Day 12: What Christmas is Really About

Starting a few days ago, I have been teaching Faith about THE Christmas story. I've really enjoyed doing it, because it's so exciting to see her learning and understanding. She has blown me away with everything that she has retained, Faith is just a sponge. She can tell you the parents of baby Jesus, why He came to earth ("for His plan of demption" redemption :)), and most other facts of the story...quite impressive for a two year old. Today, in the midst of all the presents and attention she was given, she took me by surprise again.

Most little kids, especially ones who are experiencing the first Christmas they'll understand and remember, are going to be focused on all of the things going on, and forgetting almost anything else. But in a rare quiet moment, I asked her if she could tell me what Christmas was really about, and she answered "BABY JESUS IS BORN!". It amazes me how she could keep that focus. Now of course, for the most part these are all facts to her, she doesn't fully understand, but she knows, and gets excited while talking about it. She makes me so proud, and in some ways, I strive to be like her. It is so easy to get caught up in the busy hustle and bustle all Christmas season, especially Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but my little sister (of all people :)) is such a wonderful reminder to me to keep my mindset where it belongs. There were definitely times I needed that.

Remembering the true "reason for the season" as they say, really changes everything. It takes Christmas from a possibly selfish or unpleasant holiday, and turns it into a celebration about the humble birth of the Jesus Christ, with whom comes redemption of sins. Truly an incredible thing, just by changing your focus. So I am  very thankful for a little (literally) reminder of where I need to keep my heart set this year! And that concludes my 12 days of Christmas series!

Day 11: A Christmas Present

I would say this Christmas, is the best yet :) Nothing extra special has happened, nor has anything especially bad in the past, this one is just better. I say this, because every year, things are just a little better. Whether it's trials that have taught us, or additions to life that have changed things...things just keep getting better.

There are a few things specifically different this year. First and most important, my family and I continue to grow spiritually, an enormous blessing. This year has brought many of those changes. Secondly, we have some new members to our family! My sister's boyfriend Carson, and their daughter Taryn, as well as My Aunt Sandi are new for the most part to our lives this year. I'm so thankful for the big family that I have, that is constantly growing! And thirdly, we've grown closer to important friends and people in our lives. These past few years have brought amazing new friendships to our whole family, and this last year has strengthened them.

Looking back on this year, I feel much gratitude. Not everything was rainbows and roses, but that is never the case. God is still in control of everything, using it all for His glory*...and that fact has become even more apparent as the year passed. A few Sundays ago, during advent we studied how "Emmanuel", God with us, means that He is with us, always. Isaiah 45 "I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things". Knowing that has changed my outlook on several things, and is such a blessing. That is why this year was better than all the rest :)

*Daniel 2: 20-22 "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things, He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him"
(Such a testament to His sovereignty! The whole book of Daniel revolves around that fact-that He is sovereign above all)

Day 10: A Christmas Past

I feel extremely sentimental looking at this picture. It is from Christmas 2008. I don't remember everything about this year, because I was just 9 that Christmas, but I remember bits and pieces.

The day we took this picture was hectic. Joe and Mom went to a movie together, "The Polar Express", it was his first movie in theaters. When they got back we were going to take the picture. I remember frantically trying to find my lip gloss before we had to get situated, and I remember Mom having difficulty doing Gracie's hair. I remember losing what I felt was all my teeth and hating the pictures. I also remember this being the last Christmas I had on earth with my baby sister.

This picture wasn't taken on Christmas Day, but on Christmas Day of this year I recall a few other things. That year we got quite a bit of snow. It wasn't very bad when we were driving up to Scottsbluff for family dinner, but greatly increased while we were there. We left my Aunt and Uncle's house early due to the storm. Gracie's car seat was in the last row, on the middle seat. I do not remember who sat on the other side of her, but I was on one. The snow got heavier and heavier the closer we got to home, and I remember holding Gracie's hand, while she slept peacefully. I was briefly scared, but then reassured when I thought of how experienced and talented my Daddy is at driving. Having a seasoned truck driver guiding our car through the storm, I wasn't worried for long. I remember bundling everybody up to get inside the house, and being happily relieved to arrive home.

