Merry Christmas From Our House to Yours!

Hello Dear Friends! It has been a BUSY season!! (Understatement!) I have talked to several friends this week who have felt as I have, overloaded and anxious that all will be ready in time for Christmas! From decorating to distributing, concerts to delectable cookie baking it is a season FULL of promise! The promise to seek, and find, the Reason for the Season! Each Christmas is celebrated to bring us a stronger commitment to follow Him & do His will here on earth!

A friend and I laughed last night as we each realized every year we commit to starting earlier! But somehow the mad dash the last couple weeks can’t be beat!

Another wise friend wrote in a message to me last night, (I paraphrase)

‘sometimes it seems so busy and full that the true meaning of Christmas gets buried beneath, sometimes we miss the real Wonder of this season all together!‘

I thought a bit about what she said, questioning my own heart? I have done it all right this year! Taken time for every tradition that could focus me and my family on the Reason for the Season! I’ve even had the chance to visit the temple this month! And yet, I still questioned my heart as I considered my friend’s observation.

I wrestled with the fact that as a very busy mother I sometimes miss feeling the full joy of giving, the wonder of faith, and the awe that comes when one truly considers the Savior of the World! Fact of the matter is, all that gets drowned out much of the time by the to-do list in my mind and the daily doggedness of just getting through!  (Laundry, meals, appointments, the constant barrage of children’s needs and cleaning up this place!)

I’m grateful for little glimpses that come as a ray of light on a dreary day! This morning I found joy just in the fact that I have kept the promise of Christmas in my heart! It may be a busy season for a mother, with little time to pause and fully appreciate the JOY of this season, but I have kept what this season is all about; that promise to seek the Savior of the world and to follow Him.

So the presents may not be all I wanted for the kids, some of the decoration boxes got put full- couldn’t get them all up, I’m missing a few things I wanted to get for various friends and family and I had a melt down because of all the craziness last week!

But looking at this season it has helped this morning to remember that I have indeed done what will bring me the most joy at the end of this season, even in the end period.  I sought to follow the Savior. As I tended to my sick Babies patiently as I could, as I snuggled my Clara a minute longer in the morning, as I listened to my teens as well as possible, gave my apologies too, as I gave blankets to children in need and sent my children off to sing to some elderly friends. I’ve followed Him as our family has gathered in prayer and scripture study despite the hectic days, and as I’ve taken time myself to pray. I’ve kept the promise of the Season to seek, and find, the Savior.

Now THAT is worth celebrating!!

Celebrate the Promise of Christmas today!!

With much Christmas Cheer! The Hoffmans

Please Tell Us How You Will Celebrate The Promise of Christmas This Season!