Christmas

As my family put up the tree and decorations, I could not help to think how the lights seemed a little less bright this year but through the season, I was reminded of the Love our Savior has for us and how grateful I am for my family and how much we love each other. Travelling is a big part of my life, however, it felt right to stay a little closer to home this year. Las Vegas is always a treat and I am fortunate to live so close, so it was an easy getaway weekend to do some Christmas shopping. I was very pleasantly surprised by the Venitian's rooms. And I was even more surprised when I found out the Western Cowboy expo was just a small jaunt away. What a fun Expo! It is good to see the different cultures within our own country, and I felt like I had been transformed to another place and maybe even back in time, the jeans were a little tighter, the shirts were all button up, the clank of boots and spurs was prevalent and it felt like the theme song from Pure country could start up any moment. After Vegas, life seemed to roll back into a bit of a melancholy state. I miss my Grandma Lenore very much and not being there to put up her tree or help her take out her Christmas village has made for some sad days. Most of what I miss is the opportunity to speak with her about life, about life decisions, about concerns, hopes, and dreams. And so when our tradition to go to Salt Lake started to take shape, my heart hurt a little bit because in years past my Grandma had come with us, to see the Nutcracker, to go to Temple Square to go shopping in the large malls etc. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am for the fond memories I have of spending time with my family. This year my family started in Gardener Village where they always put up darling displays (we go to the Witchapolza whenever we can that is their big shebang); then it was off to Temple Square to see the lights eat at Nauvoo Cafe, enjoy the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and shop at City Creek; The Ballet West Nutcracker, I have been going for forever it seems (Personally I do not like the changes that have recently been made to the Nutcracker) and was disappointed in that there were no more Gingersnaps (not sure what the bees represent) and the set no more sent Sugar Plum Faries dancing through my head, instead it felt like a hot summer day. I was saddened that the once famous Nutcracker with many Prima Ballerinas was now more like a bunch of children dancing about for a premium price. It was like another Chapter in my life was closed, I am not sure I will go back as it is so far removed. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was next on the list and there is nothing that speaks to my soul like music. And with the Special guests every year it seems to be more wonderful than the last. After coming home from a wonderful weekend in Salt Lake, my family's annual Nativity gift giving began. This Tradition was started by my amazing Mum many years ago when she wanted to help expand my sister's, mine, and my brother's outlook on Christmas. We truly learned that Christmas is not just about Santa (Though he is magical), and it is more than just receiving gifts, the "I want's" seemed to become less as we started to focus on what Christmas is really about. It is about learning to give without receiving anything in return, it is about loving others even when they do not return that love, it is learning to be happy for other's accomplishments and finding the good along the rough road, it is about bringing the life of Christ into the home. For many years my family has seen the positive impact this tradition has brought into our home. This year we chose a family who helped us with my Grandma, the Mom has 3 wonderful Boys who loved my Grandma as their own and would check up on her whenever they could. Normally we keep it a secret so that the family doesn't know who has given them a Nativity set, but this year we decided to let her and her boys know how much gratitude we have for them. Driving by my Grandma's old home was probably the toughest part ... but to see the light come upon the mom and boys faces when they opened the door Christmas Eve was priceless and worth it. Christmas would not be complete without going out to the Tuacahn Live Nativity one of my favorite things is to see the children's eyes light up when the camel comes out and then the awe as the angels sing and the Savior is passed around to the shepherds This season is truly about the Birth and Life of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the Love of my family And though there is a large hole in my heart for how much I miss my Grandma, She has been and will always be an example to me and though she was not perfect, she was the perfect Grandma. My Testimony in Jesus Christ has been strengthened this Christmas. I am grateful to my wonderful Family, who comes together to support one another and who encourage one another, pray for one another, and cheer each other on the road we call life. Love will always win in the end.

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