That is where my memories of the year end. Of course I remember more about Christmases in general, but the years in my childhood are somewhat blurred together. And although I am not being visited by 3 ghosts, there's my story of a Christmas past.

Day 9: Why I Won't Have Santa in My Home

Yes, I am only 15..and it's absolutely true that I have years before I will be implementing this (Lord willing)...but I have a very strong opinion about it, even now. I will not have Santa Clause in my home. My children will not believe in him, and he will not be "bringing them presents". I have 5 main reasons why. The first one is...

1. Santa is NOT omniscient

"He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows if you're awake...he knows when you've been bad or good..." Are you serious? I used to sing this song all the time as a child, and now, it just makes me angry. Nobody can look at that and honestly say that it doesn't scream omniscience. GOD, and only God, is omniscient. No ifs, ands, or buts. Why would I willingly teach my children such awful theology? That is 100% wrong, Santa does not watch over you. 

2. Where is the Focus?

I grew up believing in Santa Clause. Yes, I do have fond memories of the excitement and magic that came with Christmastime, but it was all about one thing. You guessed it... presents. Gifts should be far from your first focus on Christmas, and throughout the whole year...so knowing exactly where it will place priorities, it would be completely contradicting. If I were trying to teach my children why we celebrate Christmas, and what it is really about...why would I do that? It is so backwards. 

3. Why lie?

This one puzzles me. I can understand that it's traditional, and an attempt to make Christmas magical...and I'm not necessarily saying that parents who implement Santa are wrong. But when you're teaching children to obey God, truth telling is a part of that...it makes no sense to lie to them, while teaching them to tell the truth. I have seen children hold that over parents' heads (which is not right, and ridiculous. I'm not supporting that act of disrespect) but what do you expect them to think when you've willingly been a hypocrite? I want to avoid that at all costs. I don't care how often I hear that "its not really lying if it's for them" or "what's a little white lie when it brings joy?"...lying is lying. There's no reason that you can't explain to them (like my mom has said before) "Santa Clause was a nice man, long ago, who gave presents to children who didn't have any...but we are thankful to have the means to provide gifts for you." Christmas can be just as magical and exciting, without a certain person being the giver of gifts...because once again, that just destroys the focus.

4. How Easily it Can Become a Discipline Resort

I'm not a parent, but I can say with confidence, that if I decided to implement Santa in my home, even if it were just once in a while...it could, to my fault, become a resort with discipline. I don't want to give myself that ability, especially because I so passionately disagree with him "watching over you". If you are trying to get them to behave by reminding them that "Santa can see you" or "remember the naughty and nice list"...that's using something mythical for discipline, and I will not do that. 

5."Santa Clause" brings earthly gifts, but JESUS brings an eternal gift

The beloved and popular gift giver around Christmas time, is not who it should be. Instead of the attention being rightfully given, it goes to a fictional character that turns into an idol this time of year. That drives me nuts. We celebrate Christmas because the beautiful Savior came to earth in the most humble way, the King of Kings brought salvation, the Lord God sent His Son to die, all for His plan of redemption. Santa is not in that picture. Sure, I enjoy things like "The Santa Clause" movies with Tim Allen, and most other popular Christmas movies, but that is NOT what this time of year is about. The attention is due somewhere far from there. I am definitely guilty of not having proper priorities on Christmas, who isn't? As humans it's impossible to always have those where they belong..but it's important to try, and try hard. I don't want to purposefully hinder my own, and my children's focus and priorities. I will teach them of the one who brings eternal life, not toy trains. 

Hopefully none of this sounded condescending or harsh. I am not calling out parents who use Santa, that's not even my place. I just feel very strongly and passionately on Jesus Christ being the center of Christmas, because that is how it should be. 

