Contemplative Christmas • Music for a Christ-Centered Holiday

With the advent of the Christmas season upon us, I thought I would share the updated holiday playlist that is currently in rotation here in our home. At present it consists of 100+ songs, totaling over 6 hours of music.

For me personally, I wanted a playlist that would center my thoughts on the Source of our celebration. So if you listen to these songs, you will quickly discover that there are no Santa references, no jingle bells, none of that type of stuff. Not that I don't love sleigh rides, mistletoe, snowmen, and all the other wonderful, fun traditions of this time of year. I do! And I have a library of music built up over the years with hours upon hours with all those wonderful, traditional, more secular carols that I still listen to somewhat regularly. You probably do, too.

But that's not what this particular playlist is about.

The message in this music has made a difference in how I have approached worship from the beginning of Advent through the entire Christmas season. Bear in mind that as it is my playlist, it does cater specifically to my musical tastes-- which lean more toward the indie, folk, & contemporary Christian genres. So apologies if that's really not your thing. Also, just for your information-- the tracks from The Brilliance were not in the Spotify catalog at the time of this posting and were added to the playlist from my personal collection. Therefore, they may not show up on your personal Spotify playlist. But if you're into indie music, check them out via the link below. Love them.

I hope you enjoy.
Have a blessed Christmas season!

(If you are reading this post on an RSS feed reader, please be aware that there is a widget link to my Spotify playlist on my site which will allow you to listen to almost the entire playlist for free. If for some reason it is not letting you listen from here, you can also search Spotify for the playlist "Contemplative Christmas.")

• • •

If you don't want to create a Spotify account, here is a list of the tracks on my playlist (via affiliate links) if you are curious:

Maybe This Christmas - Ron Sexsmith

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Bethany Dillon

A Baby Will Come - Emilee Cook

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus - Daniel Renstrom

Gabriel's Message - Jars of Clay

Hope - The Brilliance

Carol of the Bells / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - The Piano Guys

O Holy Night - Shane & Shane

The Night Before Christmas - Brandon Heath

Come and Worship - Bebo Norman

Joy to the World - Red Mountain Church

Unto Us - Folk Angel

O Come All Ye Faithful - Mindy Gledhill

Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella - Beth Whitney

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - High Street Hymns

Child of Love - Sara Groves

The Earth Stood Still - Future of Forestry

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Steven Sharp Nelson ft. Paul Cardall

