Christmas is coming...

As I do every year around this time, I start to think about the holidays that are quickly approaching. Christmas time is a busy season for just about everyone, but based on the nature of our work in ministry, it's absolutely crazy for us. But the good news is, we love it!

The last few years I have felt "a step behind" during the holiday months, but this year I am determined to be organized and very specific about what November and December will look like for our family. I'm excited to say that we've purchased our first Christmas gift already (yes, only one, but it's a start), I have a list started of gift ideas, and have plans to spend 2 days in November being "crafty" with my mom. My goal is to be done with my gift buying by the end of November, allowing for my annual Black Friday bargain shopping! Oh by the way, I'm so excited that based on Andy's recent schedule change, we will be able to go Black Friday shopping together this year! I can't wait...I'm even thinking of trying to arrange for a sitter for the girls, although I'm not quite sure who I can get to show up at my house at 4 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving ;) Maybe a sleepover...

The holidays have always been one of my favorite times of the year, but as I get older and life gets busier I realize that much of what this time of year represents is lost in the hussle and bussle of just plain busyness. My top priority this year is to plan well in order to allow us time as a family to take in the awe of such a beautiful time of year. An Advent chain that tells the story of the birth of Jesus, gifts hand made with love, bed time stories about the the Shepherds, family movie nights of old time classics, sitting by the Christmas tree with Andy after the girls are in bed and being a part of bringing true hope, encouragement and celebration to families who will join us for our Christmas Eve services at church...those are the things that will create life time memories and those are the things that we are going to focus on and plan for this year.

Here's to a busy, yet meaningful holiday season!