Christmas time!

Nine days until Christmas. Two days until we leave for Arizona (which the kiddos don't know about - they just know that we're going somewhere after D gets done with school). There's still an awful lot that I was hoping to get done, but I've crossed many items off my "To Do" list and am actually feeling relatively calm. It's currently pouring rain. Hubby had a rough commute into Mexico this morning as some of the roads had washed out. Thankfully he's back over the border now and will remain here until next year :) I ran some last-minute errands this morning, and the stores weren't crowded at all due to the miserable weather... hey, gotta look at the bright side, right?

Didn't decorate all that much this year; we're definitely planning to do more next year, including putting lights up outside. Had to replace our tree-topper as the angel we purchased as newlyweds started to melt... and while she looked kind of cute bowing to us, the fire hazard factor convinced us to find something new. I'm kind of digging this star in all its sequinned glory! Haven't made a single holiday goodie, unless you count the cranberry pumpkin bread I baked the week before Thanksgiving. I *am* planning to purchase a gingerbread house kit while in AZ and let the kiddos decorate it up with their 2 older cousins. I'm just cultivating some good memories, right?! (wink, wink) We're not taking all of the kids' gifts with us (we'll have a final celebration when we come back home) but I need to wrap up the few items that are making the trip.

Have had some interesting conversations about Santa and holiday celebrations in general with a few people. For anyone that may not know, we don't do Santa at our house. (You can read last year's post on that here). We obviously do lots of other fun stuff - I'm not saying that we should do away with all the ribbons and bows and just meditate by a manger scene - but the crass commercialism of December does get to me... and quite honestly, besides the Jesus vs. Santa issue, I simply want the kids to appreciate the gifts that they receive, and know that those presents were purchased by those who love them, not just an anonymous benefactor. Some good thoughts on "Celebrating Jesus" here, and a fun Christmas Cookie Confession (with bonus new tradition ideas!) here.

I can pretty much guarantee that I won't be posting again until next year, so in the meantime, have a blessed Christmas!!

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, o night when Christ was born...