I have so many feelings about the month of December! Obviously, first and foremost, it is the most wonderful time of the year. I love the spirit of Christmas that we feel, the delicious treats baked in our oven or brought over by friends, Christmas mail, the beautiful lights in every which direction which help me to focus on my Savior- the light of the world. I love thinking up new traditions for our family, serving others, and decorating the house.
All this being said, I also have feelings of exhaustion and overwhelment! Too often I become overly busy creating teacher gifts, buying presents, planning/attending holiday functions and working overtime to make the month extra special for the kids. It’s all wonderful and I wouldn’t change a thing.... but January is a welcome respite! With very little on the agenda beyond our humdrum routine schedule.
A few of our December highlights included Evelyn’s beautiful idea to put together care bags for the homeless people we see near the stoplights in the shopping centers. She thought of every detail, shopped for the items, wrote out special cards (God loves you, you are special) and then handed out. It was very touching and a tradition I hope very much to continue.
Putting up my collection of cone trees was even more fun this year as my Mom and I had made 5 to 6 extra ones out of coffee filters and cupcake liners. They meshed well with my existent collection and I loved how the house looked all month!
Favorite things parties are definitely “in” right now and I was lucky enough to attend two! Loved our BYU SoCal dinner gathering... I put together these Advent Boxes that my friend Henrike had thought up-- they were a big hit and so much fun to create! She also thought up these darling ornament branches that we spent an afternoon putting together. I was able to use them as part of my table settings for a little breakfast party later in the month... so cute!
My Mom sent a darling Christmas package with all sorts of goodies and stockings.... we enjoyed making gingerbread ninjas from the cookie cutters in the package! Very fun activity!
Of course there were gifts and yummy foods all over the house... Evelyn loved the box of truffles sitting on the counter-- it sure didn’t last long. We enjoyed a German pudding cake and of course or own home-made Christmas sugar cookies, a long time tradition passed down from Grammy!
Neighborhood gifts consisted of an extremely long bag of Twizlers and a tag that said “Twiz the Season to be Jolly!” We delivered a Grinch Family Night packet along with donuts sporting a bright green frosting to friends... a special delivery from Whoville!
Anna entertained herself more than ever this month with the craze of our daily schedule. Often I’d find her with marker all over her face, hands, feet, body! She sure does love to color! And Evelyn though up a fun game in which she wrapped Grant’s arm up in tape as though he had a broken arm. Fun had by all:)
Of course the kids all enjoyed their holiday parties at school. Holiday party plus pajama day for Dane equaled one happy camper!
A sweet friend made the kids their own initial ornaments... they were thrilled, as was I!
The kids art work is such a joy to display throughout the month. Especially Grant’s preschool art!
Such a fun filled month, and one in which I sure hope I was able to convey the real reason for the season to my dear little ones. My heart was filled with love for the gift of my Savior and for His life and teachings.