What a Glorious Night - Sidewalk Prophets

Jesus, Savior - Chris August

God Has Come to Earth - Aaron Shust

Angels We Have Heard on High - Chris Tomlin

Do You Hear What I Hear? - Nichole Nordeman

Emmanuel - Hillsong

Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - Sara Groves

Asleep in the Hay - Jonny Diaz

Once in Royal David's City - Sufjan Stevens

Winter Snow - Audrey Assad ft. Chris Tomlin

Sing Him Gloria - Shelly E. Johnson

In the Bleak Midwinter - Steven Curtis Chapman

A Voice is Sounding - Sojourn

Stars of Glory - The Lower Lights

Better Days - Matt Brouwer

Born is the King (It's Christmas) - Phillips, Craig, & Dean

I Saw Three Ships / Pat-A-Pan - Michele McLaughlin

Away in a Manger - Mindy Smith

Joseph's Lullaby - MercyMe

You're Here - Francesca Battistelli

The First Noel - Phil Wickham

Far Far Away on Judea's Plains - Nancy Hanson

With Wondering Awe - Debra Fotheringham Band

Baby Boy - for King & Country

This Is Christmas - Kutless

Here With Us - Joy Williams

Go Tell it on the Mountain - Tenth Avenue North

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Jars of Clay

Peace Peace - Sara Groves

Christmastide - The Brilliance

Carol of the Bells - Lanae' Hale

Love Came Down at Christmas - Shawn Colvin

Silent Night - Marie Miller

Hallelujah the Lord Has Come - Jadon Lavik

God Is With Us - Sojourn

Easier (The Song of the Wiseman) - Jason Gray

I Wonder as I Wander - Will Ackerman, David Cullen

Coventry Carol - Point of Grace

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Act of Congress

Holy, Holy, Holy - Sufjan Stevens

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - MercyMe

I Am Joseph (God Is With Us) - Steven Curtis Chapman

Heaven Everywhere - Francesca Battistelli

What Child is This? (Greensleeves) - Sarah McLachlan

Still, Still, Still - Kirby Heyborne

Stars Were Gleaming - Nancy Hanson

Joy to the World - Bebo Norman

How Many Kings - Downhere

Come Let Us Adore Him - Savannah Ellis

Unto Us - Hillsong

Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Daniel Renstrom

Bethlehem Skies - Dara Maclean ft. Dave Barnes

Glory in the Highest - Shane & Shane

Jesus Is Alive - Josh Wilson

The Holly and the Ivy - George Winston

Mary, Did You Know? - Erin O'Donnell

O Holy Night - Shawn McDonald

Long, Long Ago - Andrew Peterson

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent - Red Mountain Church

We Three Kings - Steven Curtis Chapman

I Saw Three Ships - The Lower Lights

Just a Girl - Brandon Heath

Babe in the Straw - Caedmon's Call

This is Love - Paul Baloche & Kathryn Scott

Drummer Boy - Jars of Clay

Once a Year - Josh Wilson ft. Andrew Peterson

Beautiful - Kutless

O Little Town of Bethlehem - FFH

Love Has a Name - Jason Gray

Redemption Song - MIKESCHAIR

Our God - Lincoln Brewster

Glory to God in the Highest - Downhere

Lo How a Rose E're Blooming - Derek Webb

See Amid the Winter's Snow - Abby Eaton

Glory Be - Sojourn

Child in the Manger - Derri Daugherty

There is Room - Zac Hicks & Cherry Creek Worship

Where Are You Christmas? - The Piano Guys ft. Sarah Schmidt

Real - Nichole Nordeman

Someday At Christmas - Jack Johnson

Open Up - The Brilliance

O Sacred and Immortal Day - Leigh Nash

Silent Night - Shane & Shane

It's True - Sara Groves ft. Toby Groves

Let this list stand as a starting point for you to create a Christ-centered Christmas playlist of your own!

May God's blessings be with you and your loved ones this holiday season & always.

♥

{five things xxv}

So for this week's "five things," my blogging buddy Heather has asked us to share our five favorite Christmas decorations. In no particular order, here they are!

- one -

I love our Christmas tree. There are so many memories attached to it-- from the ornaments I bought when Bryson and I were newly married, the ones I received each year as a child, to the ones my own children have received every Christmas-- continuing the family tradition. There are gilded fruit ornaments, glass icicles resembling candy canes, and lots of shatterproof balls in red and gold. After five kids I finally wised up and stowed the glass baubles away, perhaps for a future date. We are all about the shatterproof ones now.

I have been pleasantly surprised at how good the twins have been with the tree this year. Last year we had ornaments scattered throughout the house and quickly instigated a "no ornaments on the bottom third of the tree" rule. This year Bryson has told them that they are only allowed to touch the ornaments with one finger (because, really, asking them not to touch at all is just entirely unrealistic!), and this has been working really well.

We have been reading A Christmas Carol as a family on my Kindle with only the Christmas tree lights & fireplace lighting the room at night. It has been magical.

- two -

Speaking of the fireplace, I have to include it even though it's not really a Christmas decoration. Last year when Bryson was working out of town I decided to make over our main living room. My personal splurge was purchasing this electric fireplace for the space. I grew up in a home with a large hearth and loved spending evenings listening to the crackling fire. We don't have a very big house, but this little fireplace fits very nicely in our room and adds a substantial "cozy factor" to our home.

My favorite place in our entire house is curled up with a book and a mug of hot cocoa in the leather easy chair next to the fireplace. There is always a stack of books on the mantle, and at this time of year I always have a selection of some of my family's favorite Christmas stories there.

Of the books, my personal favorite is an old book my grandma gave me a few Christmases ago that used to belong to her family when she was growing up. Entitled The Fireside Book of Christmas Stories, it's in surprisingly good shape for a book published in 1945! There are some wonderful tales in its pages, and it makes me smile and think of my grandma every time I see it.

 - three -

I love that my nativity set is the first thing that greets us when we enter our front door. We have quite a few little nativities scattered throughout the house, but you cannot go anywhere in our house without passing this one repeatedly-- all day long. It is our constant reminder of the Reason for the Christmas season. Sitting on our antique piano directly across from our entryway, I hand glazed it when I was a teenager for a church youth group project. It is always the first thing I put out every year when I start the Christmas decorating. It has held up remarkably well, with only one minor casualty when a stocking holder fell off our half wall last year, cracking one of the camel's noses. Thanks to Bryson's mad super-gluing skills, it is scarcely noticeable from a distance. You will also notice in the picture below that we have now given up stocking holders. :) 

- four -

On the half wall above the piano & nativity set are our stockings. This year I couldn't believe how many of them there were!!! They aren't handmade, but they have special meaning to me regardless. When we were first married, Bryson and I spent Christmas with my parents and they had the first stocking shown in the picture above made just for Bryson. Ever since, I have had stockings made for each of our children by the same company, and decided to get one for myself as well since my old one (which my beloved great-aunt made for me) was quite a bit bigger. That one usually hangs in my bedroom with Bryson's childhood stocking. This year I simplified a bit since we have a newborn in the house, so sadly they are still in storage. But seeing all of these hanging in a row makes me smile. With all the difficulties I have had over the years in conceiving, difficult pregnancies, and complicated postpartum issues, I never thought I would have so many to adorn our living space. Blessings, each one.

