Sara Bareilles says it best in her single,
Love Is Christmas, when nothing matters but the love and time you spend with family and friends. Her song is beautiful and reminded me not to get stressed over the holidays. The presents didn't have to be wrapped perfectly, the house completely decorated, and it was "ok" that Augie knocked down and chewed a few ornaments and presents.
All the "stuff" doesn't make Christmas. It is the LOVE that makes Christmas. The LOVE of our heavenly father and how his precious son was born knowing the whole time he would die a brutal and painful death for our silly and ignorant sins we commit everyday. Christmas is LOVE from God when he called a wonderful father and husband, Mike Reed, home to be with him in his glorious kingdom. His LOVE pours with that family as they struggle with grief but yet celebrate the pain he feels no more. Baby Miller will never meet her dad but I know without a doubt she will always know of him and how wonderful of a man of Christ he was and how miracles were formed everyday through her father.
Christmas is a wonderful time in which we celebrate the birth of our savior, give unselfishly, and think of others, but we should do this continually. LOVE is continuous and a commitment that we make. We don't base LOVE off of an emotion because that emotion soon dies. You have to commitment the whole year to LOVing others and giving unselfishly. People make fun of those others who celebrate Christmas all year, but why? They are the ones who understand the importance of Christmas. It isn't just a holiday in one month but continues through the whole year. LOVE is Christmas and should be represented everyday in our lives, whether it is big or small. I am going to strive everyday to pour LOVE in someway, whether it is helping someone in the grocery store, giving a smile, or writing a note of encouragement. I sometimes (more often) get wrapped up in me, myself, and I and need to be more giving and LOVing towards others. Love is Christmas through out the year.
My LOVE this past Christmas was spending time with my family and friends. My family means the world to me and it was a true blessing to have my brother in town and all the puppies at the house. I had a wonderful time helping mom cook our delicious meals. I tried some new recipes from Pinterest and they were a big hit. I have found a new favorite website:
http://picky-palate.com! You have to check her out! God blessed us by letting mom feel some what good so that she could eat with us at the table and to spend time with us. She amazes me everyday with her strength and pushing through. She has the LOVE of Christmas everyday. My dad had to work some but it was nice for him to just relax on the couch and not worry about cooking or cleaning. I am so blessed with a wonderful family, boyfriend, boyfriend's family and friends that I can count on. I've learned that LOVE is quality over quantity too.
Dad and Augie hanging out together.
Christmas Eve at the parents' home.
Christmas Morning. We ate breakfast and then opened presents.
Mom's awesome Santa and Rudolph cake for Christmas. It was delicious!
All my goodies from friends and families. :)
My Christmas Tree.
I hope you join me this year in doing our best in making LOVE with Christmas Spirit happen continually throughout the year. Now, I must say farewell because my season shows are about to premiere-Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game. Ethan and I have been apart far too long! ;) Happy New Year! We're so blessed at the chances God gives us everyday to love him and follow his guiding light.
Southern Love,
Tricia
