MDS Blog Hop--Winter/Christmas Traditions

The last few years I have created screen savers for my phone, this year I have done one to remind me of the reason for the season--Christ!  One of my favorite Christmas CD's for the last 20+ years has been "The Forgotten Carols" by Michael McLean.  The premise of the story is an older gentleman who has a nurse (who has lost the true spirit of Christmas) to care for him and he shares the unknown stories that occurred during the time Christ was born. The innkeeper, a shepherd who fell asleep and missed the angelic message, Handel's dream, a woman who held the Christ so Mary could sleep, as well as others.  One of the songs I love is called "Let Him In" about the Innkeeper who didn't have room for Mary and Joseph and how he regrets not allowing them to stay.

I am trying to focus more on the reason why we celebrate during this Christmas season.  I mean, I always try to focus on the Savior and His birth but I know that sometimes, with all the craziness that happens during the holiday season, I can momentarily loose sight of my focus.  My children are grown and so it's not so much about Santa and the gifts he brings--I LOVE Santa and the symbol he stands for, but as long as we remember that the giving of gifts is in remembrance of the wonderful, glorious gift we have been given by our Heavenly Father!  There is no other gift that can compare to the blessed gift of our Savior Jesus Christ!  I have chosen to surround myself as much as possible with reminders: creches, pictures, my cute little shepherd woodcut that I made with my dear friend Michelle Williams (who died several years ago), my olive wood nativity ornaments from Jerusalem, and because I'm on my phone every day, I thought I would have a quick reminder to make room for Him in my life daily.  I pray that we can all make room in our hearts and homes for the one for whom we celebrate this beautiful season!

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Can you believe that Christmas is just three short weeks away!  It doesn't seem like I've been in Utah for 6 months, but it has been fun decorating my new home for the holidays.  What is a special tradition you enjoy? Favorite Christmas carol? Leave a message, I would love to hear what you like to do during the Christmas season to make it special.

Julie