It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Stockings are hung!

Tree is up! It's our "grown-up" tree. Gigantic!!!

Sam's first snow! He didn't realize this NEVER happens. We tried to tell him to be a little more excited....what can you do???

Daddy & Sam in the snow (well...sorta)

Mommy and Sam in the snow...brrrr!!!

The tree is up, the stockings are hung, the cinnamon candle is burning, and the first (and probably only) snow has fallen. Christmas is officially here. Jared made a really funny joke today. He said, "The most wonderful time of the year is getting kinda expensive." While Jared had some good comedic timing, that's sadly the truth. This morning Jared talked about how so many times we are like the inn keeper. You remember him don't you? He's the guy who didn't have room for Jesus, the Savior of the world. Because of him, Jesus was born in a manger. He compared us to him. OUCH! During Christmas time especially (which should be totally opposite) we don't have any room for Jesus. We'd love to give more or do more, but there's just not enough time or money. Well, the truth is, there is enough time and you do have enough money it's just a matter of priority. For me I needed to hear that. Every year at Christmas time I participate in two different things at my school. 1. Secret Santa. Always fun, but it does cost money. 2. Christmas Angels. Teachers turn in different student's names to be put on a tree. These are students who won't get a Christmas at all or are just in need of basics like clothes, deodorant, school supplies. Both of these cost money. I like to do both, but if it comes down to it and I have to choose to do only one, which is it going to be? When Jared and I got married, we talked about what traditions we wanted to start as a family. One of those has always been reading the Nativity story (The real Christmas story) on Christmas Eve. We've also done shoeboxes for Operation Christmas child. But now that we have Sam, I've been thinking about what traditions I want to do with him, and what significance they will have. I want Sam to know why we celebrate Christmas. I want him to have a giving heart. But I want him to treasure the memories that we make along the way. Some traditions we've already started: Reading the Nativity story, Operation Christmas Child , caroling each year (we take the kids at church every year). I'm looking for some new ideas that you do too! What is something that you either do with your kids now, did as a child, or plan to do with your own? I'm just wanting meaningful holiday traditions to remind our family of the real meaning of the season. I enjoy getting to hear some ideas! Stay warm!

~Elizabeth