The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas

the last few weeks have been so busy.  we've had Christmas programs and parties at school, shopping for gifts, wrapping presents and so much more.  it has been a whirlwind, but it's finally slowing down.  today i finished the last of the shopping and wrapped all the presents and we're now ready to celebrate.  just tonight as pete and i were driving over to meet my in-laws to pick up the boys (they so kindly kept the boys for the day so i could get some things done), we both said we were so excited about Christmas in just a few short days.  of course, we're excited for the boys to see what santa brings them, but we both just love spending time with our families enjoying good food and good company, and most of all, celebrating the birth of Jesus.

i remember being younger and being excited about the gifts i was going to get (even as a young adult), but now it's just not about that.  i love to find the perfect gift for the ones i love.  i really put a lot of thought into the things i choose for my family.  

i'm happy things will slow down this week, especially since the boys are out of school for two weeks.  even though it was crazy for a few weeks, i so enjoyed seeing the boys perform their Christmas songs and have fun at their Christmas parties.  they are such precious gifts and i love that i'm able to enjoy these times with them.

we've also had an amazing program at church called intentional acts of Christmas where we were given a pool of money from the church as well as our own contribution to help a family or families in need.  it's been a wonderful experience to be able to help people who are really in need and show them God's love through our giving.  we assisted one family through our couples' small group we've been involved in since september.  the other family is a girl in my women's small group.  they've had a difficult year of several job losses and have really struggled.  i felt God press on my heart to help this family (they have 4 children) and along with the generous contributions of my parents and their Sunday school class, we are able to provide them with some much needed financial help and some gifts for Christmas.  i'm so excited to share everything with them next week.

so i end by wishing all my friends in blogger-land a very Merry Christmas!  may you be blessed during the wonderful, magical season!