- five -

Rounding out my top 5 is the ginormous poinsettia we receive from Bryson's work each year. Seriously, you can't tell from the photograph but this thing is HUGE. It sits on the floor in our basement and hits me at my waist. That's how tall it is.

Every year when the florist drops it off on our doorstep I have a huge giggle over it. Before we finished our basement we literally had no idea where to put it. Bryson jokingly refers to it as our second Christmas tree. It's really not too much of an exaggeration.

It is beautiful, though, and we certainly love having it in our home this time of year.

• • •

Those are my five things for the week! Hop on by Heather's blog to see her five favorites, and feel free to share your own as well!

Warm wishes for the second week of Advent from our family to yours!

♥

A Contemplative Christmas Playlist

To be totally honest, I was a little blown away by the response I received to my Thanksgiving playlist a few weeks back. For someone who doesn't even list her blog with search engines, I was taken a little off guard by the traffic flowing to my little corner of the web via Pinterest. So to those of you who enjoyed that post, I am really happy that I was able to do a little something to help make Thanksgiving more contemplative. And many thanks to my blogging buddy Montserrat over at Chocolate on my Cranium, who has shared my enthusiasm for creating a more meaningful Thanksgiving holiday season.

In that same vein, I thought I'd share my Christmas playlist that I've had playing regularly in our home this week. Similarly to my Thanksgiving tracks, I wanted a playlist that would center my thoughts on the Source of our celebration. So if you listen to these songs, you will quickly discover that there are no Santa references, no jingle bells, none of that type of stuff. Not that I don't love sleigh rides, mistletoe, snowmen, and all the other wonderful, fun traditions of this time of year. I do! And I have a library of music with hours upon hours with all those wonderful, traditional, more secular carols that I listen to regularly. You probably do, too.

But that's not what this particular playlist is about.

So here are 55 contemporary, mostly Christ-centered songs (and certainly more to come...), totaling well over 3 hours of listening pleasure that have made a difference in how I have approached the beginning of Advent and the Christmas season. Bear in mind that as it is my playlist, it does cater specifically to my musical tastes-- which lean more toward the indie & folk genres. So apologies if that's really not your thing. Of these 55 tracks, there is only one true repeat song. I couldn't decide which version of "O Holy Night" I preferred-- Shane & Shane's rollicking uptempo take of the beloved hymn (I know, but it works, trust me) or Shawn McDonald's more traditional acoustic version-- so I included both. 

I hope you enjoy.
Have a blessed Christmas season!

(If you are reading this post on an RSS feed reader, please be aware that there is a widget link to my Spotify playlist on my site which will allow you to listen to the entire playlist for free.)

• • •

And here is the track list:

1. Maybe This Christmas - Leigh Nash

2. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Bethany Dillon

3. A Baby Will Come - Emilee Cook

4. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus - Daniel Renstrom

5. We Will Find Our Hope - The Brilliance

6. Carol of the Bells / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - The Piano Guys

7. O Holy Night - Shane & Shane

8. The Night Before Christmas - Brandon Heath

9. Come and Worship - Bebo Norman

10. O Come All Ye Faithful - Mindy Gledhill

11. Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella - Beth Whitney

12. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Steven Sharp Nelson ft. Paul Cardall

