It is finally upon us – Christmas Day! Although it is not my favorite holiday of the year, I was excited to finally get to today. I stayed up late last night wrapping gifts so I can enjoy my family time with the girls. We celebrated last weekend with their Dad so that he could enjoy the holiday and their faces when they opened gifts, but Santa did come last night to get Ginger and Izzy. When to tell the baby of the family that Ginger and Izzy may not come back next year. That is and will be the biggest question of 2023 (at least for me … for now).

This is my last blog post for a couple of days; I wanted to take a pause to share with you what I feel to be the most important part by reminding my children what Christmas is about … Christ. The following expresses it the best:

Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and scurrying to get more done. We find the real joy of Christmas when we make the Savior the focus of the season.

Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from Heaven to live on Earth as a mortal man and to establish the Kingdom of God. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He lived for us. He died for us. What can we, in return, give to Him?

“The celebration of Christmas should be a reflection of the love and selflessness taught to us by the Savior. Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom of the Christmas spirit. We feel more nicer to one another. We reach out with love in our hearts to help those less fortunate. Our hearts are soft. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God is obeyed. The Spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul. As we look out upon the world’s busy life and becoming more interesting in people than in things. To catch the real meaning of the Spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.”

Thomas Monson

May we all remember the real and true meaning of Christmas. May we celebrate the holiday in a way that pays tribute to Him and all the sacrifices that He has made for us all.

“If you have the desire to find the true Christmas Spirit, take this suggestion: during the hurry of the festive occasion find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, in a quiet places, and on your knees (alone/with loved ones) – give thanks for the good things that have come to you. Ask that His Spirit dwell in you as you strive to serve Him and keep His commandments.”

Howard W. Hunter

We are wishing each and every one of ya’ll a very Merry Christmas that is full of love, laughter, family, and friends with happiness and joy. I wish that you get whatever Christmas Miracle you have been praying for. I believe in that Christmas Magic and so should you. May you remember Jesus’ birthday.

— Nikki