of time.

Anyway, onto happier thoughts. Thanksgiving was a blast. We had so much togetherness at that party. We always have a good time. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Then we had the wedding shower. It was quite precious. The bride-to-be was very gracious and her soon to be husband was very attentive. It was cute seeing them interact. They got great gifts and again, we all had a very good time.

Now, we are coming in to the holiday season full blast. My side of the family is having their Christmas party next Saturday. That should be fun. I hope my table can hold all the goodies we are preparing.

We have the wedding on the 20th of December in North Carolina. We wouldn't miss it for the world. I am sure it will be fun.

Christmas Eve is always at my husband's sister's house. His mother lives with her and we go there every year for a huge party. The kids get gifts and the big kids get gifts and then we old folks even get a gift or two. We play "Dirty Santa," though our gifts are rarely anything too "out there." We have a great time playing that game while the little kids play with whatever they got from under the tree. The house will be very festive and we will all eat too much.

I can hardly wait.