Packing up and looking forward …

This weekend we are putting away Christmas. The tree came down today. The outside lights were packed away. There are a few last things I will put away tomorrow. Call me crazy, but I like putting away Christmas decorations almost as much as putting them out. Really, I do. Many of my decorations were made by my Grammie. She passed away this past spring, and as I was putting those special decorations away it gave me permission and time to think about her.

We have always had a patchwork Christmas tree. No matching balls and trim for us. The ornaments all represent something, a trip we have taken, something the girls have made, or a gift from a dear friend. I love to take down the tree and really take a good look at each ornament as I pack it away for another year. So many great memories hang on our tree.

Today's cleaning also gave me time to reflect on things that I really cherished this season. I love our new tradition of having a gift box for Jesus under the tree. On Christmas night, we had a birthday cake for Jesus and sang Happy Birthday. Afterwards, Sarah brought the box to the table and opened it up. She took out the seven drawings that were inside, each representing an act of charity we did this Christmas season. She was so proud, and as we had extended family and friends with us, it was also a great testimony to share about our love for Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas. It was wonderful. I can't wait to do it again next year.

So the holidays are packed away and now it is time to look forward. I wanted to share a few things that will be coming up on this blog in the coming weeks. This Tuesday I will be posting a family craft and devotion for January. Each month, I will be posting a family devotion with a coordinating craft or activity. We did the January one last night and had a great time. I hope you will enjoy them!

Finally, what many of you have been asking about, the Contests are coming! Each month I will be doing a drawing for a prize. Every time you leave a comment during the month, you will be entered in the drawing. I'll announce the prize at the beginning of each month. Okay, yes I realize I am a bit behind for January, but I will announce it later this week!

All good things come to an end?

The saying "all good things must come to an end" has been running through my head for the past few days. It is time to head home. (I am posting this from the Miami airport.) As I think about this saying though, it just doesn't ring true to me this year.

I remember as a kid and being so sad about heading home from vacations. I would count the days until there was another vacation. These days I feel so blessed to realize the good parts of my life do not come to an end on the last day of vacation. After three weeks away, I can't wait to walk into our home, see our friends and jump back into to a life I really love.

Maybe the best lesson of taking this long holiday is appreciating what I have waiting at home.