Getting Ready for the Holidays...

As we prepare for another Christmas, the days fly by quickly, with all of the rushing and goings-on due to a lengthy "to-do" list.   Sometimes, it's difficult to slow down and stop and think about the true meaning of Christmas.

The true meaning of Christmas is love.  John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.

Christmas for us is also celebrating and rejoicing in our family.  It is being grateful for the gifts that have been bestowed upon us.  And, it is gift-giving to our family and friends in expression of our love.

I love decorating for the holidays, wrapping presents, shopping, and making homemade gifts.  Eric really had fun shopping this year too... especially in the toy aisle!  (Future Christmas posts to this blog will reveal his finds!)
Spoiler sidenote:  We are expecting a special visit from Santa this year!

The tree-trimming and holiday decorating always start the day after Thanksgiving.  Garland, poinsettias, and tchotchkes are scattered everywhere throughout the house!

Normally, I make homemade candies, body washes, bubble baths, coffee and cocoa mixes.  This year, I was busy making homemade lotion bars, chap sticks, hand soaps, face/skin serums, skin toners, body scrubs, lotions, and healing salves.  Of course, I made a ton of fudge and caramels too (the staples!).   Below is a small sampling of the goods - also sans the candy because I'm still not yet quite done!.

We will spend time with family a few different times this year (in a few different places!) to celebrate Christmas.  And, we are very much looking forward to those times.  

For those of you who live far away and whom we cannot see, we send our wishes to you.

May the good times and the treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow.  We wish you love, joy, and happiness!