It's Beginning to look a lot like AFTER Christmas...

My son and I returned a few things to the store yesterday. A cluster of three artificial trees caught my eye. They were stripped of all ornaments and so sad looking - one even had a branch falling off. Store shelves were bare and everyone looked SO tired! 

I almost laughed out loud, but I was tired too. 

At home, our Christmas decorations are starting to eyeball me. 

I'm wondering, when do you take your Christmas decorations down?

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! If this year was a difficult one for you - 

you made it through. I pray that next year will be better...

In our home, we faced a difficult situation leading up to Christmas. So, I wasn't sure what to expect. I wanted so badly for our children (and even for myself!) to experience the wonder of Christmas. We can always hope for joy (perhaps we can choose it). 

And joy came. 

As I looked down our church row on Christmas Eve, time seemed to stand still... all those candles held in hands of my precious family and friends. It was a reverent moment when our thoughts turned toward our Savior, who came for us.

I was thankful that each family member was well enough to attend. Grateful that this year, there were no strained relationships. Those are the best gifts. They can't be wrapped up in beautiful packaging, but they mean the most.

Thank you for stopping by today.

I hope to be back tomorrow with a fun idea for New Year's!

xo