Preparing for Christmas

This year has been a strange yet refreshing year for us as we prepare for Christmas. We had to decide in June what Christmas decoration to bring. Our four Christmas stockings were the only decorations that made the cut. Well, now that we are in NYC and it is December, these four items have not even made the cut to be displayed. We have no fireplace to hang them on. AND we have gone with a different decorating motif......."If we have not made it, then it is not out!!" This attitude seemed to fit our seminary budget best.


With that being said, Addison and Parker have been very busy making decorations. They have made snowflakes for the windows, several modeling clay things (Santa's hat, a Christmas tree, a candy cane, a snowman, etc.), and Advent wreath for our table, and a gingerbread house that has been well than picked over now. The two of them have had an absolute ball doing this. They love it when our friends walk in and comment on the crafts. I have to say that decorating for this Christmas has definitely made it into their memory book.

Along with this change, we have noticed a change in perspective about Christmas. Last Sunday, while lighting our second Advent candle, we went around the table saying what we were looking forward to this season. Both children said that they were looking forward to being with friends and family. I was pleasantly surprised that neither one of them mentioned the word gifts!!! Being away from our family for this extended period has made being with them top the list.

We are anxiously awaiting next Friday. That is when we leave to travel south to "God's country". We have begun to plan where we are going when. It is going to be a crazy two weeks. We can't wait to see HOME....the friendly faces and people we love, grass and trees....sit by a fireplace.....yes, we are excited!!