I know some people are bothered by the Santa aspect of Christmas - the consumerism and focus on getting gifts. Heck, some people are even bothered by the Christ part of Christmas, but I think our family has found a balance that works for us.
There were presents under our tree from Santa. There was a lot of Christmas shopping done and a lot of gift-getting. Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care and filled with goodies on Christmas morning.
But everywhere I looked, I saw Christ in our Christmas celebration this year. And not just at the Christmas Eve candlelight service (which was beautiful, by the way!).
I saw Christ in my brother-in-law, who stepped up and helped my sister and I create goodies that we saw on Pinterest for breakfast on Christmas morning. It was harder than we thought to break the pretzels in such a way to make them look like reindeer antlers. So, Stephen came in, wielding his electric knife and cut a ton of perfectly shaped reindeer antlers for us. We will forever tease him about the electric knife, but his kindness and giving us his time was not unnoticed.
I saw Christ in my mom. The mom that carefully planned (and executed) Christmas meals and traditions, so that everyone in the family was able to do and eat the things that were most special to them. The mom that gave us Christmas Eve gifts for others - a water buffalo, a llama, and women's micro loans through WorldVision, because she's always thinking of new ways she can give to those in need. The mom that supplied me with a steady stream of hot tea all day for my sore throat. The mom that is so nurturing that you just want to climb into her lap and have her rock you to sleep while she takes away all the troubles of the world.
The nana that literally took the shirt off of her own back and gave it to Brianna when her sweet granddaughter spilled water all over her own outfit, so that she could stay warm and cozy until her clothes dried. The nana that hid around the corner playing peek-a-boo over and over again, because her granddaughter never tires the game. Or her nana's presence.
I saw Christ in my dad. The dad that was covering me with a blanket all day, because I was sick. The dad that was ready with a pocket knife any time the wrapping paper or boxes were difficult to get through. The dad that washed a mountain of dishes, picked up all of the leftover paper and boxes from the living room, and built us all a cozy fire in the fireplace.
The grandpop that helped his granddaughter maneuver through the pile of boxes, bows, and packaging just to find the ball she wanted to play with. The grandpop that chased the 19-month-old around the house and pretended he couldn't see her hiding underneath the Christmas tree, causing her to collapse into a fit of giggles and run into his arms.
I saw Christ in my oldest sister. The sister that brought me cough drops all day. The sister that tucked me in for a nap on the couch and told me "I'm sorry you're sick" about a gazillion times. The sister that gave enough piggyback rides and "hops" to wear anyone out.
I saw Christ in my middle sister. The sister who has truly become a mom through and through. The sister who can accomplish anything and everything, putting everyone else's needs above her own, while still caring for a toddler at the same time. The sister who opened up her house to Daniel and I for our entire trip, feeding us, entertaining us, and housing us.
I saw Christ in my husband. The husband who had already been sick himself for almost a week, still wasn't feeling great, but still went out on Christmas day to buy me cough drops at one of the few open stores. The husband who has let us spend every Christmas with my family, even though my family's traditions are far from what he knew as Christmas growing up. The husband who was wracked with guilt because he got me sick on Christmas day and he knows how much I enjoy that day.
There were presents under our tree from Santa. There was a lot of Christmas shopping done and a lot of gift-getting. Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care and filled with goodies on Christmas morning.
But everywhere I looked, I saw Christ in our Christmas celebration this year. And not just at the Christmas Eve candlelight service (which was beautiful, by the way!).
I saw Christ in my brother-in-law, who stepped up and helped my sister and I create goodies that we saw on Pinterest for breakfast on Christmas morning. It was harder than we thought to break the pretzels in such a way to make them look like reindeer antlers. So, Stephen came in, wielding his electric knife and cut a ton of perfectly shaped reindeer antlers for us. We will forever tease him about the electric knife, but his kindness and giving us his time was not unnoticed.
I saw Christ in my mom. The mom that carefully planned (and executed) Christmas meals and traditions, so that everyone in the family was able to do and eat the things that were most special to them. The mom that gave us Christmas Eve gifts for others - a water buffalo, a llama, and women's micro loans through WorldVision, because she's always thinking of new ways she can give to those in need. The mom that supplied me with a steady stream of hot tea all day for my sore throat. The mom that is so nurturing that you just want to climb into her lap and have her rock you to sleep while she takes away all the troubles of the world.
The nana that literally took the shirt off of her own back and gave it to Brianna when her sweet granddaughter spilled water all over her own outfit, so that she could stay warm and cozy until her clothes dried. The nana that hid around the corner playing peek-a-boo over and over again, because her granddaughter never tires the game. Or her nana's presence.
I saw Christ in my dad. The dad that was covering me with a blanket all day, because I was sick. The dad that was ready with a pocket knife any time the wrapping paper or boxes were difficult to get through. The dad that washed a mountain of dishes, picked up all of the leftover paper and boxes from the living room, and built us all a cozy fire in the fireplace.
The grandpop that helped his granddaughter maneuver through the pile of boxes, bows, and packaging just to find the ball she wanted to play with. The grandpop that chased the 19-month-old around the house and pretended he couldn't see her hiding underneath the Christmas tree, causing her to collapse into a fit of giggles and run into his arms.
I saw Christ in my oldest sister. The sister that brought me cough drops all day. The sister that tucked me in for a nap on the couch and told me "I'm sorry you're sick" about a gazillion times. The sister that gave enough piggyback rides and "hops" to wear anyone out.
I saw Christ in my middle sister. The sister who has truly become a mom through and through. The sister who can accomplish anything and everything, putting everyone else's needs above her own, while still caring for a toddler at the same time. The sister who opened up her house to Daniel and I for our entire trip, feeding us, entertaining us, and housing us.
I saw Christ in my husband. The husband who had already been sick himself for almost a week, still wasn't feeling great, but still went out on Christmas day to buy me cough drops at one of the few open stores. The husband who has let us spend every Christmas with my family, even though my family's traditions are far from what he knew as Christmas growing up. The husband who was wracked with guilt because he got me sick on Christmas day and he knows how much I enjoy that day.
This is one of my favorite pictures of the day. Technically speaking, it's a bad picture. I cut off my mom's head and my entire grandma, but it shows our family so well. Brianna is dancing and having a grand time and everyone else is so joyful, simply from seeing her so happy. That's how my family works. Christmas wasn't about getting. Christmas was about giving and seeing others' happiness, because that's where the true joy lies.
I may have been sick, but this was my best Christmas yet. I am so very blessed. Merry Christmas!
4 comments:
Hello Becky! I enjoyed looking at the pictures from your CHRISTmas celebration! There really isn't anything better than getting together with friends , family, and loved ones. Especially when sweet little girls are involved ;)That niece of yours is so adorable! Happy New Year Becky!!!
Awww this post is so sweet... almost made me cry. :) I love your insight, dear friend. I'm so glad ya'll had such a wonderful Christmas! <3
This did make me cry. It was very sweet.
Your Christmas looks wonderful!
Thank you all so much! I'm hoping that I can learn from all of them and show others just as much kindness in action as I've been shown!
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