Fortunately I am not trying to win the Lottery or taking our life savings to Vegas to try to double it. I mean truly richer, deeper. Filled with memories. Not just our memories, the ones we are creating with our family, but the memories left to us by our eternal family. Digging deeper into what Christmas really means.
At a time in our nation when it seems so politically incorrect to use the word CHRISTMAS, it is important that Kip and I continue to do just that with our children and those around us. If it were not for Christ, there would be no such holiday, right?
In our attempt to focus on the ONE we are celebrating, we are trying to clear all distractions as best we can. We do this so that we can enjoy our advent readings as a family. This time is very precious to us and highly guarded. We have minimized the gift giving factor, focusing only on the children. Perspective, right?
A few of the things I am trying to do to take away much of the stress are:
- I hope to have all cards addressed by December 1st.
- Decorations up and crates out of the way this coming weekend.
- Gifts are all figured out, I just need to order from amazing AMAZON (love them).
- Wrap them as soon as they get into our house.
- Lots of handmade goodies.
A few of the things I want to be able to do this Advent Season:
- Slumber Party under the Christmas Tree
- Lots of baking
- Looking at Christmas light & plenty of hot cocoa
- Walking around down town & OCC
- Taking a meal to the homeless shelter
- Crafting with the kids
- Weekend in the mountains with the kids
- Date night with each of the kids so that they can shop for each other
- Melting Pot celebration for 500 days of reading.
- Fellowship dinners.
You and Kip have always been fantastic about creating memories and spending time with your kids. I have no doubt in my mind that your children know and feel loved by you both – and that they both feel that they are an important part of your life (as it should be!)
I commend you for all you do throughout the year, but especially during the Christmas season to teach your children about Christ, about family, about tradition, about helping others, about “giving is more joyful than receiving”, and so much more. You inspire me to be a better mom and wife. I pray that God will give you strength, rest, wisdom, encouragement, time management, and GREAT times together over the coming weeks.
On a side note, I too LOVE Amazon. I had the boys each create their own Amazon wish list and we went through and ranked what it is that they truly want. The shopping hasn’t been done yet, but it will be easy to click “Add to Cart” and “Order” – so much better than dealing with parking lots, crowded shops and the stress that those incur.
HUGS!