Christmas Season

"During the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, making up lists and checking them twice..." This is how my mom begins her annual Christmas letter she has faithfully written as long as I can remember.  I look forward to this letter every year!  It represents more than just a recap of the year to me.  It reminds me of my childhood...of red and green stationary stacked in the computer room, the smell of Christmas goodies baking in the oven, the sound of the train chugging along around our elaborately and colorfully decorate Christmas tree.  It reminds me of a great gift my parents passed on to me and my family - the love of Christmas.  

We were that family - the ones with a crazy amount of Christmas lights that took nearly a week to put up!  The ones with Christmas decorations covering each room of the house (including the bathrooms). The movie Christmas Vacation was made after families like ours!  My parents have always gone above and beyond to make this season special for us.  They have passed on a legacy of Christmas traditions that I hope to pass on to my kids, and them to their kids.  It is by far one of the most special blessings my parents have given me.  A childhood full of magical memories - watching White Christmas with my Dad, holding a glowing candle in a dark sanctuary singing Silent Night, reading the story of Jesus' birth.  Memories of baking sweet treats with my mom while Christmas songs play on the radio, listening to my dad read us the Night Before Christmas by the fire, and opening a new hallmark tree ornament on Christmas Eve.

The truth is, I don't remember most of the presents I got over the years.  As a child, this is often what I was most excited about.  But looking back I realize the greatest gift they gave me was the memories of love, laughter, and tradition.  This is what brings me joy that no other manmade gift can bring, and it will comfort me long after my parents are gone.  Thank you Dad and Mom for giving so much of your time and energy into making this season so special for our family.  Thank you for teaching us about the greatest blessing of all, Jesus Christ - not just on Christmas, but every day of our lives.




We have started many of our own traditions over the years...the Elf on the Shelf, Jesse Tree, and special advent devotionals like Jotham's Journey.

Our boys are already starting to collect their annual Christmas ornaments from Grandpa and Grandma each year!


Christmas baking in our PJs.  Does it get any better than this??!!

Christmas just doesn't feel like Christmas without crazy messes and lots of glitter!

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