Christmas bests

Can you believe that Christmas is only 8 days away? That came really fast for me (maybe because of all the things I still need to do to be totally ready for it). But despite bust schedules, there are a few Christmas "musts" that I've managed to experience again this year.

1) Watching the First Presidency Christmas devotional. I look forward to that so much and it's always amazing.

2) The Christmas season wouldn't feel complete without watching, "White Christmas" at least once. Done!

Seriously, it's one of the best Christmas movies, ever!!

(But I'll admit, I'm usually a sucker for cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, too, which I haven't seen nearly enough of this year.)

3) Make treats. Yes, I know, I do that no matter what time of year it is, I can't help it! My grandmas on both sides of the family have passed down to me that one of the ways we say "I love you" best, is by making something tasty and sharing it with people who are important to us. I'm not super artsy/crafty, sadly, but I LOVE to bake.
  Mom and Dad are in on that game, too, and let me just say that thanks to Dad and his crazy
awesome idea (kidding, Dad, it was a good idea!) we've made enough sugar cookies in the last couple weeks to last for the next several years.

4) Put up Christmas decorations. Because of the lack of time, we haven't put up all the usual Christmas decor, but it does look like Christmas in here thanks to our tree! I love Christmas trees!!

5) Listening to non-stop Christmas music. Yes, sometimes I want to run away with my ears covered if I have to hear one more rendition of  "Jingle Bells", but come one, we only get to listen to Christmas music legitimately ONCE a year - make it count, right? Some of the best though, is Mannheim Steamroller, LOVE it!

6) This hasn't happend yet, but our family usually goes out one night to see the fun Christmas lights that have been put up around the city. Still holding out for that one.....

7) And my other favorite thing coming up is Christmas Eve at my grandma's house, here in Boise with Mom's family; followed by a few days in Jerome with Dad's side of the family.

 Christmas will be a bit different this year without David and Grandpa, but there is still so much to look forward to. Most importantly is the chance to spend even more time thinking about the Savior and what a gift He gave to each of us. Because of Him there is hope in the midst of sadness and there is the promise of better things to come if we stay close to Him.
  I hope we will all remember what the true meaning of Christmas really is and be able to love each other as the Savior loves each of us.

  Merry Christmas!