13. Angels We Have Heard on High (Acoustic Version) - Chris Tomlin

14. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Nichole Nordeman

15. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - Sara Groves

16. Asleep in the Hay - Jonny Diaz

17. Once in Royal David's City - Sufjan Stevens

18. Winter Snow - Chris Tomlin ft. Audrey Assad

19. In the Bleak Midwinter - Steven Curtis Chapman

20. Better Days - Matt Brouwer

21. I Saw Three Ships / Pat-a-Pan - Michele McLaughlin

22. Away in a Manger - Mindy Smith

23. Joseph's Lullaby - MercyMe

24. You're Here - Francesca Battistelli

25. The First Noel - Phil Wickham

26. Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains - Nancy Hanson

27. Baby Boy - for King & Country

28. Go Tell it on the Mountain - Tenth Avenue North

29. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Jars of Clay

30. Peace Peace - Sara Groves

31. Christmastide - The Brilliance

32. Love Came Down at Christmas - Shawn Colvin

33. Hallelujah the Lord Has Come - Jadon Lavik

34. I Wonder as I Wander - Will Ackerman with David Cullen

35. Coventry Carol - Point of Grace

36. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Act of Congress

37. Holy, Holy, Holy - Sufjan Stevens

38. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - MercyMe

39. What Child is This? (Greensleeves) - Sarah McLachlan

40. Still, Still, Still - Kirby Heyborne

41. Stars Were Gleaming - Nancy Hanson

42. Joy to the World - Bebo Norman

43. Come Let Us Adore Him - Savannah Ellis

44. Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Daniel Renstrom

45. Jesus is Alive - Josh Wilson

46. The Holly and the Ivy - George Winston

47. Mary, Did You Know? - Ali Matthews

48. O Holy Night - Shawn McDonald

49. We Three Kings - Steven Curtis Chapman

50. Babe in the Straw - Caedmon's Call

51. O Little Town of Bethlehem - FFH

52. Redemption Song - MIKESCHAIR

53. Someday at Christmas - Jack Johnson

54. Silent Night - Shane & Shane

55. It's True - Sara Groves ft. Toby Groves

♥

{five things ix}

-one-

So today's five things was actually started on Friday night, I promise.  These days, writing sometimes has to come in tiny increments.  But when I started putting my Friday five together, it was 8:30 in the evening, and as I looked around I realized that I had spent the entire day in my pajamas.  It was just that kind of day.  In fact, the only members of my family who had actually changed into normal everyday clothes were Bryson and Taylor.  Reilly had spent the day at home sick, and the twins just sort of had a pajama day by default.

In fact, most days you can find me in my bright red flannel pajamas.  They've kind of become my new uniform.  They're warm.  They're comfy.  They have a stretchy waistband.  Seriously, what's not to love?

-two-

If my pregnancies could have a sponsor, it would be the little Mexican food chains here in Utah-- Betos & Rancherito's.  I'm pretty sure that they're run under the same parent company, although each restaurant seems to be independently owned and operated.  While the idea of most food in general right now absolutely turns my stomach, I can't get enough of their ham & egg breakfast burritos.  And honestly, those things are monsters-- like, football-sized.  Almost.  In my non-pregnant state I can barely put down half of one.  But now...  Oh, heaven help us.  It must be the protein that my body is craving, but holy cow.  The adorable little Mexican-American lady that works the drive up in the mornings has gotten to know me well through my pregnancy with the twins and now these last few weeks.   

-three-

Contrary to what you might assume, this is not a crime scene photograph.

A few weeks ago, we purchased some toddler beds for the twins.  Nights have been... well, interesting ever since.  This was the scene one morning when I came to check on them.  Logan was cozied up on his bed just fine, but Dani...  Well, you can see for yourself.  Blankets strewn about the room, and she was snoozing face-down, with her winter coat over the top of her.  We're hoping she gets the hang of it soon.

-four-

Last week, I actually had a couple-day stretch where I felt pretty good.  Since I had a bit of energy, I decided to make some Christmas cookies.  Taylor was at school, and Logan wasn't interested, but my girls were all on board for the adventure.

As you can see, Reilly "helped" thoroughly.

I tried out a new recipe this year, a "chocolate crinkle" cookie-- you can check out the link for the recipe!  They are very good.  Following the recommendation of one of the reviewers, I rolled half of the cookie dough in powdered sugar for the traditional "snowball" look, and then I rolled the other half in regular granulated sugar.  After baking, I let the glittery granulated ones cool somewhat and then added a candy cane Hershey's kiss to the center.  Ta da!  Two cookies for the work of one!  Awesome.

-five-

Last, but certainly not least, I wanted to show you my most favorite thing at the moment.  This is a picture that Reilly drew for me of our family.  Note how many people are in the drawing.

There are so many things I love about this picture.  I love that she chose to draw the new baby as already a part of the family-- in fact, right at the very center!  I love how happy everyone is.  I love that Reilly chose to draw herself right in between Bryson and I, and that she's looking up at us with a big smile.  And that her big brother Taylor is looking down at her, watching over her.  So true to life (most days).  Family really is the most amazing gift.  I'm so grateful for a home that is filled with real and honest love.

• • •

And those are my five things for last week!

♥

What Can I Give Him, Poor as I Am?

Three years ago, my eldest boy, Taylor, was three years old.
Three is a magical age for this time of year.

• Taylor, 2008 •

It was just days before Christmas, and I was tucking him into bed.  We had read a story, said his prayers, had hugs and kisses, and turned out the light.  There in the darkness, just as I was about to head for bed myself, I heard Taylor's little voice.

"Mom?"
"Yes, honey?"

Turning to face him, I noticed a most concerned expression on his face.

He sighed.

"I just don't know what to get Jesus for His birthday!"

