And just like that, it’s three days until Christmas! We kicked December off with Jack’s birthday and a Nutcracker performance by Eve. Threw in two elementary music programs, two piano recitals, several junior high choir performances, another children’s choir performance. It’s safe to say that music is definitely one of our treasured holiday traditions.
Another holiday tradition we can’t seem to live without: baking. I enlisted the girls’ help in the kitchen, one daughter for each of the four items in this year’s goody box. Homemade caramels, toffee, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark made the cut. We might have baked up a couple of extra batches after the treats were delivered. Our excuse was that we forgot about a few families. But at least half of the extras ended up in our very own bellies. Yum.
We finally got around to making our annual homemade Christmas ornament. I must say, it’s pretty awesome when your kids reach an age at which they can actually craft something reasonably cool. For years I’d either stretch the limits of my kids’ fine motor skills (and my patience) to make something they could be proud of. Or, when that didn’t work, I’d select an ornament that was well within their skill level but one that broke before the next Christmas rolled around.
This year, I drummed up some wire and beads to assemble one of these suckers. It was easy, cheap, and produced an awesome result. Big win for Christmas 2017.
Other than that, it’s been business as usual around here. A minor fracture for Jack. A mild case of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Lots of broken ornaments. Sugar highs and subsequent crabby tempers. Gift-buying and giving. Service in the community. And as of today, snow. A good three inches so far.
Most of all, we remember the Savior in all that we do. I am abundantly grateful to know of Him and His great atoning sacrifice which makes every joy in this life possible.