Day 8: My Favorite Christmas Song

As I am sitting here, sipping on"Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea" (which every person in the world should drink) I realized, with my indecisive self, and all of the amazing Christmas songs out there...it is ridiculous to attempt secluding one as my favorite. It simply cannot be done. So I am going to list my favorite 3...it's the only way I shall be satisfied :) I guess my title is misleading now...buuuut I won't change it, because it matches the other "My favorites" and..well...yeah..I am a little OCD :) So here are my top 3...In no particular order.

1. Carol of The Bells, performed by Barlowgirl

Not only is this song stunningly beautiful, it reminds me of the magical time that Christmas is. It's such a wonderful representative of the joy found from the Savior's birth. I'm know this is a widely popular song, and no doubt is a favorite to many, but there has always been something about it for me.

2. Mary Did You Know, performed by Kutless

I absolutely love this song. It really displays just how powerful Jesus was, inside of a small baby. Because of the hypo-static union, He was 100% God and 100% man, and this song always reminds me of that. This baby we speak of, was not just an ordinary baby. Not just the cute little head swaddled inside of a blanket in a manger that we see in so many nativity scenes...but the Son of God. Not something to be overlooked or forgotten.

3. I Celebrate the Day, by Relient K

This song is quite possibly my very favorite, every time I hear it, it astounds me. My favorite line is "I celebrate the day, that you were born to die". So heavy, but just dripping with truth and maybe for some, conviction. We celebrate Christmas because Jesus was born, but not just that, but because He was born to die. He took on the sin of the world to forgive yours, and THAT is why Christmas exists. NOT because of Santa, or trees and lights, or gifts...but because it's a yearly reminder of Our Great God who came to earth in the most humble way, to save us from our sins. That is why this song is such a favorite of mine.

Now that I have shared 8 posts about some of "My Favorites" of the Christmas Season...I will end my 12 days with 4 entries that are on other topics. All still Christmas related, but I'll ramble no longer about my favorite things...and now I'm wondering why this is the first time while writing one of my "favorites" posts that I have had the line "These are a few of my favorite things" from the musical "The Sound of Music" come into my head..."CHRIIIIIIISTMAS MONKEY CHRISTMAS MONKEY, no one sung about Christmas Monkey, Christmas Monkey needs a song, it's been that way for much too long".. and that was so off topic that I would've lost points if I were in school....Ok I think I'm done now :) So there's my top 3 Christmas songs! :)

Day 7: My Favorite Christmas Story

It is probably expected that I write about THE Christmas Story...as in Jesus's birth, but I am not going to. Reason being, that is NOT  "a story". It happened. That was real. Jesus's birth is part of History (a significantly important part as well). So seeing as I do not consider that a story, I will not write about it...in this post. Though I will have one dedicated to the whole reason we celebrate this Holiday.

Every time I type and see the words "My Favorite Christmas Story"...all I can think about is one thing. There is a song called "His Favorite Christmas Story". It's not the most special or heartwarming of Christmas Stories, but seeing as I'm so indecisive, and the fact that it keeps popping up in my mind, I think it will do :) So here's the song..

I hadn't seen this video until searching for a version of the song to link here, though it is cute. I love this song, probably because I'm a hopeless romantic :) It's just adorable, and magical. It reminds me of Cinderella in a sense, and even a sort of "pay-it-forward" situation, because of all the kindness being shown. My mom actually thinks it's cheesy, and no doubt some others do as well, but I think it is so sweet. I also have fond memories of this song, our Youth Group Band sang it for 2 years at our Christmas Program. Some of the older members who have graduated now were in the band at that time, and we always had such fun at practices. Singing in the band is still awesome, but I do miss them. This song reminds me of those times.

