Christmas is different year after with kids and one thing is for sure… keep the expectations realistic. I sometimes laugh at my “foolproof” Christmas plans when we are sick, ruled by nap time, and a ferocious need for coffee.
My message to myself and any other mamas is making this Christmas all your own. With just over a week left until we are up until 2 in the morning, wrapping presents let’s take a breath to finish out the holiday madness. Last week at 4 Pm Jericho and I were still in our jammies burning gingerbread cookies and having the time of our lives. No picture perfect moments available with snot from a sick baby covering my jammies, the smoke detector going off, and Michael Bublè singing Christmas favorites. Yet, it was all our own. Don’t you wonder if Pinterest and Instagram have ruined our previous notions of a calm(ish) Christmas? With those mini-sessions at the Christmas tree farm and James Beard nomination worthy gingerbread houses, we are surrounded by perfection. You know what’s really perfection, time with your littles, seeing the wonder and magic light up their faces as we lift high the banner of love, presence, and generosity.
With that said my efforts these last days of the Christmas season will be directed at creating moments of awe for my children, celebrating the beauty in others, and hoping in the King, the much awaited Savior. Creating moments of awe for our littles need not be extravagant but bear meaning beyond a Santa breakfast at the fire station.
A local church hosts a living nativity with hundreds of performers dressed to fit in the town of Bethlehem they’ve created. As you stroll through the streets you witness the smells and sounds one would find in the ancient city. You pet donkeys and sheep, talk to the wise men and make your way to the stable to see baby Jesus wrapped so tightly in the manger. Jericho was in awe. He kept asking if we were really in Bethlehem. Each night we’ve talked about the Christmas story, acting it out, talking about the hatred of King Herod, the bravery of Mary, and the responsibility of Joseph. Together we are in awe of the grace, majesty, and hope baby Jesus brought to us all.
Savoring the beauty in others is an honest way to spend the Christmas season. Sharing stories over brunch with close friends as our kids run wild, taking a walk with my husband to enjoy the Christmas displays, and indulging in the sweetest of treats with mama friends as we get dolled up for a night out has been our highlights and will continue to be. Beyond the impeccably wrapped gifts savor what’s irreplaceable, people you love, those you cherish.
Hoping in the King, recognizing the weight of this advent season has made this Christmas my favorite so far. Not a calendar chock full every night of pageants and parties, but a silence to remember the hope that burned in every one who clung to God, waiting for the Savior to heal them, redeem them. He came that Christmas morn to draw us near, renew us, save us. Joy and peace have made a home in my heart, stretching me to hold tightly to the love that makes him my Savior.
Year after year Christmas looks different for all of us, but this one, Christmas of 2015, may it be merry and bright, brimming with joy and peace. A perfect unpinterest Christmas.
