We Need A Little Christmas Right This Very Minute

Christmas came quickly this year. Not that I wasn't waiting in dreamy anticipation for its arrival in the sweltering July heat, but once December finally arrived, it seemed like Christmas was here the next instant. Unlike some of my friends, I don't dread this time of year for all its shopping and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I simply refuse to allow that kind of stress and pressure into my life.... that is with the exception of last night when I was standing up baking for 5 hours straight as my husband was so considerately wrapping last minute gifts and preparing for our departure to the homeland tonight. Thank you Blake! Despite the mess I made in our kitchen last night, I love the Christmas season. Don't you love the snowy cypress and pine trees and the smooth shine of foil wrapping paper reflecting the colorful lights of the tree?

Most of all, I enjoy the time we spend with friends and family. This year we are missing my cousin and her family who won't be able to come home this time and dear friends who have recently moved across country. Many of our Christmas decorations this year came from our our friends Ben and Jaime who moved to Colorado in August. Every time we enter the back door I read a sign overhead, "We need a Little Christmas Right this Very Minute," and I smile remembering our sweet friends in Colorado Springs. As I was baking breads and cookies of all kinds last night, I remembered Danielle's Banana Bread from last year and missed our friends in the distant land of Texas. I love our friends and the memories we all have together - A trip to see the Cubs play in Chicago, late night dinners and conversations, games of trivial pursuit and Wii which always brought out the best in us! As I reflect on the year and the relationships forged in joyful and not so joyful times, I am so thankful for good friends, sweet family, and the hope we have in Christ for those that we will see again one day in Heaven.

I can't wait for our "Tender Tennessee Christmas" to begin! Just a few hours and we will be on our way and listening to the 6th Harry Potter (Don't tell us what happens next because we haven't read the books or seen the last movie!), the Christmas cd by Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips, and Behold the Lamb by Andrew Peterson and friends. What is your favorite Christmas song? My husband posted a blog recently on the worst Christmas songs of all time but I want to know everyone's favorites!  Merry Christmas family, friends, and neighbors!  May your Christmas dreams come true!