I love Christmas for many reasons. I love the lights, the songs, the celebrations, and the story of Jesus at the forefront of it all. I love the love felt in our community and in our family. For our family, Christmas day is spent quietly at home with our dogs and our newly opened treasures. We don’t typically go anywhere on Christmas day, and that suits us just fine. We love the time for simple traditions and grateful reflection.
This year is proving to be a simpler one with fewer gifts being exchanged and much less stress than in years past and gone. My children requested very little this year, and that made me deeply thankful for the blessings we’ve received over the years as a family. My kids don’t have the newest and best of everything, but the fact that they don’t ask for it speaks volumes. My 11 year old son asked for a deck of Harry Potter playing cards, and my 8 year old daughter asked for gift cards to Wendy’s because she loves a cheeseburger and frosty combo from time to time.
I made my traditional French Toast Casserole with a few changes this year (more butter and sugar). I always put it together in a 9×13 baking dish on Christmas Eve. Then, I put it in the oven on Christmas morning while we open presents and my husband and I drink our coffee. It’s one of those simple comforts that I hope my children remember fondly years from now.
A Christmas Story is playing as I type this because it brings humor, comfort, and familiarity to my life. My kids and husband are playing darts in the other room while my lapdog, Stella, plays with new toys she got from her grandparents yesterday.
This Christmas is definitely a simpler one, and I’m soaking it all in. I hope and pray that you all are having a beautiful Christmas and remembering the reason we celebrate in the first place.
Much Love,
Lydia
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