I paused for a moment, wanting to respond with the same sincerity he was showing.  In the quiet darkness of his room, one of my favorite carols came to mind.

 
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?  
Give my heart.
("In the Bleak Midwinter" music by Gustav Holst, lyrics by Christina G. Rossetti)
 
Looking at Taylor, I smiled.

"I think the best present to give Jesus would be to show kindness and be a good friend to everyone. Do you think Jesus would be happy if you were nice to your friends?"

He thought for a moment, and nodded with a grin.

"Yes, Mom, I think that's a good idea."

And with that small but significant moment, my perception of Christmas and what it could mean in the lives of my children shifted.

One of Bryson's and my favorite books to read during this season is A Christmas Carol.  If you haven't read the original words, unabridged from Charles Dickens himself, I highly recommend doing so.  There are so many beautiful passages that tend to be left out in the newer, more secularized versions.

A favorite passage comes from the dialogue between Scrooge and the ghost of Jacob Marley, as Marley laments to his old friend about what might have been:

"At this time..." the spectre said, "I suffer most.  Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode!  Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!" 

More recently, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf echoed the same sentiment in his counsel to all:

“Like the Wise Men of old, [we] should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer Him our love. We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember Him always, to emulate His example, and to go about doing good.”
("Christmas is About the Christ," 2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional)
 
The Book of Mormon also teaches us that if we are to serve God, we must turn our eyes and our hearts to those around us.

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.  (Mosiah 2:17)

When Christmas becomes more centered on the Savior, the presents and packages, the tinsel and trimmings, all seem dull in comparison to the everlasting gift Christ has given each of us.

It becomes less about dollars and cents, and more about service and an overwhelming sense of genuine love for all.

What can I give Him?  
Give my heart.
 
And, really, I can't think of a better gift than that.

• • •

This post is part of a blog hop hosted by the Book of Mormon Forum!

Please feel free to join us and link up your Christmas posts below.

It's True

Each year as we approach Christmastime, I consider how to best teach my children the true reason for the season.  While I love Santa and all that good stuff, I try not to make it the focus of our holiday.  At home, we listen to Christmas music constantly, and I try to keep the majority of songs centered on the Savior.  

An artist that I love, Christmastime or not, is Sara Groves.  This year, as I listened to her song "It's True," I suddenly started to cry.  I think as a mother, daughter, sister, and friend, this song seems to express so well my own feelings and beliefs about the Nativity story at this specific moment in my life, and how I want my children to feel about it as well. Despite the doubt that is so prevalent in the world today, we don't have to be hesitant.  As Toby Groves says so sweetly in the song, "Is anything too wonderful for God?" 

In keeping with that spirit, I put together a slideshow for my children to go along with Sara's beautiful lyrics.  I thought I would share it with those who would be interested here.  It's my hope that it brings a little Christmas cheer into your day.  

Remember the reason for the season!  Despite all the secular traditions we enjoy this time of year that have their basis in fiction, the wonderful truth of the matter is that the real Christmas story is not mere fantasy!

Just as in the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon also testifies of Christ's sacred birth.

And it came to pass that I looked and beheld … the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.

And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!
(1 Ne. 11:13, 20-21)

Alongside Christians of all denominations and faiths, we also rejoice over the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-- He who was born to save us all.  He was born for you and for me.  Each of us, individually and collectively.

It's true!
Glory to God in the highest.

Overheard

(Eartha Kitt's vocals in the background...)

Reilly: Hee hee hee, Taylor, she's singing about Santa Baby!!!

Taylor: (matter-of-factly) Well, Reilly, he was a baby a lo-o-o-ong time ago.

Reilly: And then he grew up to be Santa!

Taylor: Yep!

The Light of Christmas

There is another glimpse of heaven that becomes easier to see at Christmastime. It is of light. Heavenly Father used light to announce the birth of His Son, our Savior (see Matthew 2; 3 Nephi 1). A new star was visible in both the Eastern and the Western Hemispheres. It led the Wise Men to the child in Bethlehem. Even wicked King Herod recognized the sign; he feared it because he was wicked. The Wise Men rejoiced because of the birth of the Christ, who is the Light and the Life of the World.

We remember at Christmastime not only the light that announced the birth of Christ into the world but also the light that comes from Him.

We can with confidence set a goal to make this Christmas brighter than the last and each year that follows brighter still. The trials of mortality may increase in intensity, yet for us, darkness need not increase if we focus our eyes more singly on the light that streams down on us as we follow the Master. He will lead us and help us along the path that leads upward to the home for which we yearn.

- Henry B. Eyring, “Home for Christmas,” Liahona, Dec 2009, 2–7

Silent Night

'Twas the night before Christmas,
And nary a peep
Was heard through the house--
Not even from Sheep.

