Christmas 2010

Every year we tell ourselves that Christmas is about Christ and not gifts. But in these rough times, it is hard for us to buy something for ourselves because we want to keep bills caught up or want to have money stashed away for that rainy day. I love Jesus and have often taken time to ponder the ultimate gift of coming to meet man where mankind needed help. BUT, I am going to take a moment and talk about fun gifts!

This was the first year I held Christmas for extended family and felt the burn! All the planning and budgeting, shopping and all the other good stuff that goes along with it stressed me out! I kept telling myself that this would be the last time I went to Walmart and to this moment believe had Walmart been open Christmas Day I would have went... but anyways...
It is such a relief to finally put the show on. It was so worth all the "trouble" to coordinate cleaning, baking and cooking with my husband to give back to my wonderful parents. It put a smile on my face to see my mom and dad relaxing (finally) on the coach while I worked to get dinner on the table. It made me remember all the sacrifices and labor of love my parents made for me at Christmas time. I love my parents and don't care what some idiot psychologists say about my love for my parents- just because I have my new family with Gary doesn't make me have separation anxiety, etc. Christmas is about sharing and the best gift of all is each other.
Besides this profound reflection
(darn, I was trying to focus on PRESENTS!)
I had a great year for gifts received and given. I have always wanted REAL jewelry for Christmas from my husband. I can't believe I got a puppy (making up from childhood). I love shopping and found the greatest sentimental gifts for Gary... 30-O6 bullets and his fav Sci-fi series. And the best of all... shopping for a 3 yr old. Seriously, there is a herd of horses in my house.
Please feel free to share your Christmas story here...