Twelve days of Christmas

As a child Christmas always seemed so far away. I was always waiting for Christmas to get here. Such a magical time of year with the weather changing, decorations, rich and savory food, gift giving and often traveling up north to see extended family. Just thinking about those days gets me excited. My parents raised me to always be mindful about what this holiday is really about and why we celebrate it. Sometimes in the midst of the decorating and present buying I forget. But I want to teach and instill in my children the reason why we celebrate Christmas so that means I need to be mindful. So this season everyday I try to ponder about the story of the first Christmas. I read the scriptures and I thank God for sending His Son. I also try to think a little outside my norm. Lately I've been wanting to read some history about Israel during Jesus' birth. Wondering why God picked that time. What was going on that made it the right time for Jesus to come to earth? Another interesting thought that I have spurred on by the fact that I am a worn out parent, just what was Jesus like as a baby and a toddler and how blessed Mary must have been to have a toddler that was always obedient :) I just want to keep Jesus fresh in my mind so that I don't get carried away, so that I don't forget Him, because all too often I do. In the midst of this beautiful season, while you are decorating the tree with loved ones, hanging the stockings with care, let's remember why we do all these things and how it all started and thank the Lord for sending His one and only Son! Praise be His Name!