Here's My Christmas Post

So I realize this is quite a few days past due... But I am just now finding the time and motivation to write this post. It may be because I'm sitting at work with nothing to do. I find that is the best time to write my blogs. :)

The Christmas season is one of the greatest times of the year! Everyone's attitude changes and you can tell people are just genuinely happier even if they get stressed out and can be rude to other people in stores. There is something about listening to Christmas music that just brightens your day. For me, Christmas is all about the traditions. And in my family there are tons of them that I just love!!

Christmas Eve:
~Around noon o'clock we head to Cracker Barrel for an early dinner. I am not sure how that one started but it just wouldn't be Christmas without going there. Without fail, three of the siblings get basically the exact same meal: Chicken Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, side salad, corn, carrots, apples, or country potatoes. Mom always makes fun of us for getting the same thing each time, but heck... ITS TRADITION!
~Then afterwards we come home and open our "Siblings Presents" where we each give the sibling we picked the present we bought for them. This year I got two books from my great brother, Bryson. Everyone should read Matched by Ally Condie and Legend by Marie Lu. Both are excellent Dystopian novels.
~Out in Virginia we would go on the Tacky Light Tour looking at all the pretty Christmas lights. This year we didn't do that because we were busy trying to help get Christmas together for a friend who had been kicked out of her home.
~We always end the night with reading the Polar Express. This is probably my most favorite part about Christmas Eve. I love that story so much! It holds a special place in my heart and is something I intend to read to my children each year on December 24th.

Christmas Day:
~We all wake up at 7:00 am. No matter what. When we were young this would kill me because I would be up at 5:00 that morning and have to wait for the parentals to come and get us. We then go into the front room where we have a Christmas devotional. I won't lie... I hated this when I was little. I just wanted to go open all my presents. But we do this devotional where we sing Christmas hymns and read the story of the First Christmas. It is now my favorite thing on Christmas day. I love starting the day off remembering what we truly are celebrating this day.
~Present time. Obviously I love opening presents too. Even if I already know what I'm getting. Its still great. We take turns opening them so that we can see what everyone got. This year I got a nice new camera, some sweaters, a gift card, and my favorite by far was my new HelloGoodbye gear. A nice new t-shirt with Forrest Kline's face on it and a sweatshirt just with HelloGoodbye on it. They are fabulous! Along with those two clothing items, I got a signed Christmas card from Forrest, a copy of their CD, and a bumper sticker that says "This car stops for puppies, kittens, and HELLOGOODBYE SHOWS!" Which is very true for my car.
~After we are done opening presents, we all go upstairs and help get breakfast ready, which usually consists of cinnamon and orange rolls, bacon, sausage, and eggs. Delicious in one word.
~This Christmas was a special one where we got to Skype with my dear sister, Kaitlyn Marie, who is serving her mission in Argentina. I loved talking with her and seeing her face. You can just tell how happy she is and how much she has changed while being out.
~Seeing as Christmas fell on Sunday this year, I had the opportunity to skip out on my YSA ward and go to church with my family. It was so great! I loved the talks and music that was shared. So beautiful.
~Christmas nap. 'Nuff said.
~Christmas dinner. Always delicious. We usually have a Surf an' Turf theme. There is grilled steak and shrimp. Twice baked potatoes. Salad. Rolls. And everything that makes the meal one of the best!

I love Christmas time! It is so great! I realize that I need to be better about keeping the Christmas spirit with me all year long and finding ways to be kind and serve those around me. It is my goal this year to try and remember the true meaning of Christmas and how Jesus Christ came to this earth and made it possible for me to one day return to my Heavenly Father.