Christmas with little ones has proven to be equal parts sweet and magical all in the same moment. With awe in their eyes over twinkling lights and a brief snowfall to fistfuls of sugar cookies and adorable Christmas jammies, it’s no wonder Christmas becomes double the fun with kids. Honestly, I’ve loved just about every minute of it. The hard moments were really hard but the good moments were really good. The stress of family and expectations melted away as the presence of the long awaited Savior stepped into my hurt, my pain, my longings, my waiting. That’s what Christmas is, a celebration of the King, Immanuel, God with us. This year more than ever I was hoping, grasping onto who Jesus is. This season left me speechless as his majesty made a home in my heart.
For both Christmas day and the day after we lounged about with hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls, listened as the little ones tinkered with their new toys, cuddled up with favorite novels, and noshed on some of our favorite dishes. We labored in the kitchen over garlic flank steak, honeyed butternut squash with pomegranates, bacon and feta dripping over haricot vert, whole grain mustard slathered over sauteed pears, and creamy sweet potato mash. It was bliss. With new traditions blooming it was beautiful to stop and recognize the gift of each other, the simple gift of a fine meal, and the delight of rest.
Lounging about on Christmas day with White Christmas and Jericho LOVED it.
The kid has a truck load of new toys and what does he want to play with? Pizza pans, of course.
This was one happy boy with his “campervan.”
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Coffee. Magazine. Novel. I think these should be love languages.
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We used bacon grease in just about everything and it was PERFECT.
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After the kids were in bed we settled in for our favorite, Downton Abbey.
I’ve hand pangs of longing for a new season, a new time, and on that blessed day I was overcome with the peace and grace only the Savior brings. His grace is sufficient for me. He is enough, always, ever enough.
Whether this Christmas was a painful one, one of new beginnings, or overcome with joy I pray as this new year finds us may restoration and refreshment be on its way. May love and patience soothe your troubled heart. This is my prayer for me, this is my prayer for you.
The best is certainly yet to come.
With Jammies and Hot Chocolate,
Tiffany