Once Again~Something Good is Happening Here!

Find a traveling choir where you live!
A wonderful way for our faith to be voiced!

Tradition

Our Personalized Snow Family
Made by our friend, Lanette, Over the Years.
Our Family Has Grown from 2 to 18.
There are 8 Babies on the Ground and
2 in Their Mothers' Arms.

I originally posted this in 2008. I am wondering why just a couple of years later it now takes me 5 days to get it all done. Hmmm...food for thought. As long as I get it done, I'll know I still have some life left in me. I still have not taken photos of the decorations yet this year but I probably will this week.

I like the challenge of doing it a little different each year and that becomes more and more difficult when you have lived in the same home for over 30 years and have used some of your decorations that many years too. This year has been fun because we have our new bathroom and new colors in many of the rooms. It has also been great because last year I truly did not decorate because we left for Italy on Dec 12th.

So anyway, here the old post revisited...

As I have been decorating the house for Christmas these past couple of days I have been thinking about Christmases past and traditions and how certain things just have to be done to make it feel like Christmas! My mantra this year has been that since we are going to be gone for Christmas that I was not doing it this year. Hmmm, that didn't seems to work when it came right down to it.
(Especially since it has finally occurred to me we will be gone most Christmases in the future, our cottage is too small for the whole family in the winter when camping outside is not a good option!)

It takes me about three days to get everything done just the way we like it. It is a lot of work but I just know Christmas could not come and go in this house without this effort. It just wouldn't be right somehow. I saw this quote yesterday and it made me realize why it is so important to me to keep doing it even though all the kids are long gone from home.

"She lived her life not only through her own body but through the house as an extension of her body; part of her relation to those she loved was embodied in the physical medium of the home she made." -Cheryl Mendelson, Home Comforts

Chris, Laura and Jennifer with Santa 1984

As I have been rummaging through the boxes I have been recalling some of the memories of the Christmases when the kids were little. Money was always tight for our young family and I can remember wondering and worrying sometimes about how it would all come together. It always did. A lot of my love for Christmas came from my own mother. She was the original Mrs. Claus. She just loved Christmas and making sure Christmas was the best for all of her kids and grandkids. I think a lot of that stemmed from never having Christmas when she was a little girl and making sure that never happened again.

We always had an abundant Christmas and it didn't matter so much what was under the tree, it was so much more about the preparations and anticipation, the decorating, the traditions of being together, mom's baking, the music, being with family and most importantly about remembering why we do it in the first place.

Sadly, Mom and Dad are no longer with us and traditions have evolved over the years, but the feelings of Christmas remain very much the same and intact for me. It is a celebration of all we hold dear, the Savior's love, life and example; the family and friends that make life worth living. It is about love and giving to others and just a lot of warm fuzzy feelings coming to the surface as I pick up each decoration. So many remind me of the kids, the places we have been, and those that have given us so many of the treasures in these boxes.

When Jim came home last night he looked around at the mess and the things I had actually accomplished and said his favorite thing is the nativity set that I had made in a ceramics class when the kids were small. As you can see it is not too elaborate and in fact reminds me of a bunch of little kids acting out the Christmas story. It was just a young mom's effort to teach the children the true meaning of Christmas many years ago. We have a more beautiful one now that is more sophisticated and fancy but this is the one he loves. I think he loves it because it does remind him of our kids and the memories of the days they were here with us.

The Simple Nativity Set I Made
That Has Taken Us Through Many Years

So I am at it again today for just the very reason that the quote mentions because, "She lives her life not only through her own body but through the house as an extension of her body; part of her relation to those she loves is embodied in the physical medium of the home she makes." When I do this they are here with us once again and it is Christmas and the warm fuzzy feelings of hearth and home can endure.

When I am really old (I will probably wear purple but) I won't do this anymore. But for now it remains a treasured tradition to deck our halls with boughs of holly. And every year I can do it is a celebration of life, love and a golden thread that connects Christmas past, present and future.

A Simple Woman's Daybook~December 6, 2010

To join in focusing on the simple things and pleasures of your daily life or to read other people's entries, you can click here.

So, For Today...Monday, December 6, 2010

Outside my window...it is a bright and sunny afternoon. It actually looks like a lovely fall day in New England. All of our tress in the area are just ablaze right now. This year has been great, nearly four months of Autumn. I have found the secret to it. Just chase it around the country!

