{Merry Christmas from our home to yours}

Well this is it....here we are again with Christmas knocking @ our door.  My heart is very full for all of the wonderful people in my life.  I do have to say that I am looking forward to the New Year with high hopes of a fresh start on all of my resolutions.  We will be potty training next year so I'm not sure how that will play into my blogging life but we'll take it as it comes and keep re-evaluating.  I have had so much fun getting to know new friends via this blog.  Thank you so much for all of the niceness that any one of you have given to me.

At Christmas time, probably my very favorite tradition has been what is called our family's "Palestine dinner"  It always takes place on Christmas Eve and is very simple, perhaps the way it may have been in Jesus's day (well it's always Jesus's day but you know what I mean).  The lights are turned down and we dine by fire or candle light.  The menu usually always include foods such as cheese, crackers, juice, apples, grapes & soups.  Then we all gather around the fireplace and talk about what Christmas means to our family.  Nana tells a new story to the kids and presents them with a little gift that is symbolic to the story.  All then proceed to load up in Baca's truck to observe the luminaries that line the streets of the neighborhood.  I love this time of year.  Also, I really enjoyed reading the following about simplifying your Christmas by embracing the spiritual side of the season.  

"The gift of Christmas isn't wrapped up in presents or parties. The gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father, the Son of God. As you follow Him, you put people first. You may spend less time in lines and more time serving others. You may spend less money on - and more time with - the people you love. You may lose yourself and you may find everything else that matters."  found here.

So true & in fact I have already began to receive those kind of Christmas gifts.  A brother and a sister took my car and filled it up with gas then cleaned and detailed it from the inside out.  Let me just say 5 kids 4 and under..bad news blues for my vehicle on wheels.  I am really surprised neither one of them had to use a barf bag.  The other act of service came from good old Mandy.  She just showed up made my lunch then cleaned up my house.  Then I cried.  Hopefully I will pay it forward..no excuses with such great examples.

 

Don't get me wrong I still enjoy receiving the other kind of gifts too..especially when Nana wrapped them up so cute.

If the truth be known I would really enjoy a new pair of boots and a Hermes blanket especially if they only cost one dollar bill.

Anyway, a very Merry Christmas from our home to yours. xoxoxo - Christina

{The above family pictures and Christmas card were done by the amazing Michelle @ Sweet Moments Design)

See you next year.  I have a fun post that includes the top 10 thrift store purchases.  You won't want to miss this one.

Also, please feel free to share any of your family's traditions because I would love to hear them.