Favorite Parts of Christmas!

I have been asking people what their favorite parts of Christmas are. Most people responded by saying that spending time with family was their favorite part; they also enjoyed traditions that they did every year, such as decorating the tree, and the excitment of their children!

I love all of these, as well. I love spending time with my family, and look forward seeing everyone and spending time together. I enjoy decorating the tree with the kids and putting up the Nativity scene (we have two, so Lizzy and Frankie will spend time playing with them under the tree). We also love to bake together, especially chocolate chip and sugar cookies. Each year we try to help others through either the food pantry, giving tree or other charities.  

When I asked the kids what their favorite parts were, Frankie immediately said that it is Jesus's birthday. They both enjoy spending time with our family on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. On Christmas Eve, we do a funny Yankee Swap, which is a favorite of theirs! Lizzy said she likes to get presents, but she likes to give them even more.

When I was in high school, I sang in the chorus and we would have a Christmas concert every year. I can remember being in elementary school and the chorus coming to sing to us and wanting to be in it, even then. Mr. Cromie was the teacher, and he instilled a love of music in so many of his students, including me.

I loved singing "O Holy Night" as our last song each year. It is still a favorite memory for me! I do love Christmas music and this year I have been touched by the Randy Travis song, "Labor of Love", and especially this line which I find so powerful: 

"But the baby in her womb, He was the maker of the moon/He was the Author of the Faith, that could make the mountains move."