I think I look forward to Christmas all year long. I love Christmas! I love everything about it....the traditions, the decorations, the music, the gift giving, the goodies, the parties, the anticipation of Christmas morning, everything! But, most of all, I love how the Spirit of Christ comes into our lives with an added measure and everyone around just seems a little happier, a little kinder, and little more focused on our Savior. It is a special time.
Growing up my mom ALWAYS made "Christmas cookies". That's what we called them (and we have the most delicious recipe, too). My mom made the dough and would roll it out on the counter. I can still hear her ring clinking and sliding along her metal rolling pin. All eleven children would gather around to help her cut out the shapes and beg for samples of the dough. Then we would all help frost them. Sweet, sweet memories. I have tried to keep that tradition going with my own children and I think they definitely look forward to it every year.
One of our many traditions include taking goodies to our friends and neighbors for Family Night. That usually means Christmas cookies, rice crispy crunchies, and homemade toffee. I have to give it away or I will eat it all!
Don is used to getting a big, beautiful tree for cheap because in Washington you can basically go in your backyard and chop one down. We have been sorely disappointed with the selection out here so Don drives an hour (!) to a farm where he can chop down his own tree and get one at a great price. The kids love decorating it.
Christmas morning! Santa Claus came through once again. Ethan was so excited about his green machine! (And Davis was, too, because Ethan is such a great sharer)
Davis is one of our non-stop readers so he was thrilled with his love sack. I'm pretty sure it will still work for him as a young adult!
Ryan has been into taking pictures and making videos so she asked for a digital camera. Happy day for her!
Yes, my girls FINALLY got their long awaited ipod touches. They insisted that they were the last ones on earth to get them. They were beyond excited. Too bad I didn't really realize that you can text and call on them. So much for not getting them cell phones.
My boys in their BYU sweatshirts...
Every year Grandma and Grandpa Spangler give money to each family a few months before Christmas so we can decide what to do with it. This year we bought a shuffleboard table to add to our game room. We love it!
Christmas morning aftermath. Best mess ever.
Our children get 3 gifts for Christmas. A gift of Love, gift of Learning, and gift of Joy. Ryan's "gift of Love" was 2 tickets to see Les Miserables with her daddy for the following day. She was ecstatic.
Don gave me a beautiful gift this year. (Although he always gives me the sweetest, most thoughtful, meaningful, heartfelt gifts for every occasion) I am a lucky woman. Anyway, he found this necklace and ordered it all on his own, complete with every name in our little family, and an added charm with my sister's initials, Ginger Dee Clinton. She passed away 3 1/2 years ago. I burst into tears when I saw it. I love it so much. And I love my Donny, too.
Christmas Day fell on Sunday this year. It was wonderful to have a nice Christmas morning as a family and then go to church together and worship our Savior.
Too bad I didn't realize that Ethan accidentally put on one of Davis' white shirts.
It looks ridiculous! haha
Merry Christmas!!
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