So although I'm sure there's much better Christmas Stories out there, I chose this particular one for good reason :)

Day 6: My Favorite Christmas Recipe

Polar Express Hot Chocolate!! This is definitely my favorite Christmas Recipe...it's absolutely delicious. Last year Mom started a new tradition, that I'm sure she's still tweaking a little, but it's so fun. We get into our pajamas, receive our cups of this hot chocolate, pack into the car and drive around to look at lights. I really enjoy this time, it just feels so much like Christmas. Not to mention when I drink it, I feel like bursting into song with "Hot Chocolate" from the movie....yeah it's awesome :) 

So here it is!...

1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
6 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla
Optional: whip cream and marshmallows to top it off

1.  In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.  Add whipping cream, milk, and vanilla, whisking mixture together till smooth and completely combined.  Serve warm with whip cream or marshmallows. Enjoy!

Day 5: My Favorite Gift to Have Received

If we were talking overall, any gift...ever. I would definitely say the gift of eternal life. That means most to me. But seeing as I am doing this as a Christmas series, I will write about my favorite Christmas gift I have ever received.

When I was in second grade, my teacher started reading "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" aloud to us after lunch recess, to calm the class down before we returned to schoolwork. This quickly became my favorite time of the day. I was enveloped in the story, I dreaded waiting a whole day, and on the weekends, I definitely was ready for Monday to roll around to hear more. We had been reading it for about a month before Christmas break, and the gap between then and school resuming seemed far too long.

I do not remember asking for it, but sure enough they knew, and on Christmas day I received the first three books in the Harry Potter series from my parents. What I do remember is reading all break long, and almost finishing the book before I got back to school. I excitedly told my teacher, and she was proud of me, I loved that.

Before that point, I did enjoy reading. My mom tells stories of how before I could actually read, I would notice if you were reading my favorite book aloud to me and skipped words. But I would never have considered myself a book worm, not until then at least :) That book- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- sparked my love for reading. I devoured the rest of the series, hating the wait between books being released. Of course in-between those, I read other things as well, and it turned into a big part of me.

I grew up with Harry Potter. The characters feel like family. When I look back on times in my life, I can most likely tell you which book I was reading or waiting on at the time. An example of my love for the series, is about a week ago, when I was watching movies with my brother. We decided to watch the last movie in this series, and at a specific part, one I have briefly discussed in my "tea party" blog entry..I was completely reduced to tears. Literally, I was sobbing. My brother thought it was ridiculous, but it only made sense to me...Harry Potter (not the character but the story as a whole) is a part of me.

Not only this, but many other books have been a love of mine. Reading is one of my favorite past times. I love to disappear into an alternate world, or an event in History.

My desire and delight found in studying the Bible, I will not accredit to Harry Potter, because I would have zero desire without a beautiful Savior, though I would say the vast majority of all else started there. So in conclusion, I guess I have more thanks to give to my parents, for starting such an important thing to me :)

Day 4: My Favorite Gift I Have Ever Given

Last year for Christmas I had no clue what to get for my brother. Being the only boy in our family, and no longer little, I was pretty lost. I did not want to give him another video game to support more time in front of a screen, but I had no further guesses as to what he wanted. I also did not want to go the boring route and get him clothes...I would win a lame sister award coming from an 11 year old boy :)

That's when I got an idea, inspired by Pinterest, but not exactly put. I decided to get him different items, that were to be used specifically for certain activities we would do together. For example, one was boxes of candy and popcorn for a movie together, another was sodas for our favorite game, and one was an IOU for a lunch date. I put together 12 different combinations (all including food...after all, a man's heart is reached through his stomach :)) and made a master list of all the purposes for the items.

Naturally we didn't get through them all, and some were used for other purposes, but the ones that we did do together, were really great. Memories were made through it, and that's what matters to me.

I obviously won't be advertising what I got him as a gift this year...but I'm hoping to have some similar experiences shared through it, now knowing how wonderful doing something like that can be :)

Day 3: My favorite Christmas movie

Today while at Sam's club with my mom, they had a movie playing on their TV display as most businesses do. I was highly tempted to hang out in front of them and watch it, because it was my very favorite Christmas movie...Elf!

