"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
It is easy to become consumed in the Christmas season and lose focus of the meaning of why the holiday even exists. Holiday shopping begins earlier and earlier each year. The day after Thanksgiving sales that used to begin at 6am, now begin at midnight. I can't help, but to look around and see what a selfish holiday Christmas has become. I see it more from the eyes of a 3rd grader as they tell me what they are getting. I remember the days of wanting, wishing, and hoping for that special gift. The children now phrase their wants into, "I am getting..." My immediate thought is, "Oh really." There is always a teachable moment behind the doors of my classroom and this turned into the perfect opportunity to have one of those moments. So, in the midst of teaching how to write a friendly letter, I decided to share the meaning of the Christmas season. I told my students that when we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. It sparked great discussion and hopefully will be a thought in their minds as they are celebrating this season.
Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because I get to spend time with family and friends. It is a nice break from the day to day routine and gives me an uninterrupted time to reflect on the riches of the Christmas season. This Christmas was a little different than most. My sister (only sibling) and her husband did some of Christmas with his family. Selfishly, I didn't like the idea of change in the tradition of the holiday, but I accepted it and focused on what I did have - two loving parents who gave me more attention than I deserved. Claire and Charles did get to spend more time with us than I expected and I savored every moment of it. There is a possibility one day in the near future they will not live as close as they are now. We continued some of our Smith traditions without Claire while she made new ones and we adjusted ours. The 3 of us went to the Christmas Eve service at church. I always feel such joy as we sing "Silent Night" by candlelight. Christmas morning my mom made a breakfast casserole and a baked french toast treat. Claire and Charles came over in their pjs to open gifts. Then, my mom, dad, and I headed to Greenwood. We conveniently plan to make it to Greenwood just in time for a late lunch! :) Mom prepared an amazing feast, as usual! We ate with Mom, the Tylers, and my aunt's dad and brother. Cole had such a big morning waking up at 3:30 a.m. to see what Santa brought that he slept right through lunch! That afternoon we visited with Grandmama and Granddaddy. I've been spoiled because my grandparents not only live in the same town, but they live 3 houses down from each other. God has blessed me with a healthy, loving, wonderful earthly family.
