Recently I’ve been contemplating how wonderful it is to be able to end each year with the “joy” that is Christmas! No matter what is going on in our lives, we can focus on the birth of our Savior and what He did for us.
Then I began thinking about the little blessings I’ve enjoyed this Christmas season already. When we had our first snow, Sommer and I tried to build a snowman. There wasn’t much snow and she didn’t want to wear her mittens or touch the unusual white stuff, but once I had put the little snowman head on the body, she couldn’t resist picking it up! I call this picture: “Grandma, snow is cold!”
This past week my friend Sharon and I kept our 10 year tradition alive and “rang and sang” for the Salvation Army. It is one of my favorite Christmas activities. The ringing is fun, but the singing makes it pure joy (even if we’re not always on key). This article was in the Watertown paper last year .
Sharon and I looked pretty much the same this year, so I thought our silliness in this picture might bring a smile to your face. I recently read a blog post entitled: “10 Things Salvation Army Bell Ringers Want You to Know”. Please click on the title to read it – I’m sure you’ll find it interesting.
Another favorite tradition of mine is baking cookies with my mom. We’ve done it together every year since I was old enough to help. The men hang out in the living room and offer to be the taste testers. Over the years the kids have actively helped when they were around. This year Mike was out of town, but Dad, Mom, Brad and Sommer all were here. Here’s my mom making Spritz cookies (a family tradition) with the “new” old cookie press I found on eBay to replace my grandmother’s (which broke), along with Dad, who’s taking the taste testing part seriously.
And this one is of Sommer doing a bit of decorating. She got more on the tray than the cookies, until daddy tossed a candy decoration in his mouth. Then she got most in her tummy!
There’s one more blessing I’ve really been contemplating. Quilting certainly brings me a great amount of joy. What a blessing to be able to do what I love. Teaching is another happy part of my life. Each of you who take my classes or read my blog posts are a huge encouragement to me and I’d like to take this time to send you a great big THANK YOU!
From my family to yours – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Barb J says
I love the Salvation Army’s 10 thoughts. Never thought about them having to use the bathroom. Silly me. The next one I meet, I’m going to suggest that I take over for the 5 minutes. What a wonderful thought.
Lori says
Merry Christmas to you and your family. What wonderful family traditions you have! Looks like fun,
Evelyn says
What a delightful Christmas card. Sommer is just the right age to make Christmas so meaningful to adults.
New Topic: Joan is coming to AZ January 30 and leaving February11. So glad you will be coming also.
Louise says
Merry Christmas to you also. Looks like you got the best Christmas present ever with that little girl! Count your blessings and have a safe holiday season.
Pat Gilane says
Chris, we love (Bob and I) your blog, your wonderful ideas, your Christmas blessings, and the Salvation Army traditional volunteering ringing!!! You are so blessed, good at blessing others, and you sooooo inspire us. Thank you for being you. We love you.
Pat and Bob G.