Merry Christmas!
And God bless us, every one.

Priceless

A Christmas card from Taylor...
(with a little help from his teacher Miss Ashley)

Front: My mom makes us dinner.



Inside: Thank you, Mom for coming home. I like lunch. We put up the Christmas tree.

Love,
Taylor
(...spelled from right to left: rolyaT)

It All Keeps Adding Up

It is growing increasingly difficult for the kids to contain their excitement about Christmas. For the past couple of weeks they have been bouncing (sometimes literally) off the walls. Silliness has been taken to an entirely new level.

On one such afternoon recently, I decided to escape the noisy ruckus for a few precious moments of solitude. As I was enjoying the peace and quiet, Bryson poked his head in the room with a mischievous grin on his face.

"So... I think you may need to come take a look at your daughter," he explained.
Not quite ready to leave my cozy confines for the chaos I was certain to find, I complied with a sigh.
But after taking one look at Reilly twirling gleefully around the living room, I couldn't help but giggle.

"Ummmm, so does this mean I can technically refer to her as a basket case?" Bryson asked with a chuckle.


Only three more days 'til Christmas!

The Redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge

"Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead," said Scrooge. "But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me!"

... For the first time the hand appeared to shake.

"Good spirit," he pursued, as down upon the ground he fell before it: "your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life!"

The kind hand trembled.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!"

Holding up his hands in a last prayer to have his fate reversed, he saw an altercation in the phantom's hood and dress. It shrunk, collapsed, and dwindled down into a bedpost.

YES! and the bedpost was his own. The bed was his own, the room was his own. Best and happiest of all, the Time before him was his own to make amends in!

"I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!" Scrooge repeated, as he scrambled out of bed. "The spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Oh Jacob Marley! Heaven, and the Christmas Time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob; on my knees!"

-- Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

The Night Before Christmas

Children carry through the streets
A brilliant painted star.
Angels gather round the hearth
Strumming on guitars.
Men of great renown & faith
Say prayers on boulevards.
It's the night before Christmas.

But you don't have to be an angel
To sing harmony.
You don't have to be a child
To love the mystery.
And you don't have to be a wise man
On bended knee.
The heart of this Christmas is in you and me.

- Carly Simon

Christmas Miracles, Christmas Tears

Christmas is a time for miracles.


And there are few miracles as real & tangible as the birth of a child. My children are my own personal miracles, and I treasure them (along with my marriage to Bryson) more than anything on Earth. This past month I have been doing a lot of reflecting on the miracles that children bring into our lives.

I have some dear friends that have been through an emotional roller coaster as they anticipated the birth of their 5th child, a little boy. At the 20th week of pregnancy, the doctors noticed some abnormalities. There was an incredible excess of amniotic fluid. A subsequent ultrasound discovered a major heart defect that can be indicative of Down's syndrome, a mesoblastic nephroma (benign tumor) around the right kidney, and -- as if that weren't enough -- some fluid around the base of the spine, a common sign of spina bifida.

Needless to say, there were a lot of prayers said on their behalf.

As the birth approached, the family prepared for a long hospital stay, and possibly the immediate surgery of their little newborn. And just a couple short weeks ago, little Levi was born. A little miracle in every sense of the word. There was no Down's syndrome. MRI's done shortly after birth showed no signs of the kidney tumor or spinal problem-- positively baffling the doctors. There is still a heart defect, but it is something that can be addressed as the baby gets older. Only a few short days after his birth, he is home with his loving parents and four older siblings. Again, a miracle.


This announcement was still elating my heart when I heard some more tragic, heartbreaking news.

Just a few days ago some other close friends of ours lost one of their precious twin baby girls -- little Mhairi -- to SIDS. It was so sudden, so shocking. And there were so many questions racing through my mind.

Why?
Why should one child be blessed while another is taken?

At the funeral yesterday, I was a complete mess during the service. The tears came down my face in an endless stream as I wept for my friends' loss. And I marveled at their strength. They spoke of faith and God's will as they cradled their surviving daughter, only 3 months old. They believe that Mhairi was taken because she was too perfect for this world, and that she will watch over them as a Guardian Angel. And I believe them, too.

Families are forever. That is what we believe, as Latter-Day Saints. We teach that the bonds of familial love go beyond the grave and that we will live together eternally with our Father in Heaven if we strive to live worthily. It is wonderful, comforting doctrine. And right now I find it even more so. It speaks to my soul.

While the storm may rage around us as we make our way through this life, we have hope. We have love. We have peace.
We have each other.

