It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the end of the year comes. And each year, I look forward to Christmas time but then dread everything commercially attached to the holiday.
This year, we'll have a new approach.
As a family, we will make a conscious effort to stop and enjoy each other and to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Yesterday, we went to a bookstore to buy The First Christmas Story, a beautiful childrens book written as the story is told through history. Rilynn's response to the meaning of Christmas ("presents and Santa") made me realize I wasn't doing a good job reinforcing why we celebrate. She had absorbed more from Dora the Explorer than from what I was saying (or not saying). So, we began to read. And we'll continue to read our book each day.
This practice is not just to teach my 3 year old where love came from. My heart always has a rough road this time of year too, trying to get into the spirit of things. My hope is that in reading this story each day, Jesus will bring joy into my heart and allow for enjoyment and purpose in everything I do.
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| Sugar cookie batter |
So, clearly, the only way to begin the enjoyment is to start with some Christmas cookies! :) And the way I enjoy them most is by eating them. But also, taking pictures along the way...
There's something magical about making sugar cookies. The beaters... who gets to lick 'em.
The delicious smell wafting from the kitchen that fills the home with sweet warmth.
And the shapes we cut the cookies in.
Angels, Stars, Shepherd staffs.
They each play a part in the story.
And this year, in memory of my
sweet Grandma Petersen,
sweet Grandma Petersen,
I used her cookies cutters.
This cookie making session felt
extra special.
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| Fresh from the oven |
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| Sweet Sparkly Sugary Star |
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| May you and your family be warm in your home this Christmas, surrounded in peace, hope and love. |
