What wonderful ideas!!!

I think the key to the holidays is to think outside the box.

I hate to say this, but my parents were right. (I'm scrunching up my nose at the very thought of admitting that. My parents were right?! WHAT?) My mom and dad always tried to make our Christmas presents meaningful and looking back, they did a fantastic job.

I applaud my parents for getting us gifts that would make lasting memories. I loved the Christmas that my dad gave me my own tool belt with a hammer, a level, and some nails. I think he might have regretted it later, being that I hammered the whole pack of nails into the side of his antique dresser. But hey, the nails were in a fairly straight line. I used my level.

It's interesting to me that the gifts I remember getting for Christmas when I was little aren't the latest and greatest toy that I thought I HAD to have, Instead, they are the gifts that my parents put time and effort into. I went through this National Geographic phase when I was about 10 years old. So for Christmas my dad bought about fifty old NG mags from the 80's that some dude in the trading post was selling for a few bucks. You would have thought he had given me a million dollars when I opened up the box of NG magazines. (By the way, I still have them - and still love them. Yeah, I'm a nerd. That's what homeschooling does to you). :)

Some of the best Christmases I have ever had are the ones spent hanging out with the homeless at The Haven of Rest Rescue Mission (www.bristolmission.org). One Christmas day, when my best friend and I were 15, we walked to The Haven and served dinner to the homeless. We just thought we'd go and help out, maybe brighten their day a bit, when in fact WE were the ones who were blessed far beyond words could describe.

I think Christmas is the most fabulous time of year because of all the traditions and new memories awaiting to be made! I think too often we try to put Christmas in a box. We go through the holidays not enjoying them to the fullest! We need to remind ourselves every day of the wonderful reason for Christmas, Jesus Christ! This is a time to be thankful. A time to celebrate family & friends. A time to ENJOY! So, I encourage you to go and find someone who has nowhere to go for Thanksgiving or Christmas and invite them to spend it with you and your family! It's a great way to be a light for Christ and spread a little holiday cheer along the way!