Before we dive into all the wonderful festivities of Christmas Day, I thought I would share a short story about our Christmas tree this year. While shopping for a tree at the corner lot, my mom noticed an enormous Christmas tree lying on the ground. It had obviously been neglected, deemed too big or awkward to be sold. However, my mom saw some potential in it! She asked the salesman how much it was. He shrugged his shoulders, "It's not really for sale, I mean look at it. But I guess if you really want it, then you can have it for $10." My mom smiled, "I'll take it!" She had them cut off the shabby top two feet and another foot or two off the bottom, so it could fit in our home. The tree was glowing even without any lights! After this quick fix, the salesman looked a little sad that he had sold such a stunning tree for so little. Excitedly, my mom rushed her treasured tree home, cared for it, and filled it with lights and golden globes!
When I first saw our Christmas tree I couldn't believe what had happened. It truly was a magnificent and majestic tree! My thoughts quickly turned to the real reason for Christmas. It made me think of all the many times that I had walked by something, or even someone, not noticing them just because they seemed awkward, or not quite what I expected. How beautifully this ties into our Savior's humble, and seemingly unremarkable birth in a manger. But isn't that what is most remarkable! That He was born in the lowliest of conditions only to die as our King! Let's not forget to see the beauty all around us that is in everyone and in everything that our Savior has given us! That, to me, is what Christmas is all about!
On Christmas day my family woke up early, even before the sun came up, in anticipation for - no, not Santa - but church! Mosiah and I played organ and harp as accompanists for the Christmas choir that my mom directed.
Again, Mosiah made the most delicious turkey a holiday could have! And I supplied the homemade grape juice. Yum!
Since Chapin and Kate where at Kate's house for Christmas morning, we waited until evening to actually open the presents and eat. Part of the eating included our traditional crab cocktail, which is sort of an acquired taste. I always document the in-laws first experience. To see McKay's click here.
First sip, and...
She hated it!
Ok! No, not really. We were actually just making her laugh.
Kate really liked it.
Yep, she fits in perfectly with the family! Love her!
We typically don't have a ton of presents for Christmas, especially since there are no children in the family at the moment, and instead strive for fun and laughter!
Before I bought this sign for my mom, I told McKay that I thought my mom would find it to be a little risque. I purchased it anyways because I thought it was cute. When she opened it she laughed, then got a concerned look on her face, "Marielle, isn't this a little racy?"
Yes mom! Yes it is!
Eli's gifts traditionally have a theme:
This year his theme was his Benchmade switchblade knife.
Chapin's present from Eli was allowing Chapin to use his Benchmade for exactly one minute. He savored every second of that minute, cutting up any pieces of paper and cardboard in sight!
McKay got an extension pack for Carcassonne while wearing his Carcassonne shirt, and Heidi got a scarf and hat that perfectly matched the sweater she was wearing!
We are good at Christmas!
McKay made Chapin and Kate some lightsabers.
The funniest gift of all was McKay's gift to Eli.
The Sauna Suit by Kathy Smith!
It was the gift that kept on giving because we could not stop laughing. We were all in tears rolling on the ground! Eli was actually working up a sweat in it!
I gave Chapin and Kate a video I edited of their wedding.
And to McKay, I (finally) edited our wedding footage and photos into videos for him! Meaning...
You all will get to enjoy all the videos and photos from our wedding over the next few months as I intersperse present posts with wedding posts! Then, one day, I might get to our honeymoon...eventually!
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