I believe my Scrooge self has moved out - or on - or away because I am beginning to feel a great spirit of Christmas. Yesterday I bought a Christmas tree (fake but a decent one) that I can put up my myself. I won't need help from Jim to put it together. It is not a pre-lit tree. For some reason I love to string the lights on a tree even if it takes me a couple of hours. I met a milestone yesterday in my shopping for the tree - I bought some Christmas ornaments for the first time in 40 years. Yes - that's true. All the ornaments we've ever had have either been hand-made or given to us by someone. I believe I bought a some red and gold balls a few years at a garage sale. I decided that I wanted to begin the journey of turning my thoughts at Christmas time over to the Saviour and I wanted to start that journey with the tree. I have collected a few glass angels through the years and my mother gave me her ornaments which were beautiful but didn't really fit any theme I wanted. So this year I was able to use those clear glass ornaments, one with a picture of Jesus inside the ball, several with the wise men on the outside of the balls, and lots of angels and snowflakes. The tree is all clear glass with some gold balls. I should have purchased one more role of ribbon because I would have like the ribbon to make more of a statement, but ovderall I'm very pleased with my tree. I put the nativity scene that my mother made years ago under the tree. I wanted my tree to remind us of the Saviour and heaven. I will continue to gather a few more things for next year because this is just a start of how I want the feeling of Christmas to be in our house.
We had Stake Conference this morning with Elder Walter Gonzles of the Presidency of the 70. He is an entertaining speaker and left us with a great spirit of love for the Lord and for this season. It is very refreshing to hear someone speak to us coming from a different culture and different perspective at this time of life. He's from Uraguay. It helped me put things in better perspective after hearing him talk. Our Stake President has to be one of the best in the entire church. He is a humble man that gives amazing talks. I was in tears at the end of his talk. His love for all of us is evident. We are a lucky group of people up here to be in his company.
I did get some Christmas packages off yesterday - three more to go tomorrow. We are not financially able to give you much this year, but what little we do send comes because we love you - it has nothing to do with whether or not you were naughty or nice - it has all to do with our deep love for you. I have decided that love is the best gift of all. I hope you are able to feel mine for you.
4 comments:
Chris, your tree is beautiful!!! I really like the ornament of Christ. I think people can get caught up in other distracting things at this time.. and it is nice to see a tree that is focused at the real and only reason for this holiday.
The tree looks awesome!! I can't wait to see it.
There is a great article in the Ensign this month about Stake Presidents. It was very interesting to read and made me grateful for the great stake president we have too!
Everything looks great Mom! Wish I could be there to see it in person!
Could someone remind me of the title of the book dad reads every year at Christmas? Papa something...I think. I couldn't find it last year, but want to keep looking. It's a good one with a great message.
Papa Panov - I'll have to find the author or have Jim respond.
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