Christmas Love with Santa Claus!

This past weekend we all ventured out to New York to see Santa at the Plaza, and take in this magical time of Christmas in the city. The kids sure do love Santa, and it's so cute to see Noah's reaction every time we see him. He's still a little bit shy, and too humble to tell him of the things he'd like to receive. In all honesty I think Noah would like to know him. I mean really get to know him. Like what he does all day, his likes, and dislikes. After a few minutes of sitting on his lap, he slowly eased into a small conversation with him, and then began rambling on about about how he loves dogs, and animals, space, and transformers, trains, and superheroes. He didn't really ask for anything specific except that he really, really loves stars wars, and transformers.

Chelsea is a different story because even though she says all Santa's look alike, she truly believes this one is the real thing. The first time we came here, is when she noticed how real he looked. The fact that his beard, and hair are attached to his skin, and head and that it's white as snow tells her that he truly is Santa Claus. And that he hasn't changed. And another thing...this Santa winks way too much! He truly is the friendliest Santa! 

There were only two things she asked for...a cello, and a really, really large pig stuffed animal. I think sometimes she feels a little too embarrassed to tell him about her likes because of the way we, as parents teach her. As I've mentioned before in this post, I have taught all my children that it's better to give than receive, and that Christmas is not about toys, all the "I want's". It's about love, and compassion, but most importantly it's all about focusing on the Savior, (or as Noah says, the baby Jesus.)

It pleases me knowing that they understand that, and that it's okay to dream, and wish for the things that are nice in the world, but that it's not the end of the world if they don't ever receive them. And to know that there are other families in the world who are way worse off than us that require love, and attention. To always be grateful for the things we have such as a warm house, food, good health, and each other. 

This song by Sara Bareilles reminds me of what is true, especially around the holidays. Read the lyrics, and you'll see what I mean! 

I don't care if the house is packed 

or the strings of light are broken.

I dont' care if the gifts are wrapped, 

Or there's nothing here to open. 

Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it. 

Love is simply joy that I'm home. 

I don't care if the carpet's stained; we've got food upon our table. 

I dont' care if it's gonna rain, our little room is warm, and stable. 

Love is who we are, and no season can contain it. 

Love would never fall for that. 

Let love lead us, love is Christmas. 

Why so scared that you'll mess it up? When perfection keeps you haunted. 

All we need is your best my love, that's all anyone ever wanted. 

Love is how we do, let no judgement overrule it. 

Love I took to you, and I sing. 

Let love lead us, love is Christmas. 

Happy Monday everyone! 

Hello December...Meet Bruce!

As the kids were decorating the tree this past weekend we finally decided on a name for our tree. Last year we named our tree Lolly. Don't ask me why. Chelsea came up with it, but because this tree seems so masculine, and sturdy with stiff branches standing in perfect form, and since it's a blue spruce we decided to name him Bruce! I know...the names we come up with right??

This past Sunday the kids had a blast decorating him to the songs of Here comes Santa Claus, and Let it Snow all while Jon was preparing Sunday dinner. Listening to Christmas music puts a smile on my face, and seeing the kids dancing as they're decorating made it for a super fun evening. No ornaments were broken, and Noah is at an age where he is getting the whole concept of Christmas, but like I wrote on this post I want him to focus on the baby Jesus before presents. I feel that if I explain to him all about the Savior by saying "baby Jesus" he'll have more compassion because he thinks little babies are cute. 

We are so ready for Sierra to come, and in all honesty I'm trying not to stress over the holidays especially when it comes to gift giving. It's the simple things that count. I may not give extravagant gifts, but I do have my heart, time, and love to give to those who want it. 

Reading this poem gives the true meaning of Christmas, and as a parent who grew up with very little makes so much sense to me, and as each year that passes by all I want to do is keep the focus all year round as to living a simple life, filling my home with nothing but joy and love. 

And lots of dancing. 

Let me not wrap, stack, box, baby, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas. 

Christmas kept is liable to mold. 

Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls. 

Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsible iwht overflowing hands, tireless steps, and sparkling eyes. 

Christmas given away wills tay fresh...even until comes again.

 Let me not keep Christmas. 

~Linda Felver

**And for some Christmas spiritual enlightenment watch this video.