Truly the most wonderful time of the year

Do you want to know what is one of my favorite Christmas Decorations that I own? I'll give you a hint: It's not the ornament I brought home from China, or the nativity scene I picked up in Costa Rica (although that one always makes me smile- it's got pigs in it!) It's not the tree that I got on clearance a few years ago (and for those of you who know me, you know what an emotional attachment I form with great deals!) Nope- it's not any of these. Of all of the beautiful things I pull out at Christmas to decorate our home and fill it with Holiday Cheer, one of my most prized possessions is an ornament made by my nephew CJ. Here's a picture of it where it is hung on our tree this year:

I love this ornament for so many reasons. I love it because it's homemade, and since one of my main love languages is quality time. When someone makes me something home made, it means they spent time on it, and I love that. I love it because it was probably a project in school, primary, or cub scouts (although I think that CJ was probably too young for cub scouts even at that point), and he decided to send that project that he had worked so hard on to ME. His aunt. Not his grandma or mom, or dad. His Aunt. I love it because it reminds me of how important it is for me to have sweet and close relationships with all of my nieces and nephews, and how I need to work harder at always making those relationships closer and stronger. I love this ornament because the picture is up-side-down. I love that no one told that little 4 1/2 year old boy that he had made a mistake. I love that there are still teachers who are loving and patient and help encourage creativity, individuality, and a spirit of giving by having activities like making a Christmas Tree ornament out of a picture of you.
I love all of the decorations I get to put up at Christmas time. I always think that I would love to keep them up all year 'round, but if I did that I would rob myself of the experience of meeting up with old friends every year. As I bring out the ornaments, the nativity scenes, the garland, the ribbons and bows, I am reminded of trips I have taken with cherished and loved friends and family. I laugh remembering when I first learned how to make a big bow, and how I still don't get it, but am grateful that somehow the bow on our wreath on the front door looks decent enough to display. I love that for 30 to 45 days of the year, everyone is focused on a spirit of giving. And (I know this is totally and completely cliche) I love how even though the weather is cold outside, inside you will find many families gathered together to express love, friendship, and gratitude for a Savior who came to give us the gift that could not be given by anyone else.
I hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season just as much as I am! We have so much to be grateful for!!

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