I am thinking...I am glad Jim is coming home tomorrow. I miss him!

I am thankful for...Advil, sure wish it worked better on my knees and other joints.

From the learning room..All those things old people use to say like, "I can tell it is going to rain, my ____hurts" were founded in fact! Who knew?? I am glad you are witnessing this journey with me so you'll never be able to say, "No one told me about this!"

I am reading...Mark Twain's autobiography that was just published. It is a huge book, I'll be on it awhile. Very interesting so far.

I am wondering...why there are no good movies out right now when I could just run down and watch one? Bummer.

I am hearing...Wintersong. Beautiful song.

Today if I could change one thing...That Robert, Laura, and Spencer and Ross could join the rest of the family for Christmas in Utah. (sigh) I have this longing to just have all my chicks under one roof. It has been too many years since that happened. 2006.

I am quoting (myself)...All the electronics on earth cannot take the place of one warm smile or huge hug!"

I am going...to get a pedi in the morning and then go get my Hubby at the airport! Woohoo!

I am missing...as much energy as I will be needing in the next couple of weeks.

One of my guilty pleasures...Sydne's fancy florals. Caroline's fragrant healthy soaps. Whole days hanging out with my good friend Barbara as we did on Saturday. We use to do it so often but since her husband died and her father died and her son came home to live after his mission and her mom moved in and she got a promotion that keeps her at work 10 hour per day...we hardly ever get to anymore. But I have learned that being a true friend means giving friends the space they need, when they need it, and not being a burden on their time when they are already exhausted. But when we do get together...it is like no time has passed at all. I love that about all my good friendships!

Pet Peeves..running out of wrapping supplies when you are not quite done. Storing Christmas wrapping supplies~seriously who had room for that kind of stuff. More specifically wrapping in general! I'm a bag lady!

One of my favorite things...curling up on the couch with a blanket and a book for a little rest and nap at 3:30 pm when I am completely done in. A little while later...voila, a second wind that keeps me going until midnight on a good day.

An enjoyable movie I have watched lately...White Christmas~Hokey but nice!

I am curious about...why a tiny squirrel, many feet below the sensor, can set off our driveway bell but sometimes a person does not?

A few plans for the rest of the week...making a new list of things I still need to do for Christmas, pedi, airport, Christmas card that I have not even started, having guests for dinner on Wednesday night, wrapping a few things yet, Church Christmas dinner on Saturday, roll on Visiting Teaching, OK nap first...cannot even go there with the rest of it right now.

Here are some random photos I am sharing with you....here's is what they have in common...all about beauty that caught my eye this week.

You know you have been married a long time when you see this and send it to your hubby via your iPhone and....he sees this and does the same to you from 800 miles away!


I am a little sad that we did not put up our big tree this year in the dining room. But when I saw this in Walnut Creek I was OK with it. So pretty and no work at all...just enjoy the eye candy, and let someone else drag it out and put it away. Yep, I like that just fine.

My two wonderful friends,
Sydne in the red and Barbara in the yellow vest.

We saw each other in Folsom when Barb and I drove up on Saturday to see Sydne's Christmas Show. I did pretty good at the Show didn't spend a lot and then I laid eyes on this most gorgeous wreath ever made. She wasn't quite done with it so she is dropping it off Wednesday. I will definitely be taking a photo for you. Sydne's work has spirit to it. When I feel the energy of her creations, I feel her. I love that. Win/win/win Barb said I could store it at her rental house. Woohoo! But it may just stay up all year. Oh, by the way, Barb got a gorgeous one too. I also bought some jam and pomegranate vinegar for Jim and a scarf. It was more than worth the trip!!

Ok, here's one with me and the two of them. There are some tutus on the wall or something behind them and I think it is funny how it looks like they are both wearing color coordinated veils.

