Counting Down The Days

In our home we are busy with all my daughters activities (Winter dance recital x2, Christmas Productions x3, Nutcracker x3 and not to mention a few Christmas parties). It feels as though this time of the year becomes the busiest and we rush around trying to fit in all the last minute shopping between work school and other activities.

As we count down the days until Christmas i find it important to take a moment to remember what the true meaning of the season is about.

This is the time to gather with friends and family that we as whole don't do nearly enough or as often as we should. It is a time to see the magic in our children's eyes as they are busily working on Christmas concerts, recitals, parades and parties. It is a time to reflect on the year and be thankful that you are able to spend it with people you care about. This year I have made it my priority to teach my 7 year old what Christmas really means and that it is a time for giving and not receiving. Yes there will be presents under the tree when she wakes up on Christmas morning but non of them will be addressed "from Santa" as she knows that there once was a man named Nicolas that gave presents to the poor but there is no Santa. We are going to have a birthday cake for Jesus and take this time to remember the gift God gave us! In the daycare I am also teaching the children the importance of giving to those who are less fortunate. We are collecting food for the food bank and we are going to find a away that we can give some toys and games to children who are as fortunate to have the means that our family's have to afford presents under the tree. The children have also said that they would like to go caroling in the neighborhood as a gift to our neighbors!

For Christmas this year I opted not to buy "things" for adults in my family but purchased Tickets to see Rebecca and the other children of Kamloops who made it Dance in the Nutcracker. I think that watching a classic ballet such as the Nutcracker is so much more enjoyable then stuff! We are doing several homemade gifts this year as well because it comes from the heart!

My Christmas wish this year is that everyone takes the time to do something special for somebody else that doesn't involve long line ups at the toy store or mall. Make a gift, sing somebody a song, pick up the phone and call somebody far away you haven't spoken to in a long time. Give a Gift from the heart and remember its not about the stuff its about the people and the meaning and the goodness that is found in all of us!