Family Traditions and Togetherness

Today was Christmas Eve. The night before we celebrate the birth of our Savior. I am so thankful for the wonderful spirit this holiday season brings into our lives and homes. I can feel it so strong as I try and focus on what matters most this season.

For the past 25 years, even since I was married, we have been going to my parents home on Christmas Eve. We have had the traditional turkey and ham dinner, doing a white elephant game, and then exchanging gifts from one another. But for me the highlight was spending time with my loved ones and basking in the spirit of family traditions and togetherness.

Over the years we have tried to implement the simple scene of the Nativity at this family gathering. Today, I was able to find many old family movies and pictures from the past 10 years from this far-from-spiritual Nativity performance. Over the years we have had a whole lot of fun and have made some pretty great memories.  I laughed and cried as I watched and treasured these times. I cried as I saw my grandma, my two grandpa's and my brother who were once with us at these events but will only be attendance at tonight's party in spirit. I laughed at the many mishaps that happened as we tried to pull off this humble little manager scene. Like; Mary getting thrown from the donkey by mistake, Joseph getting tripped by the donkey, our girl version of baby Jesus in a pink robe screaming in a manger, our two small dogs leashed by the kids to be the live sheep, kids running from the manger scene to grab some food, and a whole lot of laughing and giggling from everyone.

It was so fun to watch and see just how much the grandchildren had grown over the years. Many which are now teenagers. I was able to make a simple DVD of the past 10 years using the videos and pictures from the past Christmas'. It was so fun and I enjoyed it immensely. I made copies for my two brothers and their families as well as my parents. At the party we all enjoyed watching it. Everyone laughed and cried as we shared these precious moments together. My mother especially enjoyed watching how many good times she was able to have with her parents before they left this earth.

 Isn't this what Christmas is really all about? Sharing good times and laughter during the holiday season and basking in the warmth of our Saviors love. I will always treasure these holiday memories both past, present, and the many good times to come, in the future.