Christmas: Magical, Memories and More

The anticipation of the Christmas season starts the minute Thanksgiving dinner has been consumed and the dishes are done and put away. We check out the sale ads and make preparations for the crazy early morning extravaganza. Except for the first time in 30 years, I decided not to go that route. Yup, I slept in and it was great. Then later read the news to find out the craziness that went on throughout the U.S. in the different stores. It is so sad to think, that this is what Christmas has come to. Greed, selfishness, worldliness and in some cases pure evil. I for one am going to Keep Christ in my Christmas and Family close to my heart.

On a more upbeat note, I do have to say I love the decorations, and the smiles of Joy on the kids faces as they see them for the first time. Their eyes light up, and their smiles radiate the excitement they experience.

I was so excited to hear that Crystal was coming a month before Christmas. Especially, so she could put my decorations up for me. My girls all have the knack at decorating anything. I am so blessed to have such talented children. Too bad my mom couldn't say the same thing about me. Seriously, I am a train wreck when it comes to decorating my house, At Christmas or any other time.

Here are some pictures of the decorating Crystal did for me. She climbed above the stairs...scaaaarrrry, and did such an awesome job. I did it once and got stuck, and another time I fell off of the ladder. I should have been named Grace!

I have wanted a nine foot tree for a few years, so went out and got one half off after Christmas. I love it. Again, Crystal decorated it. I tried, but all the decorations ended up on the same branch. How do people do it, it is so stressful!!!! Melissa called and said she had the prettiest tree ever...I beg to differ sister.

Kendra's favorite decoration.....a lit up snowglobe with a ferris wheel.

When my girls were little they would go to Roberts and buy ceramic Chrismas village houses to paint. I thought I should give them each the ones they painted, but I couldn't. They are so special to me and have priceless memories that I am not ready to give up. Sorry Girls!! When the decorations have all been put up, and messes cleaned up---when it is time to turn all the lights on, it is truly magical and reminds us all what Christmas is all about. That light of Christ that illuminates our homes, our neighborhoods and our hearts. The joy of bringing our families together to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in HIS presence.

Wishing all you bloggers out there the Merriest Christmas ever!!