It's Christmas Time!

It's 3 days before Christmas, and I'm happy to say that my shopping was done right after Thanksgiving. I've read in various news pieces that with the way the economy is right now, people are buying fewer gifts this year. For some that may be a big deal, but for others it's not. For me, it doesn't really matter. The way my family is, my sister and I were always taught that gifts weren't the main theme of Christmas. Sure when we were kids we had presents under the tree, and because we were younger we were probably more focused on the gifts rather than the actual meaning behind Christmas. As we got older, though, we learned to focus on the meaning of Christmas and time with our family rather than the gifts.

No family is without Christmas traditions. With my mom's side of the family we all get together, usually the afternoon of Christmas day, have lunch, and open gifts. We always have 2 of the younger kids hand out the presents. For a while it was always my sister and me, but now it's the younger ones. Once the presents are all handed out, we open the presents from oldest to youngest. The same goes for my dad's side of the family, though it goes much faster because there are only 3 grandchildren. Growing up, my sister and I always had "sides" of the tree. Each year we would switch sides. Don't ask me how we remembered who had what side each year, I have no idea. On Christmas eve, we would exchange family gifts. My sister and I would give our parents each a gift from each of us, and each year, my sister and I would open up 2 gifts from under the tree. We always knew what the gifts would be. Each year, my parents would give us 2 Hallmark ornaments. We used to get the Barbie ornaments and Madame Alexander doll ornaments,but as we got older, the ornaments we got were more of a reflection of who we are.

If you know me, then you know that I am a family oriented person. As crazy as my family is, and as much as they drive me crazy, I love them and I love to spend time with them. There is a family picture at my grandmother's (my mom's mother) house that was taken in front of Rockefeller Center in New York City. It was taken about 5 years ago. We drove to New York, and let me tell you it was a LONG drive. There were arguments and laughs and every other emotion one can experience while in the car with family on a 14 hour drive. Back to the picture, though. In that picture, my sister and I were the only grandchildren. Since that Christmas 5 years ago, my family has grown. My aunt and uncle adopted a little boy, who is so sweet. My other uncle got married and they have 1 little girl and 2 more little girls who will be here December 29th, if not sooner. It's amazing what God can do in a family in 5 years. Christmas is always a fun time with my mom's side of the family. We are a big family. My grandmother's house always has the pitter patter of feet, and there is never a dull moment.

So now that I've shared my Christmas traditions, I'd like to know what your traditions are. I'm leaving to go Oxford tomorrow and staying until Christmas eve. I hope each of you has a wonderful Christmas. Spend time with you family and take time to ponder on how truly blessed we are to celebrate the coming of Christ.

Much love and peace.
Laura Kate