What is Christmas?

I know, we all probably know WHAT Christmas is, but some things have just been on my mind lately and especially this year.   This is by far my favorite time of year, I just LOVE it!  There has been so much going on this year with us personally and with close family and friends which got me to thinking about how and why we celebrate Christmas.  It's not about how many places we visit or what presents we buy or the stress of trying to get everything accomplished, but enjoying our time with each other.   I think we should celebrate Christmas all year long with the spirit of giving. 

I'm not trying to come across and say to not celebrate Christmas without present or stay at home and do nothing, but realize the REAL meaning.  We celebrate our Savior's birth and I rejoice because of this and because he is my heavenly father.  I'm sure Emma Claire will get presents this year and the ones we are giving her are hand me downs and I find nothing wrong with it.  I don't see the use of spending money on items which she will use for a short amount of time and then move onto bigger toys.  She does not know the difference between toys, she just knows they go straight to her mouth.  I want her to know how fortunate she is and our families are.  I want her to understand the real meaning of Christmas and about what a precious baby Mary was chosen to carry.  My want for her is to understand it's okay to give and get presents, but it doesn't matter where they come from or what they are.  God gave us the ultimate present in his son and PRAISE God!  I pray over her every night for her salvation and for God to instill a GIVING heart in her.  I'm always in constant prayer that we are leading her in the right direction and the direction God has set forth for her.  

I grew up in an average middle class family and always knew I was loved.  I had food to eat and never went without.  I'm proud of the family I was raised in and the Christian values instilled in me.   I want to pass those same things along to our child and teach her from a young age about being a giver of time, a smile, a kind word, financially, and most importantly a giver of her heart when the time comes.   With Christmas approaching rapidly....my challenge to myself and my family are to be a giving family of whatever we can.  I pray for this to continue in our traditions of the season and throughout the entire year. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas!  I know we all come from different walks of life and I hope you and your family have wonderful Christmas traditions.  Take a minute, slow down and just enjoy what you have - I have to tell myself this daily.   

And remember.....

We received the smallest package in January and what a wonderful blessing she is blossoming into.  We are thankful and grateful for her each day, but most importantly the healing she received from her heavenly father and for the angels he placed in our path on earth.  

What we call our coincidences in life is God revealing his plan to us.