And speaking of trips that are worth it..go here for some fantastic, fun, and very fragrant soaps for your stocking stuffers. This is my sweet friend, Caroline's company and I want you to know it is a first class operation from the website to the shower or a relaxing bath. You will love these organic products and the value for your money couldn't be better. The Christmas fragrances are divine! I'd like to send Santa over with some for all of you! My favorite is Chocolate Orange Stick.
Can you imagine the tantalizing aroma of chocolate and oranges at 6:00 am? Heaven!

ittybittysoapcompany.blogspot.com

Itty Bitty Soap Products

• Cranberry Fig
• Ginger Grapefruit Eucalyptus
• Anise Peppermint
• Chocolate Vanilla
• Spearmint Rosemary
• Lavender Black Pepper
• Lemongrass Patchouli
• Oatmeal Almond Goat Milk
• Lavender Ylang Ylang Baby Bar
• Grateful Hearts
• Minty Hot Chocolate
• Peppermint Swirl
• Chocolate Orange Sticks
• Christmas Joy
• Spruce
• Gardener's Soap

Jen's Tree

I just love my girl's flair for beauty and her unique style. She is amazing. If I had been through what she has been through this month...you'd probably have to remind me it is December. While I am a powder puff, she is of pioneer stock! I love and admire that about her! Daddy's genes!

The Real Gifts of Christmas (#3 of 3)

Scenes from our front porch this morning~
It made me think about the beauty of no more weeping!
The raindrops were glistening like diamonds.

Who is this Christ of whom they speak? Who is this child born in a lowly stable in the hills of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago of whom the world celebrates each day, not just at Christmas?

He is the Son of the Living God, our Savior, our Friend, our Brother, our Exemplar, our Healer, our Hope, our Redeemer, the Great I AM, the Prince of Peace. Do we have any idea really of His Greatness and Magnificence, His Power or His Glory? I wonder, do we know?


I really don't think she did know. She learned line upon line, precept upon precept just as we all must do. Learning to know of Jesus Christ is a life long pursuit, but learning to know Christ is really who He proclaimed to be takes but a moment, when the Holy Ghost testifies of Him to our hearts. When our testimony of that is born our life is changed forever.

To me the Greatest Christmas Gifts of Christ

to us are

His Promises and His Peace.

He promises us that we can live forever, which gives us undying hope that one day we will rest from all our labors and cares of this world and live with Him again. There will be a better tomorrow.

He has left us His promise that He has gone to prepare a mansion for us and that He will return again to rule and reign.

He has promised us that the home we long for, where things are perfect and just and good and right can be ours again. That longing that we experience here will be gone, we will be home and whole again. That emptiness we sometimes feel inside will be gone. Our rejoicing will be effortless, we will just BE joyful. The searching for it will be over.

He promises us we will be restored to our perfect frame, not a hair of our heads will be lost. We will be healed each and every one of us, and we will be perfect and our very best selves and we will be that way forever. We will never again be stricken with degeneration, illness or disease or infirmities or death. There will be no more sorrow, no more pain or loneliness. Can you even imagine such a thing?

He has promised us His Unconditional Love. We have it, it is ours now and will be forever. We should never feel unloved or unaccepted or isolated again. Why is this hard to remember and realize in our darkest hours?

He promises us, forgiveness if we repent, no matter how grave our transgressions. He promises us we can forgive also and he will heal our broken hearts through His atonement. He has promised us that we have the potential to change and grow and learn and become more like Him. He promises us that if we lay down our burdens, He will take them up for us.

He has promised us that He will never leave us alone or comfortless. He will help us with all we need. He will bless us through the countless kind acts of others, as well as, and through His Miracles.

He promises us that Satan can never win the war, that Heavenly Father's way will prevail and overcome all evil! We can find peace in knowing that although the battle rages, we can bet on the winning team and be a part of it.

We are promised that one day every knee will bend and confess that Jesus is the Christ. We are promised that wickedness never was happiness and that righteousness is God's plan for our happiness and joy. We are blessed to know that plan, the choices are ours through His gift of agency.

We have been promised that through prayer we can call upon God the Father at any time of the day or night, in any circumstance and He will intercede for us because He not only loves us but understands us perfectly.

We have been promised eternal life with all our family sealed together forever in His Love. There are no words to describe the joy of that.

We have been promised that our trials and tribulations are but for a moment and if we endure it well we shall be lifted up unto Him forever.

We have been promised that if we follow His plan of happiness and joy we will inherit all that He has.

And if all of that could be summed up in a phrase...He has given us His Peace for Christmas, which passeth all understanding.

And I think that is exactly what everyone really wants for Christmas. These are the things that the people (that were telling us what they wanted for Christmas on that street corner) were really seeking. Promises, Peace, and Joy like we have known and loved before ~ in our first perfect home.

