Tag Worthy Christmas

Even though this was one of my busiest Christmas Season’s yet, it was also my favorite. Why? So many reasons, but one of them is that it RAINED today. All day. I can’t remember the last Christmas I spent in AZ that it wasn’t hot and sunny. LOVED IT!


In fact, I love the rain so much (1). When the sky clouds over with shadowing billows, I feel a sense of euphoria. An excitement. It was perfect for this Christmas Day.


As we carried out our traditions with our family, I thought of the family my husband and I came from. Each with its own lovable level of dysfunction and creamy core of goodness. Each imprinting its personality on our family. I thought fondly of my parents, who have passed on and wished so much I could talk with my mom or share this laugh with my dad. (2)


I laughed and chatted with my sweet sister about stupid stuff. Stuff that didn’t matter, but made all the difference to talk about. We talked and ate WAY too much toffee. (3)


I listened to my children’s excited conversation at 3, 4 and 5:30 am as I TRIED to sleep and convince them it was too early. (4) I watched them, spontaneously descend the stairs in order of youngest to oldest. Wishing my camera was at the ready to capture this moment afraid to look the other way for fear of missing it. With the dim light coming from the Christmas Tree and smiles on their faces, it was really a tender moment. One I want to remember forever.


I watched my sweet husband. Grateful for a good man to support and protect his family. So glad that we met so many years ago. Remembering years of Christmas’ with him. Happy to say I have spent more Christmases WITH him now than WITHOUT. (5) Looking forward to our 15th year of marriage, almost 20 years since meeting.


We scaled back this Christmas. The gifts we fewer. Wrapping wasn’t as much of a chore. The children seemed more excited to give their gifts than they have in previous years. And J didn’t even mind that I gave him something I bought for me and told him to give it back to me for Christmas. (6)


Most of all it was one of my favorite Christmas’ because I was reminded again about how Heavenly Father loves us. From witnessing a miracle in a friends life to having the opportunity to serve Him, I have been touched again by that Tender Spirit that gives us joy.


I have felt His love for me. I have seen His work.


I love the miraculous story of Jesus’ birth. The simple yet significant event that it was. I love being reminded of that. It is remembering this that makes Christmas so wonderful.
Merry Christmas all!


(PS. I have been tagged by Becky. 6 things you never knew you wanted to know about me. You are tagged if you are wearing slippers, sipping hot cocoa, if you have sung a Christmas Carol today, if you cried when you opened a present, if you stayed in PJs the whole day or if you snatched some candy from your kid’s stocking. Click here for the rules.)