A Holly Jolly Christmas

I can't think of a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to give of ourselves-- time talents and provisions. This year we....

-Sharing goodies, cinnamon bread with friends, family and neighbors. I made over 20 regular sized loaves.

-Shoveled snow for neighbors

-shoveled snow for disabled brother in ward and at the church building too.

-Invited a neighbor/friend's family over for dinner and shared with them Micheal McLean's 'The Forgotten Carols'. The daddy is struggling with cancer and they are feeling rather overwhelmed with life right now.

-Invited the missionaries for dinner plus, I've got freezer meals almost ready to go, so they'll have more meals later.

-made pine cone bird feeders--because the birds need some Christmas cheer too.

-Along with some friends, we sang carols and Connor and Cailin played their instruments to uplift the spirits of residents of the long term unit at the hospital. Delaney shared her beautiful voice and sang a solo--'Away in a Manger'.

-That was so much fun, we took the show on the road and visited with a friend whose wife if home bound. She's not able to speak well, but she smiled and loved the cuddles that Brianne shared with her.

-Shared a dinner box with a family whose dad is also dealing with cancer. They are an amazing family, so strong and faithful.

-another physically challenged friend called and asked for some help in unloading her car of groceries.....of course we'll help!!

-helped an elderly brother move into his home.

The kids must have felt the joy of service, because they even shared a bit of it among themselves. I found different older kids reading books to the younger ones. They were all more helpful and happy, at times (lest I lead you to believe that we're anything but normal), with each other.

(at the hospital the kids enjoyed time with the therapy dogs.)

Trying to follow President Monson's encouragement to give more love and service to others this holiday season has brought about an amazing gift to us. We've loved this year's celebration of our Savior's birth. We were able to forget the hustle and bustle that usually comes and delve into what I would think, Christ would have us do to celebrate his birthday--love one another--it sure has helped us have a holly jolly Christmas, that's for sure!!