I am so honored to be joining some of my favorite bloggers in 'A Holiday withHeart" today. If you've hopped over here from Bridget and Casey's blog ... Welcome! The ubber talented Jennifer Stagg from withHeart asked me to participate today and share not only some of my Christmas decor with you, but some of my favorite traditions that make this holiday time full of meaning for my family and I. I loved this amazing idea Jennifer had! It is SO easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget what the true meaning is. I know from experience that slowing down, and just enjoying the small moments are what matter most.
Last year, I was expecting my third child and had a medical condition that made it impossible to keep any thing down. For the entire month of December I was pretty much on bed rest. I ended up in the ER on Christmas Day. I don't tell you this for pitty, but to share the beautiful lesson that was taught to my family again and again, over and over during this hard time. We couldn't believe the amount of service and thoughtfulness we received. Though I wasn't able to take my kids to look at lights, or ice skating, or other fun outings, I was able to teach them about the Savior, His love for us, and how people serving us was the Savior's way of letting us know we were loved. I am so thankful my children were able to see how much goodness is in the world and how wonderful people can be. It was a still holiday full of snuggles, and one season I'll never forget. So, as I share more of some favorite traditions, I just want to remind you all that it isn't about the decorations or the gifts, but it is about the miraculous birth of our Savior why we celebrate this glorious time of year.
Last year, I was expecting my third child and had a medical condition that made it impossible to keep any thing down. For the entire month of December I was pretty much on bed rest. I ended up in the ER on Christmas Day. I don't tell you this for pitty, but to share the beautiful lesson that was taught to my family again and again, over and over during this hard time. We couldn't believe the amount of service and thoughtfulness we received. Though I wasn't able to take my kids to look at lights, or ice skating, or other fun outings, I was able to teach them about the Savior, His love for us, and how people serving us was the Savior's way of letting us know we were loved. I am so thankful my children were able to see how much goodness is in the world and how wonderful people can be. It was a still holiday full of snuggles, and one season I'll never forget. So, as I share more of some favorite traditions, I just want to remind you all that it isn't about the decorations or the gifts, but it is about the miraculous birth of our Savior why we celebrate this glorious time of year.
This time of year just seems magical. Since I was a little girl I couldn't wait for this time. I would sleep by the tree as often as I could and it was a favorite day of mine when my mom let me pick out my very own miniature tree for my room. I kid you not when I say that tree stayed up that first year til well past February. You bet I bought my little girls their own tree as soon as I could. They love having the "rainbow colored lights" on their red tinsel tree they picked out light up their room. And they cannot wait to rush down stairs every morning to see where their Elf, Sparkles, has moved to. Having kids this time of year makes the season that much more magical and exciting.
We adore this time of year. From trying ice skating for the first time, to attending their cousins choir performance at the local Dickens Festival... We just love spending quality time as a family. We adore putting a log on the fire (yes, we have a wood burning one!) and snuggling up with a bowl of pop corn watching a Christmas movie together. Their movie of choice this year is The Elf on the Shelf.
I married a good man who insists on doing an act of service every season. Last year my girls picked two little girls their own ages to buy presents for. This year we had a great time helping our neighbors hang lights on their house since the husband just had shoulder surgery and are looking forward to caroling at a local retirement community with the cousins. I look forward to them getting older so we can do more service for others.
My husband and I started collecting a yearly ornament a few years after we were married. Then as we started having children we got a framed birth year ornament for the new baby. Watching my children the night we get out the ornament box out of storage is so exciting for the entire family. The joy on my childrens faces as they find their baby ornament and the ones they've made in previous years to hang on the tree is indescribable. This year I let the girls decorate the tree with all of our keepsake and homemade ornaments. We make some new ones every year. I still love the homemade clay ones they made last year with their Nana and Papa Rockwood you see hung here. And, let me add... there is nothing more magical than a babys first Christmas... Make my heart melt.
Christmas Eve... this night has always been the one I look forward to most. Even more than Christmas Day. It's the time when we gather as a family and have those moments where all of the best memories are made. It is such a beautiful time gathering together, enjoying food, music, laughter and love.
Since I was little we got together with my mom's side and on Christmas Eve were read Luke 2, the story of Jesus's birth, to set the mood for what the true meaning of this season is. Probably my favorite Christmas Tradition is one my Mom started when she and her siblings started having Grandchildren. My mom found an entire set of costumes to reenact the Savior's birth story. All of the young children wear a costume as the story is read. The Spirit and mood is so peaceful and it brings tears to my eyes... with out fail... every time. I am so thankful for such a beautiful tradition my children get to be a part of.
Every year I buy a Christmas book and read the collection to my kids through out the month. There is nothing more peaceful in this busy time of year than cuddling with my kids reading a story to them.
May we remember the reason for the season and keep Christ in Christmas. May you all have a beautiful Holiday with loved ones celebrating our Saviors birth.
I thank you for stopping by and reading about my Christmas traditions! The next stop is Jen from www.thechroniclesof home.com Be sure to stop by and read her post! You wont want to miss it!
And if you'd like to read all of the ' A Holiday withHeart' posts here is the line up.
Jennifer:
Courtney:
Kristin:
Erin:
Kirsten:
Marianne:
Shavonda:
Sarah:
Jen:
Julia:
Samantha:
Lindsay:
Sita:
Bridget & Casey:
Kristen:
Jen:
And again, Merry Christmas! May you have a beautiful season!