Day 7

Sorry!

I'm a day late!

This weekend was just a wonderful family weekend. We had to drive up to Park City to do some more paperwork for the car we bought a few weeks ago, so we went and ate lunch in old downtown Park City. It was BEAUTIFUL. But would you believe I didn't have my camera? There was snow everywhere, skiiers everwhere, holiday decorations, Avery kept calling it "Christmas town" and the boys thought it looked like Disney Land.

Then, yesterday, we went to church, and then came home and chillaxed all day. We got in our comfy track suits, made a HUGE breakfast for lunch, took naps, watched a million and five Christmas movies, ate cookies, little smokies, sat by the fire and read books, ate cheese and crackers, hot chocolate, and called it a day.

It was just perfect!

And that is Holiday tip for today.

Take time to ENJOY the season. Take time to just sit by the lights of your Christmas tree. Take the time to make your favorite snacks and sit and watch a movie. Take time to remember why we celebrate this season.

I LOVE this poem, and it really helps us to center at this time of year.

The Stranger

At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place

as people rushed about at a hurried sort of pace.

He stared at all teh Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere

The shopping center Santa Claus with children gathered near.

The mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro

some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go.

They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way

to fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.

The music from a stereo was playing loud and clear

Of Santa and snowmen and a funny nosed reindeer.

He heard the people talk about the good times on the way

Of parties, fun and food golore, and gifts exchanged that day.

"I'd like to know what's going on," the man was heard to say,

"There seems to be some sot of celebration on the way.

And would you tell me who this is all dressed in red and white?

And why are children asking HIM about a special night?

"The answer came in disbelief, "I can't believe my ears!

I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here.

The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys.

When they're asleep on Christmas Eve, he leaves them books and toys."

"The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus, so sly.

The children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye.

His gift packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer,

as he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there."

"The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small.

When Christmas comes, HE is most important one of all.

"The stranger hung his head in shame, he closed his nail-pierced hand.

His body shook in disbelief, he did not understand.

A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low but clear,

"After all these years, they still don't know."

And Jesus shed a tear.

Take time to enjoy your family, your home, your friends, the SEASON.

Take time to wish the cows grazing for food behind your back fence a Merry Christmas.

Well, maybe you all can't do that, but I did. And I'm grateful.