Christmas musings

I remember as a child being so excited for Christmas. We usually went to my grandparents' up north. We'd play in the snow, decorate the tree, cook a ton of food, and play games together as a family. My Grandpa Ken loved to buy presents for us grandkids. He'd drag my Grandma all over town getting something he thought we'd love and then wrap them up so precisely. He absolutely loved to shop, but mostly loved watching us open gifts. We don't open presents in one huge frenzy with wrapping paper shreds filling the air. Rather, we open our stocking and Santa gifts, then go around a circle from youngest to oldest opening one gift at a time. It's a production, people. I've been thinking about Grandpa Ken a lot recently as the 10 year anniversary of his death comes in March. I can't believe it's been that long.

I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way, I stopped being so excited about what I was to receive, and more excited about finding the perfect gift. I think some of that came from my Grandpa.

Tiffany got back from Thailand from a medical mission trip this week and, boy, was I glad! This house is way too big for one person! Hearing her talk about refugees she was able to help and how excited they were to get a new shirt, pants, or even a comb made me reflect how easy it is to become caught up in material things and how much money I waste. That $160+ Williams-Sonoma bill seems frivilous compared to the refugees who were so grateful to receive a blanket for their baby that they cried. Or sheer joy to receive their first pair of socks.

I am so grateful that I have never known hunger. I am grateful for running water, a house with a floor, walls and roof, a job. I am so grateful to have the freedoms we enjoy in this country. I am also so grateful for this time of year when hearts are touched, people are kinder, and more charitable. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I can see my Grandpa again someday. But mostly I'm grateful for my Savior and this time of year when we celebrate His birth.

I keep thinking of the lyrics:
"So this is Christmas
and what have you done
another year over
a new one just begun"

I hope I have done some good this year, but know there are so many more things I can do in the weeks and year to come. If I don't post next week, have a Merry Christmas.