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Ready For Christmas

We decided that since we will be around for Christmas this year, that we would invest in a real tree this year. So, for date night, we all went to get us a tree and put up the rest of our decorations. Other than the outside lights (as some of you saw on Facebook our "train wreck" of a light show), we are set up for Christmas! Here are some pictures we took around the house.The tree waiting to be decorated.
Zack was a big helper, as he watched Daddy and Mommy put everything up and he played. (Please notice the snowman slippers! I LOVE THEM!)
He did take some time out to talk to Grandpa Gary and Grandma Kathy about all the adventures and energy it took to drive all the way down the street to get the tree and bring it home! It zonked him right out, poor little guy! :)
Our final product with the tree. I think it turned out beautiful! I love it!
Our stockings are hung by the kitchen with care... Hey, we live in a condo! It's the best I can do! They are still cute though!
I get to have 2 nativity sets! I remember growing up as our family always set up Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, it was always my job to set up the Nativity scene in our living room. I loved being able to gently unwrap each character and carefully place in in their rightful position as I contemplated their role in the Christmas season. I take the same joy in doing so now in my own home as I set up my own Nativity sets. This cute one is from my mom. She gave it to me for my first married Christmas as our little family had our first Christmas, and I love it! It fits perfectly on our bookshelf in our front room.
And my Willow Tree set that Valerie had set aside for me as Clayton's wife before she knew that I would be Clayton's wife! ;) I'm so glad we got this entertainment center. I finally have a decent place to set it up!

I am so excited for Christmas this year, and can't wait! As cliche as it sounds, my favorite part of Christmas is being able to give to others. We have had fun shopping for Zack and for each other, as well as other family members. We are also participating in a ward project helping another family in need as we help buy some gifts for those who can't. I hope that in doing so, we will be able to draw nearer to our Savior, and remember Him and his birth this holiday season.
I love being able to spend Christmas with my parents. We have a tradition every year that I look forward to months in advance! On Christmas Eve, we play the Luke 2 video put out by the LDS Church as it recounts the events that first Christmas night. However, we turn down the sound and play the song Silent Night by Manheim Steamroller. This song and movie go beautifully hand-in-hand. Music has such a powerful impact on me, and there is nothing that touches my heart more at Christmas time than to hear this song and watch that movie on Christmas Eve. It brings the true meaning of Christmas to my heart so strong, and I can't wait to experience it again this year as my WHOLE FAMILY sits around to watch this together. I know I should do this more than just during the holidays, but I really use this time of year to think of my Savior more carefully and draw closer to him. What a wonderful opportunity we have to have Him in our lives, and to take this wonderful season to celebrate His birth.

Clayton

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1 comment:

Madison Grunig said...

What a nice post. Your little guy is so cute and you're so good to remember the Savior at this special time of year. Sometimes all of us need that reminder!