Merry Christmas!!

It's that time of Christmas where you've done all you can do -- All the stores are closed, the mailman has fulfilled his rounds and won't be back to work until the 26th, Santa has already packed his sleigh... Now you just have to sit back and let the rest of the pieces fall where they may.

I think back on all the hectic hustle and bustle of the last couple weeks and reflect on my stress levels and attitudes. I had to cut back on some things: I didn't send out Christmas cards this year (sorry to friends and family who were hoping for the annual letter), I didn't buy gifts for everyone and their dog, I only took neighbor gifts to those I truly care about, I didn't search for that "perfect something," but rather for that "something pretty okay," (and I'm okay with that), we didn't put out all the decorations and over accent our house - in all, I didn't run myself ragged (completely).

But, I did find time to be with the kids more, we watched most of our Christmas movie collection together as a family, I wrapped as I bought, so I wouldn't have an all-out wrap fest, I embraced the all-Christmas-Music-all-the-time on the radio and I enjoyed it... basically, I tried to enjoy the holiday more from the beginning, instead of let it run away with me.

This is the season to focus on the Savior; He was born, He died, He lives and He loves us. He doesn't care whether we sent out cards, or whether we shopped at Dillards or at Pic-N-Save, or whether we took home-baked items to our neighbors or didn't even bake at all, leaving that solely up to them... all He cares about is that we remember Him, and try to be like Him.

We do what we can, and He makes up the rest. Now, if that's not love, I don't know what is.

Holiday Stress

Every year it's the same thing: December comes and stress hits. What is it about the holiest holiday of the year; the time when there is more focus on peace on earth, goodwill to men; the season of giving and love to all, that brings out the ugliness in people? Going to the stores is like taking your life in your own hands! Case in point, I found myself at Wal-Mart on Saturday (I need my head examined!) and I parked in the very back of the parking lot because it was the only spot available. When I got back to my car to leave, it took me at least 5 minutes to just get my car out of my space because nobody would let me out... and then when I did start moving, a lady who was driving up the aisle threw her hands up in the air and gunned her engine. As if I was putting her out trying to get out of my parking place. Luckily I braked, and escaped a fender bender.

There is so much hustle and bustle, places to go/people to see, gifts to get, money to spend... It's easy to forget the reason we are celebrating.

Our Savior came into the world to give us the greatest gift - through Him we receive eternal life; through Him we receive forgiveness; through Him we are never alone. I will make more of an effort to think of Him as I go through the motions of the holiday... even when the stress is enough to make me scream.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a wonderful holiday spent surrounded by those you love.

Beware the Doghouse

My poor husband can relate to the above video all too well. Our first Christmas together as a married couple (16 years ago) he got me 3 things: A step-stool, a bathroom scale, and some trashy lingerie. He still hasn't heard the end of that, though he has redeemed himself a time or two.

I post this here as a public service announcement to the men out there who feel a practical gift is a good gift to give. If you want to give your wife a dual-bag vacuum (or a step stool) do so on a Tuesday, out of the blue, and take her to dinner afterwards (preferably someplace they don't serve fries). If you expect brownie points, and a Get Out of the Doghouse Free Card, put at least a modicum of thought into the gift you give on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. You'll be much happier for it.

We women have VERY long memories. Trust me on this one.

There are still 16 shopping days left before Christmas... are you prepared????