Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

We have had a wonderful holiday season here at 818~  I am truly blessed to have the family and the friends I hold dear.  I really don't want to take down the decorations because it just seems that when we have those decorations in front of us we remember to be a little nicer, a little more patient, and a little more loving.  I know it's not about the decorations, etc., but if they help the mood, then I say let's have more!  I know they affect my mood!  I get just awe-struck when I turn the corner and see the tree all lit up in the evenings.  And when I pull into the driveway at the end of my work day I see the little twinkling lights on the garland around the front door and it instantly makes the hour commute melt away.  And lighting the Hanukkah candles every night makes us stop and reflect on God's great love for us all.

Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season - but somewhere along the way those decorations became important.  When I was little I can remember laying on the floor looking up at the tree, seeing my reflection in the gold glass ornaments.  I remember feeling the magic!  the excitement!  In many ways I still feel that same excitement now and I love it.  I'm still like a little kid at Christmas and sometimes get teary at movies and songs about the holidays

 

But, down they must come.  I am off work this week so I will probably start packing up my stuff tomorrow.  Little by little, bit by bit, until it's all neatly tucked away until Thanksgiving weekend 2012. 

"Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp"

Here's to 2012!  

Love, Kelli