8 more days...

8 more days!! have i mentioned recently how much i love this season?? ;o)

this year is working out rather nicely for me...i have to say...just like thanksgiving...i will be able to spend it with the WHOLE family...these are the things that matter most...honestly...although we will not all be together in one house...i am happy that i will at least see everyone...and spend time with everyone...

so far...my plans consist of christmas eve with my older brother and his family...and my mom & dad...followed by a sleepover with my two nieces...(their idea to wake up to hot chocolate and opening presents) awww...love those girls!
then i will head out to my younger brother & best friend's house...to spend christmas with them...honestly...it is funny how it all worked out...

the strange thing about this year...is that i have not been to any christmas performances...that is a little sad for me...i usually attend about 3 different performances...this year...with my chaotic schedule...i was not able to...

i don't want to be so busy these last 8 days that i do not stop and enjoy this season...enjoy it with friends and family...but most importantly...to focus on the true reason for the season...i want to dwell on the Father sending His son to earth as a baby...to fulfill the ultimate promise...

this time of year serves different emotions for different people...many are searching...many are lonely...many are without family...many are without funds...many are stressed as to where there next meal will come from...

in giving...it is not about the presents...there are many ways to give...giving of our time...the most precious...

my sister-in-law summed it up best when she was planning a luncheon with some of her girlfriends...they meet up every year for a christmas luncheon...and as money is tight...and people still feel the "need" to purchase a gift...she rsvp's to the luncheon with "let our presence be our presents"

i like that...although i love to give gifts...and this year was a tight one...it is in the time spent together that memories are made...not the gift itself...