Christmas Past

I've been getting out all of our Christmas decorations, and I am having some melancholy thoughts of Christmases past.  This is one of my favorite  photos of my kids.  We even dressed up our dog as a sheep.  She was a good poser!  This was 11 years ago, my how time flies! One of our family's favorite holiday traditions is having a Bethlehem night.  For one of our family home evenings during December, we all dress up in "Bethlehem" garb, turn out the lights, spread a blanket on the floor, and, by candlelight, eat a simple meal like they would have had in Bethlehem.  We usually eat pita bread, meats and cheeses, and fruits.  Sometimes we read a Christmas story, and sometimes we make up stories about the people we might have been at the time of the Savior's birth.  We are grateful for the Christmas season and for our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I wish I could make the season last longer, just like I wish I could have kept my kids little for a bit longer!  But I am grateful this year for the remarkable people they are becoming.  I am proud of their accomplishments, but mostly of their thoughtful, giving hearts.  I am a lucky mom.  Love you kids, love you Wes, and I'm looking forward to a wonderful holiday with all of you!