I think I look forward to Christmas time because of all the family memories that are created and remembered year after year. Reading Christmas stories over the phone, together, laughing and crying over the ones that touch our hearts so deeply. Preparing for surprises, excitement, and family traditions. Taking time to remember the love of our Savior and expressing in our hearts and our actions our deep gratitude for all He has done and His exemplary life. Pictures speak a thousand words and are deeply etched into my heart. How I love Christmas!
Christmas traditions begin with putting up all our decorations and praying that Jacque and crew will not fall off the roof! this year, Jacque enlisted the help of Jeff, a cousin who was very brave and daring! Dad is always around...just in case!
Another fun tradition that began when I thought make-up was all the rage is the annual "Make-Up" shopping with mom. My mom takes her daughters and each of us with daughters have continued this fun tradition. A set amount is given to each girl and they can get as much as they can with that amount. Sometimes it is one thing or sometimes, it's many little things...with a coupon! No matter what, it is a fun tradition!
Christmas Eve tradition of acting out the Nativity at Grammy and Grampy's home - with cousins of all ages laughing and participating. Getting ready, taking turns being Mary and Joseph (this year are the two newly-baptized cousins, Dailynd and Chloe), Grampy as the narrator, I am the pianist - with a little help - and the all-important filming crew.
The donkey this year!
Mary and Joseph
And it came to pass....
Singing the songs
trying to sing the songs...
The cast of 2012
The annual talent show afterwards, which is always so entertaining. Each family shares some sort of talent....it is fun, traditional, sometimes tender, always enjoyable.
The talented Goodmans all played piano solos and then we had a treat by listening to Cory sing, accompanied by daughter, Faye.
Whoever Lizzie is clapping for...she ADORES!!
The Olivers followed by a beautiful dance routine by Carlee, Cami, and Chloe, choreographed by Chelsey. These girls are talented!!
12 Days of Christmas - a tradition that is fun, hilarious, and lickety-split fast!
The Weech talent? With Jenny and Brad, we presented a small
video of Christ - very unorthodox, but still a talent that ended the evening just perfectly!
Christmas morning was relaxed, spent at our home eating breakfast and opening presents
Afterwards, we headed over to Grammy and Grampy's home where we enjoyed a wonderful feast and opening of family gifts. The tree is brimming and it is the perfect back-drop for family pictures. Grampy sorts the presents and the fun begins. The best part is watching the expressions of family as they anticipate a present or the opening of a present they have given to someone.
This is one of my favorite pictures. It is so nostalgic of our yearly Christmas spent with family. You have Brad recording the memories, two cousins chatting, and a family enjoying the moments of family time and the gifts given. It is priceless!
We sure missed Aaron and Savannah who are loving living in Kansas. Maybe I'll get pictures to add to this family journal!
Christmas always ends too soon. Yes, there are decorations to take down, bills to pay, and life continues on in its fast pace. In the First Presidency Christmas message, it stated:
The Spirit of Christmas creates in our hearts a desire to give joy to others and to serve them. At this time of year we feel a spirit of giving and of gratitude for what we have been given. The celebration of Christmas helps us keep our promise to always remember the Savior and His gifts to us and, in turn, to serve others.
Whatever types of gifts we give, our hearts are centered on the wonderful example of our Savior and His ultimate gift. What a wonderful message! What a wonderful time of year!
