Christmastime

It is already mid-December, and I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. For some reason, it just really does not seem like Christmas to me. Normally, I am ready to go by mid-November; ready for Christmas music, lights & decorations, Christmas cards, shopping, and exciting plans for the holiday. I'm dragging my feet this year. I have not put in a Christmas CD yet. I finally put up a tree and few decorations in my house, but have not jumped to put lights outside. I am debating about even sending out Christmas cards. We have made plans for the holiday, but frankly, I'm not very thrilled with them.

Life kind of got in the way of my Christmas spirit this year. But, I am trying really hard to rekindle the spirit, for Ryleigh's sake.

So, we went and got our Christmas tree, and let her "pick it out."
Daddy made it extra fun, playing with Ryleigh amongst the trees and making her giggle all the way.

Mommy stepped out from behind the camera to get a picture with my baby.

Last weekend, we went to my sister-in-law's house. My brother-in-law, Justin, helped Ryleigh dress up like a pirate- I think it ties in well with her cute new reindeer outfit, don't you?

My niece, Mekenzie, was dragged into making chocolate Oreo balls with Jenn and I. What was supposed to be a short lesson in ball-making, turned into a 6 hour ball-making marathon. In the end, I think we made 11 batches-- which is a lot of Oreo balls. Hopefully Jenn will have plenty to give friends for Christmas!

I have been struggling lately, feeling like so often, I go through the motions in life, without finding joy in the actions. Almost like I do things out of obligation to myself, to fulfill some unspoken responsibility to my perfectionism.

This season, I did not want to do that. I have prayed asking God to really shift my focus to Him and remember the real reason for the season. I think maybe He is answering my prayers in giving me an apathy for all the traditional things of our cultural Christmas. I have been a whole lot more internally focused than externally, if that makes sense. I have watched people more. Slowed down while driving, and truly not felt rushed or irritated in traffic. I have talked to and smiled at the people checking me out at the grocery store. I have thanked God for every little part of my life, including the "bad" me, and my appreciation for the gift of His son.

So, I might not get lights on the outside of the house. I might not be silly and goofy, singing Christmas music at the top of my lungs, and "laughing all the way." I might not get my Christmas cards sent on time, or perhaps, at all. I might not give as many gifts, simply because I'm being conservative with our money and not really in the mood to shop anyway. It might not be a picture perfect Christmas. But I hope that at the end of this season, I can say honestly, that I have a fuller and more appreciative view of the true meaning of Christmas. My savior, Jesus Christ.