And so this Christmas, I find myself holding my own little miracles a little tighter. I am so grateful for the light they bring to my life. And while I pray for continued blessings on behalf of both Levi & Mhairi's families, I also pray that I can always remember to cherish my family as the singular treasure in my life.

Today in the car-- as reality was over-taking us-- I started singing in an effort to put the fighting, screaming, crying... you know, the usual-- to an end. I paused, and Reilly asked if we could sing "Families." This is her title for a song we often sing in the children's Sunday School. Her little voice rang out:

I always want to be with my own family
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.
As she finished, I luxuriated in the peaceful warmth that followed.
Bryson remarked, "I am so glad we believe what we believe."
I couldn't agree more.

Born in a Manger

I have the precious opportunity to spend my Sundays with a very special group of people. You see, I am the Nursery Coordinator for my church congregation-- which means for two hours every Sunday I get to sing, play, and learn from the children in the 18-36 month old Sunday School classes.

Today it was Abby's turn to teach me.

Over the past few weeks, I have been teaching the children a new song for the holidays-- "Christmas Bells are Ringing." The lyrics are pretty simple, and easily learned.

Christmas bells are ringing!
Hear what they say to you:
Jesus is born in Bethlehem;
In Bethlehem.

In helping the children review the words, I asked, "Where was Jesus born?"

Little Abby responded.

"In a manger!"
"Yes, that's right! But do you remember the name of the town? It's a pretty long word..."

(furrowed brow of concentration)

"Is it Bethlehem?" I prompted.
"Yes! Bethlehem!""Very good, Abby!" I exclaimed.

But she wasn't quite finished.

"Yes, at Bethlehem. And there was no room for Him. No room. For Joseph and Mary. But they could go to the manger. And Jesus was born in a manger. And that's Christmas! It's Jesus' birthday! The baby Jesus was born in the manger. And I love Christmas," she finished fervently.
"I love Christmas too-- it's a very special time of year, " I agreed. "Shall we sing our new Christmas song all together?"

The children nodded. With jingle bells in hand, we began to sing. And no one sang louder than Abby.

There is nothing like the faith of a child. ♥

Dinger Bells

Taylor: (singing) Dinger Bells, Dinger Bells... Dinger all the waaaay....

Me: Taylor, it's actually Jingle Bells-- not Dinger.

Taylor: That's what I said-- Dinger.

Me: No... not Dinger, Jingle. With a "J." Jah... jah... jingle.

Taylor: Mom, it's not Jingle. Bells "ding," not "jing!"


Can't argue with that logic.

O Christmas Tree

The tree is up.

The ornaments are hung.

(Except when they're not...)

The lights are lit.

Everything is quiet.

How lovely are thy branches.

A Holly Jolly Road Rage

Due to the white-out conditions on the roads this morning, Bryson decided to stay put in the office today instead of driving up the canyon. Which, of course, made me happy for two reasons-- One: I didn't have to spend the entire day having visions of his untimely demise by driving in said ridiculous conditions, and Two: The kids and I were able to share his lunch hour with him-- something we enjoy but rarely have opportunity to do.

We were able to meet at a nice little cafe where Bryson & I enjoyed some yummy panini while the kids noshed on a cheese quesadilla. Afterward, I decided to dash into a nearby store and pick up some baking pans that I had noticed were on sale. Bryson followed me over and sat with Taylor & Reilly so I didn't have to do the kid-wrestling-tango that always ensues. I was in and out, with nary a holiday shopping headache! The cashiers were friendly, the patrons were patient, the Salvation Army bell ringer cheery & gracious. Ahhhh, I thought. So nice to have a positive experience this time of year. After loading the wares into the car and kissing Bryson goodbye we parted ways. He drove off in his truck, the kiddos & I in the SUV. The skies cleared, the sun came out. Life was good.

Then as I turned out of the parking lot on to a minor side road the warm fuzzies began to dissipate. I suddenly heard a car horn being laid on thick. Confused, I turned-- wondering what on earth was going on. A second later I saw her. A middle-aged woman driving a white pick up truck, clearly screaming her head off and using all sorts of hand gestures to get her anger across. Hmmm. Apparently, I was the problem.

Now, I am not someone you would label as an aggressive driver. Being raised near a big city, I know how to handle myself on the roads, but I am far from reckless. When I turned out of the parking lot today, this lady was not near me. Which leads me to one of two conclusions. One: That she was driving way too fast for this little road and I failed to notice, or Two: That she just was having a bad day and thought for some reason I slighted her somehow by turning in front of her. Either way-- even if I was in the wrong-- there was absolutely no intention on my part in offending her. And her reaction was clearly over-the-top. Even if I did slow her down for the briefest of moments, she more than quadrupled that time when she decided to slow down and give me a piece of her mind-- even stopping at a green light while I waited to turn left so she could drive the point home!

