I am really so very excited about Christmas this year. The boys (well mainly Kirby) have been getting so much out of the Jesse Tree so they are learning A LOT and he asks every day if it's the day for Jesus. I really think he will experience pure joy when it finally is the day for Jesus. My plan is to let them open one gift before breakfast on Christmas morning. That gift will be the Baby Jesus from our nativity scene (we are waiting till Christmas Day to symbolize his birth). I can't wait to tell them about Christ being the greatest gift we were ever given.
It is really important to me to not emphasize the whole gift giving part of Christmas but I have to tell you that I love giving gifts! Don't get me wrong I find nothing wrong with being on the receiving end and we have worked so hard to not make this our focus but now seeing the boys get excited is so special. This whole time of year is just magical with the celebration of Christ's birth and showing love through giving gifts. I finally understand why Papa Great was incapable of waiting on my Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle Frank to get to our celebration location (different each year) to give out and open gifts. MB and F missed gift time many a year because when Papa Great wants to start opening gifts we do. This year my only dilemma is what to do about wrapping them and putting them out. I think I have finally scrounged up some paper to use (seriously hard to find good paper that isn't covered in weird cartoon characters) and I plan to do the wrapping today (not all gifts are bought but I'm about 95% done).
Now to put them out now? Or wait for Christmas day?
There are several factors to consider. First little hands find pretty packages irresistible. Not that I think they will try to open them (well Bennett might) but I'm sure the paper and bows and all will be totally man handled in just one short week. Also, since we don't have Santa I was thinking that putting the gifts our for Christmas morning would build anticipation. Give them something to look forward to. Not sure if that is kinda defeating our purposes or not. Gonna have to think on that one. Either way the earliest I will put them out is Monday since we are hosting Sunday morning.
And one last thing. We currently have several boxes in route to our home. If you had anything at all to do with them THANK YOU! If you've ever lived overseas where many 'American' favorites are not available then you know my excitement. I don't know what is in the boxes but that just makes it even better. We are so very blessed to have people in our lives who love on us in so many ways. Our Christmas boxes each year brings us joy for months to come. Not sure if y'all like to know when I'm making/eating Ranch dressing or enjoying an evening cup of decaf coffee you are on my mind but that's the way it is!
No comments:
Post a Comment