I know many people who think it is stupid, or childish...but goodness gracious I absolutely love that movie :) It is about a human, who was raised by elves, and leaves the North Pole in search of his human father when he finds out that he is not an elf. Buddy is not accustomed to life outside of the North Pole, let along NYC, his experiences are absolutely comical. Buddy the Elf is one of my favorite characters ever! Not to mention half of it is dry humor, which is totally me. I would say my favorite scene is when he is singing inside of the girl's locker room while the girl is showering. The woman showering is singing a song, and he joins in with her, singing the male part. She doesn't realize he is singing with her for a while, and it is downright hilarious, plus it is a wonderful song :)

I find Elf absolutely delightfully hilarious, certain scenes make tears run down my face from laughter. I don't think that it will ever get old for me :)

Day 2: My Favorite Part about Christmas Decorating

I absolutely love the time of year when everything is lit up with lights and decorations for Christmastime, it is just spectacular. Walking into businesses and driving down roads, or being inside houses that are covered with festivity, make everything magical. It truly is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" :)

I've lived in the same house ever since I can remember, we moved into it when I was 2, and it is big. That means there's an excuse to decorate all over the place, and that's what we do! So I would say that my favorite part about Christmas Decorating, now, would be our Victorian village that we set up. Little houses with people and scenes from...you guessed it, a Victorian village :) It's beautiful, and I remember (and still do) looking at everything lit up, and imagining those little glass people running around their picturesque town. My favorite building in the village is a two story house, with a family inside. Someone is at the piano, there's children and adults, and dancing...just looking at it, makes them come to life in my imagination.

My favorite part about Christmas decorating from the past, would be a princess Christmas tree I used to have in my bedroom. I remember the days we would decorate, I'd have to clean my room... and no matter how much I didn't like that chore, I did it so my tree could go up. It was a purple tree, and I had ornaments with princess faces on them. After it was all set up, I would use every excuse to make my room dark so the lights would shine...I remember one time trying (and failing) to color a picture by the light of my tree, I loved that thing :)

And now I have 2 days down...10 to go! :)

Day 1: My Favorite Christmas Tradition

As I embark on this 12 day writing challenge, I will start with my first 8 days being  "My Favorites" about Christmas, the first day being, a favorite Christmas tradition of mine.

Only for about 4 years now has this been a tradition, but I look forward to it every year. Cinnamon rolls, but not the rolls themselves, but the making them. My dad and I, sometimes another sibling as well, make cinnamon rolls on Christmas Eve for the next morning. There's usually a Christmas-y movie on (our kitchen counter faces the T.V. in the living room, the two rooms are connected as one big room) and it's just a fun time.

The reason I look forward to this every year, is because it's a really great time with my daddy. I love to cook with him, and this is a particular favorite of mine because of all the additional excitement that comes with Christmas Eve. As we roll out the dough, get gooey buttery hands, sprinkle ingredients and cut up the rolls, I just love it, because not only is there an amazing homemade pastry coming out of it, but I get to be with my family.

There is also the detail of eating just about all of my stomach's content worth of the rolls on Christmas morning, along with everyone else. I remember when I was younger and my brother and I would get up really early because of excitement, and while we waited the hours until the rest of our family was awake, we would eat the rolls that were made by mom and dad, and impatiently tried to pass time by talking about what we thought we were getting. That would be another beloved tradition of mine, the time Joe and I spend together the night before and early morning.

We would sleep in my room the night before, barely able to fall asleep, and when we finally did, one of us seemed to wake up hourly, checking the clock to see if we could get up yet. When it was our allowed time to get out of bed (mom would give us a time, it changed over some years, that we had to stay in bed until) we would rush into the living room, and under the bright tree we would open our stockings and enjoy the presents inside them, until the family was all awake and we could unwrap packages. I have very fond memories of Christmas morning as a child.

So although I wrote about two favorite things instead of one...here's my kickoff to the 12 Days of Christmas! :)