Scott and I have had such a great time getting ready for Christmas! We bought a 4 ft, pre-lit, fake "Indiana Spruce" at the Walmart, and hung candy canes on it. We built graham cracker gingerbread houses with his cousin's family in Shelley. We've had lots of friends come over and bring us treats, and have made lots of treats for friends! We put up Christmas lights in the window and have the radio station preset to Christmas music 24/7 now. We have had so much fun this season and have started some new traditions for our little family. We have decided that one of our traditions will be serving others.
Even though this is the "hap, hap, happiest season of all", there are a surprising number of people who are lonely, overworked, stressed out, and depressed. We want Christmas to be about lightening the load of another as Christ would have done, and loving those who especially need a little extra kindness in their lives. I can't say enough how much happier I have felt since we have started looking for ways to serve others. I have to say one of my favorite service projects was cutting down a tree and leaving it on our neighbors' doorstep because they weren't going to get a tree this year. Another fun one, was letting my friend who has three kids go out with her husband to go Christmas shopping all day long while I babysit (they were so cute).
Scott and I have been blessed with such great friends that take such good care of us all the time- it was so nice to be able to give back. I know that serving others is something we really want to teach our kids, and show how much joy it can bring to both you and the people you serve. And you don't have to spend any money to do it either! Sharing your talents, time, or even just a smile or kind word is enough to truly make another happy.
A movie recommendation for Christmas time:
My mom and dad mailed us a great surprise for Christmas this year: The Nativity Story! It is one of my favorite Christmas movies- a newer one that came out in 2009. It really brings out the reality of Christ's birth, and reminds me what a blessed miracle He is for all mankind. Christmas should remind us all of this beautiful story of Christ's birth, and of Heavenly Father's love for us. Scott and I are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives and I bear my testimony that Christ lives and loves us and that we can take part in the atonement and one day become like Him through His mercy and grace. Merry Christmas, and as President Monson always quotes after his Christmas Message: "God bless everyone!"
That is my new favorite Christmas movie and I'm so glad we have it. It's moved me in so many different ways and the love and respect I have for Mary and Joseph is so much more than ever before.
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