Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I miss Christmas already...

Every year I begin preparing for Christmas around August.  

And every year... I begin feeling depressed as soon as the last gift is opened.

I absolutely love Christmas.  
I love everything about it.  
I love the recognition of the birth of our Savior. 
I love that even non-believers are exposed to the saving name of Jesus.
I love Christmas music so much, I start listening to it November 1st! 

I love decorating the house...
As much as I dislike colored lights... I love this mini tree!




Totally stole this moose from Mom... Too cute! 
Really need to step the game up on the stairs, but this will do for now!
So simple, but yet one of my favorite things!!


I love shopping for my loved ones and wrapping gifts!


I LOVE that we got a "real" tree this year!! 
On the hay ride back to the car!
We're kicking off our fun old-fashioned family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.
Finished product!!

I love getting Christmas cards!!

 I REALLY love baking Christmas goodies!

I even love driving in mucky snow and ice to get home to my family!




After all the decorations are put away, all the unwanted gifts are returned, and the last of the snacks are polished off... the reality of a brand new year sets in.  I love the idea of holding on to and remembering all that was great about last year, while looking forward to the improvements we all vow for the upcoming year! 

Above all, I am thankful that I have so many loved ones to share with me... 
the most wonderful time of the year!! 

I truly hope your Christmas season was as blessed and filled with love as mine was!


"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”