"Geez Louise," I thought. "What kind of person allows themselves to hang on to so much anger?"

I thought about that the whole way home. It's a good question. Life is so short. Who has time to send that kind of negative energy out into the world?

I really kinda felt bad for this lady.
I mean, c'mon, it's Christmas!
Perhaps she didn't get the memo about peace on earth & goodwill toward men.

As I continued homeward, I decided I needed to let the negativity go. She may have made the decision to send that anger my way, but it didn't mean I had to hold on to it.
"May you be well," I said under my breath as my exit approached.

And I hope she is.

Because, really, no one should harbor such ill feelings this or any time of year. We're all just driving to our own destinations in life... Where is the sense in sowing seeds of hate? It's just not worth it.

Christmas Tag

I haven't yet succumbed to the pressure of playing Blog Tag (Kristal, I'm still trying to come up with 7 quirky things... Soon!), but my friend Amy intrigued me with her current Christmasy one. So here goes...................

1. Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags?
Well, I have to admit I'm a sucker for the well-wrapped gift with ribbons and bows... although the eco-conscious part of me is starting to lean toward the reusable gift bag.

2. Real Tree or Artificial?
We stick with the artificial these days.

3. When do you put up your tree?
Some time between the day after Thanksgiving & the first of December.

4. Do you like eggnog?
Nope, can't say I'm a fan. Too sweet. Bryson could drink it by the barrel-load, though.


5. Favorite gift received as a child?
1985. Cabbage Patch Kid. 'Nuff said.

6. Hardest person to buy for?
The in-laws. Love them, but boy do I have to rack my brain over that one!

7. Easiest person to buy for?
My immediate family-- Bryson & the kids. I'm trying to scale back-- it's so easy to go overboard!


8. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, I glazed it myself back in my high school days.

9. Mail or Email Christmas cards?
Mail, for sure. Email should be a last resort when it comes to Christmas cards, IMHO.


10. Worst Christmas gift recieved?
I don't like this question! And I can't think of one.... So, next!

11. Favorite Christmas movie?
It's a Wonderful Life-- with A Christmas Story & Mr. Krueger's Christmas right behind!


12. When do you start shopping?
It's an on-going process... I'm always on the look out for something special, then I just save it for birthdays or Christmas.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Nope.


14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Bûche de Noël. It's a fancy French dessert I make every year.


15. Lights on the tree?
Yes, little white ones.

16. Favorite Christmas Song?
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

17. Travel on Christmas or stay at home?
I prefer to stay at home.

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Of course!

19. Angel or Star on top of the tree?
We have a star. Angels are nice too, though.

20. Open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning. Opening presents Christmas Eve is a pet peeve of mine.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The holiday shoppers who seem to forget the "peace on Earth, goodwill toward men" part of the season. I worked retail during college this time of year... you see the worst of people. I tend to avoid stores of all shapes and sizes until January.

22. Favorite Ornament Theme or Color?
I have been collecting ornaments since I was born-- it's a family tradition. So my tree is laden with all sorts of heirloom ornaments from different periods of my life. I love it.
23. Favorite Christmas Dinner?
Tradition is ham, although we had a lovely roast duck last year.
24. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Honestly? I really can't think of anything. Just more time spent with my family.

If you find this Christmas Questionnaire intriguing... consider yourself tagged!

A Birthday Present for Jesus

The holiday season has been magical for us this year, predominately because Taylor is grasping the concept and meaning of Christmas for the first time .

We have explained to him that Christmas is the time of year that we celebrate the Savior's birthday. In an effort to quell the I-want I-want I-want of the season, we've also been trying to stress the importance of giving rather than receiving. As a mom, I have found myself curious as to what was sinking in and being understood.

Of course, Taylor didn't make me wait too long to find out.

The other night, I was tucking my little man into bed after reading a Christmas story. We had said prayers, sang a song, had kisses & hugs-- when suddenly Taylor looked very concerned.

"Mom?"
"Yes, honey?"
"I just don't know what to get Jesus for His birthday!"

I paused for a moment, wanting to make sure I answered his earnest question seriously and truthfully. In the quiet, I found the words from one of my favorite Christmas carols come to mind:

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him? Give my heart.
("In the Bleak Midwinter" music by Gustav Holst, lyrics by Christina G. Rossetti)

I looked at Taylor.

"I think the best present to give Jesus would be to show kindness and be a good friend to everyone. Do you think Jesus would be happy if you were nice to your friends?"
"Yes, Mom. I think that's a good idea."

And so this year the focus has shifted.
Out with the "bigger & better," in with the "meaningful & heart-felt."

Because what could be better than giving one's heart?