We are having such a great time getting into the Christmas Spirit this year. I shopped all online this year, and had all my shopping done by Black Friday. The kids and I made special Christmas ornaments for the Grandparents and Godparents, along with a few other special homemade gifts. We baked some cookies already and I plan to make many more.
My goal this year was to encounter less stress. Over the past years, I have tried too hard to accomplish the things I wanted to do for Christmas, but it was stressful. This year, my goal is not just to do the special holiday traditions, baking and crafts, but to really have it mean something to my children. Thus, we do a little something each night, but on a much smaller scale. As a teacher, I have many students who are in need this year, so I am trying to teach my children to give in ways that we are afforded, and clean out our closets and pass things on that may bless others in some small way. We are taking time to truly experience the traditions and are enjoying doing them as a family without the haste. Most importantly, we are really trying to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. T.J. has been learning about the Advent Calendar and practicing it. Jili is learning about Jesus.
I am really looking forward to the holiday break, but unfortunately I work right up until the 23rd this year. We try to do something special each night when I get home from work. Tonight, Jili picked out our Christmas tree. Last year, we forfeited our artificial tree for a real tree - T.J. picked out last year's tree. This year, it was Jili's turn to pick it out - and she talked about it for the past week. Jili, by the way, is coming out of her shell - she is becoming brutally honest. When we arrived, it was cold out and I was tired, so I pointed to a nice tree, hoping to hurry her along. I told the woman at the stand, "I'd better consult with my daughter, because it is her choice this year." Jili responded, "No, I don't want that one. Hmmm. Let me see." Then, she proceeded to select a really beautiful tree that was the same type as mine, but fuller, and much nicer. She was so proud of her choice. Scott had the privilege of loading that beauty.
In closing, here are a few photos from the Santa in town that is free. Both Jili and T.J. determined that he was the real Santa, because any Santa who would do it for free "is just doing a really nice thing and has to be real."
Merry Christmas Blessings to you and yours!
Jill :)
