The Christmas season


We had a long Christmas season this year. Typically Christmas feels so rushed, and I don’t feel like I have enough time to do all the things I want to do. This year was different. We decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, and we started daily Christmas advent activities soon after. Then we celebrated a week late, on January 1st. It made for a LONG Christmas season. It had its challenges but looking back I’m amazed at the beautiful experiences we had as a result:
-I hosted a garland making night with a bunch of friends. (And made the wreath below.)

-Attended the Nutcracker with Scotland (Mommy- Scotter date)

-Attended a dramatized production of the Messiah with Tom.
-Made our first Gingerbread house.


-Threaded popcorn and decorated a tree outside for the birds. (It dissolved in the rain soon after!)
-Visited a rest home twice and sang and visited with the residents.
-Went to Sky’s Nursery to see the model train village, reindeer, camel, and coy with friends. (Shared a HUGE mug of hot chocolate while we were there.)


-took treats to our neighbors.
-Lots of nativity play.

“Mom, I’ll be the Angel and you be Mary!”

-sent Christmas cards for the first time.
-Attended the Bellevue Nativity Display. (A tradition we’ll keep.)

-Had a surprise Christmas party for the young women I work with.

-hosted a baby shower for a friend.

-Spent the day downtown as a family- rode the merry-go-round, saw the Teddy bear suite, and gingerbread display. saw the falling snow at Pacific place, experienced the “mall Christmas shopping frenzy” and enjoyed all the lights.








-slept “under” the Christmas tree.
-placed a “straw” in the “manger” when we saw others perform Christlike acts. (A personal favorite.)

-Visited Tom at the hospital on Christmas day December 25, and took the other residents treats.

Ran into Santa. (He de-scrubbed right before chatting with us, after visiting a sick child.)

-made candy- Peanut butter fudge for Dad, and peanut pretzel brittle.
-Filled our days with silliness

-Visited the Temple.

-visited a few toy stores.

-various secret services.
-sang carols around the piano.
-watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional as a family.
-watched a few Christmas movies.
-Facetimed with family
-Candlelit Christmas eve dinner.

-Nativity reenactment.
-Daily advent activity. (Scotland has suggested several times since that we do another advent calendar.)
It was hard to not go and celebrate Christmas with family this year. But I’m really grateful for the opportunity we had to establish some beautiful Christmas traditions. Scotland and I had so many beautiful moments where we were able to really discuss the true meaning of Christmas. The daily act of talking about Christlike deeds changed the way we each went about our day. It reminded me of the quote by Elder Packer.  “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” Our simple Nativity reenactment was followed by a tender testimony meeting, where even Scotland participated. The spirit was strong in our home, and discussions of Christ more frequent. I felt a deep abiding appreciation for my Savior, and a true rejoicing in His life. We really welcomed Christ into our Christmas this year, and I’m so grateful for the peace and joy He gave us in return.


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