As we long to experience that again both in this life and the next, may we be an instrument in His hands by remembering Him and bringing thoughts of His gifts to others, in our very human way, with our love and acts of service and with our traditions and symbols that serve to remind us of all these beautiful and eternal gifts of the Savior. In that way it truly can be a very Merry Christmas for us all.

Symbols (2 of 3)

flickr

One thing that is bothersome to me is when people say they do not like Christmas because it is so commercialized, it is just a money exchange, the real meaning is missed, etc, etc. Some of those things they complain about do miss the mark, but in reality I think they began with good intentions and an attempt to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. These folks seem to throw the baby out with the bath water and keep a 'bah humbug' attitude in their hearts. What is to be gained in that? I think a person can both enjoy the traditions of Christmas and also feel deeply of the significance of what the traditions symbolize. There is always something to complain about but we have to find the good in this life.

One thing I have been noticing more and more is the disunity of our country, the lack of things that unite us. These traditions have united us in the past. Why are people and groups trying their best to divide us? The thought that a house divided against itself cannot stand comes to mind. The polarizing and the political correctness of every issue is destroying the very thing that once made this country so great. Maybe we need to remember what this symbol represents more than ever before.

I believe in religious freedom of expression but I do not believe is suppressing the right of Americans to celebrate Christmas as it has always been celebrated in this country since the day it was founded on Christian principles. Whatever your faith, have your celebrations but do not impinge on our rights to do so as well. So I am tired of people and groups that are trying their darnest to disrupt and divide us on any level. These are the United States after all.

Christianity is a religion of symbols. Sometimes I think we as Christians are a little too uptight about the cultural things about Christmas. We just need to allow ourselves to see the intended meaning behind some of the traditions of Christmas in ways that allow us to remember what is true. The symbols can testify of all of Christ's gifts in our lives. As the scriptures say, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." There does not need to be a struggle between our traditions and customs and the truth. It is not a one or the other type of thing. We can celebrate the fun of Christmas, as well as the JOY of it. The fun of it creates wonderful memories and lasting family traditions, the JOY of it gives us ALL we will ever need in this life and the next. All good things, right? What more could we possibly want or need? What is not to love about this beautiful season? For the people that get all caught up in "lying to their kids about Santa"...these kids are smart. Teach them what 'represents' means. Teach them what symbols are and then let them be a kid and enjoy what Santa represents and symbolizes. They can run a computer at 18 months, they'll get it.

Let's Consider some of the Symbols

The Evergreen Tree~God's Never Changing Love For Us, while other things come and go. He remains Constant and Unchanging.

flickr

The Candy Cane~The Shepherd's Staff~Jesus Leading and Guiding us on our Way.

flickr

The Wreath~A Sign of Eternity with no beginning or end.

flickr

The Presents~Remembering the Love that God had for us in giving his Only Begotten Son and also the Gifts brought to the Jesus by the Wise Men. The Atoning Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior for us.

flickr

The Star~The Night of Christ's Birth. The Brightness of His Hope.

flickr

The Lights on Our Christmas Tree~ The light of Christ Shining Brightly Everywhere, even in darkness.

flickr

The Carols~ The Heavenly Host of Angels Singing on that First Christmas Eve. Sharing the Good News with those around us. In the Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 we read " For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

flickr

Family Gatherings~ Can remind us of the blessing Eternal Families

Sharing a holiday meal with loved ones~
Feasting on the things in life that are good!

The Important Thing to Remember is:
Seeing is Believing and Believing is Seeing.

All Good Things Testify of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.

What do YOU Want For Christmas? (1 of 3)

Here we are knee deep into "The Season" and hoping, that as Christians, we can keep the balance we need to enjoy the customs and traditions of Christmas while keeping a constant remembrance of what it is all about. Some years this seems to work better for me than others.

flickr

As I have thought about Christmas, I have learned some things about it I had never realized so deeply before. I love that when we actually set aside time to allow the spirit to teach us, exciting things happen. Some new things have actually come that I had never even considered before. It has been an exciting time.

flickr

While thinking about Christmas it has occurred to me that the one question we hear around us the most is, "What Do You Want for Christmas?" I imagined that I was a news person and was standing on the street corner in Any Town, USA with my mic and cameraman and could interview the passers by. I would ask them this same question..."What do you want for Christmas?"

