Leading Up to Christmas

So many good and fun things filled our month as we tried to enjoy the Christmas season to it's fullest. Of course we had some traditional Christmas fun - making ornaments, gingerbread houses, the Christmas parade in Richmond, and chocolate peppermint pancakes. 

Conrad quickly learned to climb up to snitch a few bites. 

Wonderful Aunt Jamie got us all an early Christmas present..... They are amazing!

Our ward had a fun Christmas party. Conrad wore a sweater that was my brother Harrison's when he was a baby. It just so happened he had perfected this stink eye face that day and kept doing it every few minutes. I promise he was having fun!

The kids put on a nativity that was really sweet. Hazel narriated, Eliza was the main angel, Lenora was a wise man, and Orson was an adorable sheep. 

The weather has been really warm so it hasn't quite felt like Christmas. We went to the park several times this month. They just put in a new playground and the kids love it!

We also tried to keep our Christmas focused on Christ. Our scripture Advent Calendar this year held a short scripture with a Christmas hymn in each day. We've never included a song before but I really loved it! They brought the Spirit so strongly. 

We also participated in the Light the World initiative by doing simple things to spread Christ's light with others. We made a poster for our local Librarians thanking them for the wonderful programs they host. We took goodies to neighbors and friends. Our ward Relief Society collected items for a women's shelter. The kids picked out a few toys, and Hazel helped fill them. We visited our friend Joanne in the memory care unit and spent time with many of the other residents as well. We sent Christmas cards with handwritten notes and drawings to some of our dear friends/family that might be a bit lonely. Each act seemed to fill us with the light and warmth of Christmas! This is the Christmas proclaimed by the angels when they sang that first Noel, Noel, Noel! Now it's Christmas! Our infant Savior, our Eternal Redeemer, light, love, compassion, forgiveness, and sharing that with others. This truly is Christmas!

I so thankful for this time of year. For the fun and excitement it brings, but especially for the chance to reflect on the life of the Savior and to love, give, and live a little more like He did. Merry Christmas!