Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas Time is Here...

It's the most wonderful time of the year!
There'll be much mistltoeing,
And hearts will be glowing,
When love ones are near!
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
~Andy Williams

Not only is it the most wonderful time like the songs says, it's also my favorite time of the WHOLE year! I love the sounds, the cold weather, the music, the lights, the trees, the business, the overall excitement! It's just a happy time. At least for me. I still get a little perturbed over the traffic and nastiness of people who don't enjoy the season, but I know that there is a good reason to celebrate!

I had a conversation with someone at my workplace last week. This person is not a Christian, dislikes anything to do with family, friendships, and holidays, especially Christmas. She was commenting on how when I "grow up"and "go through bad situations" I will understand why she hates Christmas and I won't love it as much as I do now. I said that I would never not love Christmas or this season. But I bit my tongue because I didn't want to "preach" at her. (She knows I am a Christian.) This little interlude made me realize even more how lost this world is. I love Christmas for the reasons I stated above, but I also love it because it tells us the beginning of the story of our Saviour. Jesus Christ came down from Heaven where He was sitting next to His Father to save us and this sinful world! What a pitiful sight we must have been! Yet, He came down here because He loved us!

I never want to lose the real reason behind Christmas. I never want to lose my joy and happiness throughout the craziness of this season. It's a time to be blessed and to bless other people!

Well, my Christmas Eve was quiet and rather uneventful. I am suffering with a slight cold, but it hasn't prevented me from the celebration! Last night we had our candlelight service at church. (Picture at left, sorry it's edited but it's the only one I have!) We had a video going on the screen of a yule log! The tree and Nativity scene on the piano was looking spectacular with all the other lights dimmed in the church! We had had dinner before service at Grandma's then returned there after the service for dessert and presents. But the biggest surprise was when my cousin and my aunt showed up at my grandparents' front door! They flew in all the way from Arizona to spend Christmas in Jersey! It was a great surprise and it was wonderful to spend some time with them!

Christmas Morning! Because of this cold, I was up at 4 am, but I didn't get anyone else up until 7:30am. We dressed and went downstairs, all sitting on the couches to listen as dad read the Christmas story from Matthew. Then, the presents. Books, calendars, slippers, sweatshirts, a wafflemaker, bobbleheads, giftcards and more were all in the mix! It was so fun to spend time with family! Then the extended family came at 10. (My dad's parents and sister.) We had brunch! So yummy!
 We had muffins, fancy coffee cake, a German breakfast dish (far right) that I can't pronounce, lol, and quiche: spinach & swiss, and three cheese!

We also had blueberry bread and a bowl of fruit! Delicious!
 

Here's Opa and Oma after eating talking to Mom (not pictured.)
                              Aunt Linda and Dad chatting in the kitchen.

Elizabeth working on her guitar. It's all tuned and ready for her to start teaching herself!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I want to wish you all a Happy Christmas, as they say in Great Britain, and a Blessed New Year!
~Abby
 
Elizabeth (right) and I
 

3 comments:

  1. Hey Abby!!!!!!!!!Merry Christmas!!! Emily

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  2. Loved the post..great pictures..when are you gonna come to visit us here in NY?

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  3. Thanks Emily! You too!

    Julie: thanks! I'm not sure when we're coming to visit. Possible sometime in January. I'll email you and let you know when!

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