Thursday, January 11, 2007

Christmas is Back!

Ever since I was a little girl Christmas has been my favorite time of year. When I was little I got so caught up in the magic of it all - I mean, seriously, Santa came to visit me at our aparment the first two years of our marriage. I buy a new Christmas tree every year, much to my husband's chagrin, just because I can't stand to walk by a good deal at the after Christmas sales and how can anyone have too many Christmas trees? True confessions - I found one on sale this year (my sixth, but only my third over four feet) the week after Christmas for a GREAT price and snuck it into the garage while Kyle wasn't home. Seriously, it's not just the trees and the lights and all that other fun stuff - though, and I hate to sound judgemental, but you are crazy if you don't think that stuff is the greatest - it's the tradition, the family, the "our family always...", the "when I was little...", the "my mom makes sugar cookies like this..." And this year we got to start our own family traditions! As an adult I still love Christmas, but having Maelie has definitely brought a little of the spark back. I don't even mind travelling all over the world, going to seven family Christmas parties in two days (seriously, we challenge Santa in the milage). It is so much fun to see all these people that we love and don't get to see nearly enough loving on my baby!

She has brought an entirely new perspective to the sweet baby in the manger, too. I think having my own little one has really made it hit home and made me think of Mary in a whole new way and made her so much more real to me. It really makes me appreciate her sacrafice and her faith more. I can't imagine the faith it must have taken to do what she did. I cried when I thought I might not get an epidural - I can't imagine what I would have done if Kyle had told me, Sorry, hon, but I think we'll just have to deliver in the barn. It makes my heart hurt on Christmas to think that we wouldn't have Easter if it weren't for Christmas - that God knew from the moment Jesus was born what would ulitimately happen to him here on earth. Christmas this year has given me an even deeper yearning in my heart for Maelie to know and love Him. I would love to hear from anyone out there what your family does at Christmastime especially to remind your children why we celebrate.