The children would say things like:

"I want a bright, shiny, new, red bike!"
"Santa is bringing me a pretty doll with all the things to go with her."
"I want a Wii and some games for it"
"I am asking Santa for a Webkins and the Video Toy Story 3 for Christmas."

The teens might ask for new clothes, an MP3 player, a cell phone or a TV in their room, or a laptop.

Adults passing by might ask for the outlandish~ like a million bucks, a mansion to replace their tract house, or a fancy new car. Others would wish for presents for their kids, a big trip to Paris, or new tools or jewels, or whatever strikes their fancy.

Some would be even more sophisticated in their wishes and desire world peace, or a second chance at a relationship that meant a lot to them, a great husband or a baby they have been longing for, or that a family member or friend would be cancer free. Some would wish for the opportunity to be with all of their family in one place...this would make the perfect Christmas. Others would view a Christmas away from the family as the perfect gift! Some would wish for a job...just anything to support their family, as others longed for retirement and the time when they can finally do as they wish.

One thing would be clear from the interview on that street corner...everybody wants something. Everyone thinks that a certain something they don't already have will make them a little happier, a little more satisfied, a little more content and comfortable. We may reason that there is something out there that will fill that dark, empty hole within us and make us feel whole and satisfied again; wanting and needing nothing more at all.

Our church publishes a wonderful magazine each month called the Ensign. In it we have access to wonderful articles about Christ and His Gospel. Last year there was an article by Henry B. Eyring entitled Home for Christmas. You can Google it for the full text.

In the article he tells of revisiting his childhood home as an adult. When strangers opened the door and invited him in, he was able to walk through his old home that he so dearly loved. He immediately realized that is wasn't the house he loved so dearly, but the lives that were lived in it. In recalling his memories of Christmas in that home, it was not the place, but the family and his desire to be with them again, enveloped in the love and light of Christ that meant so much. Those were the gifts that made him truly happy, not the earthly things. Those were the spiritual gifts they shared in that little house, they were what he longed for the most of all.

That story is what started me thinking about what we all want most for Christmas. We believe that our spirits are eternal. We lived with our Heavenly Father before we came here. Since our Heavenly Father is perfect, I am pretty sure we all came from a perfect place where we felt love, acceptance, comfort, peace, and the enjoyment of all good things. We had all the things that made us feel whole and complete there.

Now that we live on earth, we are unable to remember the particulars of that pre-moral life, but perhaps we do remember on some level, the feelings of the peace and comfort of it. Just maybe the things we want and long for here on earth are, in a way, a longing for the return of that wonderful feeling of joy that we experienced there.

When we have that feeling that something is missing in our lives, maybe we are just missing our real home. And maybe the things the passerby were asking for for Christmas in the interview on that street corner, where simply earthly things they hoped would return that same feeling of our real home to their hearts. Once they have what they want, they feel they can know joy and peace in this life again.

Our Heavenly Home

We all know that the Savior gives a different kind of peace than the world gives. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27.

But we are mortals and it is natural for us to think as mortals. We know that the things of the world do not last, but they bring that momentary feeling of peace, comfort and enjoyment to us. They, in a very small way, may replicate that feeling of our real home where things were perfect and we didn't need anything more to make us feel better.

Think about what people want for Christmas. Do they not all fall into the categories of love, comfort, and the enjoyment of good things? Maybe the one word that could encompass all these things is ~ Peace?

When we give and receive gifts for Christmas, are we not just trying to make a person's sojourn on earth better, a little more joyful, a little more fun? No wonder we all like to give and receive gifts.

flickr

We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience and that experience is not always pleasant or easy. Giving of our gifts is one way we can help our fellow beings to be lifted and cheered. It is a good thing to give and to receive and both make us happy. The happiness of material things is fleeting and maybe what we are really searching for is the joy that only Christ and His Gospel can bring.

We are trying to celebrate Christmas through our traditions and customs and sometimes it is hard to see the spiritual connection. We can tend to spin out of control and lose the balance in our trying to do too much. We are then focusing more on the "doing of Christmas" rather then on pondering the promise and peace of it. It is easy to do unless we take time to remember.

Giving from the heart, beautiful music, study and prayer, and pondering the gifts of Jesus Christ during quiet moments each day really help. By putting Christ first in our lives everything else will fall into place as we plan and prepare for a blessed Christmas.