1. Christmas is really about remembering Christ's birth; that God actually clothed himself in human flesh and came into this world to offer us hope.
2. Jesus tends to get forgotten in the commercialization of the holidays.
3. There is a child-like wonder in hearing the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem during a candle light Christmas eve service.
4. I miss having nativity pageants, plays, concerts, and contadas at church.
5. I love old Christmas carols, the ones we used to sing in church, and "Away in the Manger" is still my favorite.
6. Giving and receiving gifts is fun, but I'm beginning to think it needs to be done in increments.
7. Shopping on the day after Christmas is more fun than shopping before.
8. Maybe we should exchange gifts on New Years...
9. I want to give more to those who can't give back.
10. Cutout cookies should be made early in the month and enjoyed by children each day after lunch.
11. A family Christmas party sounds like a good idea; a Bible reading, some music, white elephant gifts, and a few snacks and games.
12. Real trees smell better than fake ones.
13. I miss my Dad.
Hey Martha!
ReplyDelete# 11 gets my vote!
beautiful cookies!
Tell us about Jim's visit.
25 years later, I still miss my Dad.
Seriously Miss Him.
I love all of these! We sang quite a few old Christmas hymns at our church this year, had a concert and a candlelight 'eve' service.
ReplyDeleteLove your idea of the cookies being done early. I was just thinking that I'm making a note that the cookies need to be done early and put in the freezer.
We do a very similar thing you mentioned here...the family gathering, Bible reading, white elephants (we really don't NEED to give real gifts) and good food. Every year I think simple is better and strive to do just that, but still don't think we've arrived at that goal completely.
Haven't been shopping on the 26th yet, though! LOL!
Did you get snow? We have a fresh layer today. I'm staying in and enjoying it!
Hey! I'll take the cookies. I'll try to sing if I can with my mouth full of yum cookies.
ReplyDeleteNote: pass cookies Papa's way. (I'm sure Judi won't mind...)
ReplyDeleteYes, Betsy, we have snow today. :) I went shopping on the 26th because I had an exchange to make and didn't want to wait. Too bad next year it comes on Sunday. Christmas is the one time of year I miss the old Baptist church as our Calvary Chapel doesn't do a whole lot different than any other time of year; a few Christmas carols and a service on Christmas eve, but no candles.
Judi, I'm still thinking on Jim's visit. Right now he is gone to NY City with Beth and Adam.
ReplyDeleteWe sang all the old Christmas songs at PCC on Christmas Eve, and even had lit candles and lights off when we sang "Silent Night". Every year the old pastor sings "Sweet Little Jesus Boy", and I look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteYes, pass anything he will eat to Papa! I can wait for your story about all your children, I have lots of time. :)
ReplyDelete6. Giving and receiving gifts is fun, but I'm beginning to think it needs to be done in increments.
ReplyDelete8. Maybe we should exchange gifts on New Years...
10. Cutout cookies should be made early in the month and enjoyed by children each day after lunch.
now that's what I'm talking about. ;)