Christmas 2014

The day after we moved in, Dec. 16th, we bought our Christmas tree and brought it home! It was nice to start decorating and making our home feel like Christmas!

A couple days later it SNOWED! We LOVE snow!

 

Because of our move just two weeks before Christmas we were unable to make it back to our families in California for Christmas Day. This is the first time we have been separated from our immediate families for Christmas since we have been married, first time ever for me. We missed the fun and games and the blessed feeling of sustaining joy that comes when surrounded by so many of those who love us. Nevertheless, we did have a marvelous Christmas. We feel it was a great opportunity for us to determine what Christmas traditions we wanted to establish for our own family. One such tradition; baking and sharing.

 

We made loads of cookies, more than needed. If we had still been in Bolivar, there would have been several homes we could visit and deliver cookies. Alas, we were not in Bolivar and I made a plethora of cookies… We decided to deliver them to all of our neighbors. There are only six homes including our own on the street on which we live. Needless to say, after delivering cookies to our neighbors, we still had too many cookies! Eventually, after a week or so we finished the cookies and we found new creative ways to eat sugar cookies. I had made thick and soft (Lofthouse wan-a-be) sugar cookies. We decided they weren’t too much different than pancakes and had them for breakfast with peanut butter on top. They were actually quite tasty :). You should try it sometime. 

We will keep the tradition of baking goodies together and then delivering them to neighbors, friends and family, but we will try not to overdo it next year. Another tradition we will keep is acting out the Nativity with the kids. They were so excited to put on a live Nativity. They loved dressing up and being the center of attention. However, most of all, we loved the spirit it brought into our home and hearts as we reflected upon the first Christmas, the first gift, our Savior.

We also made Christmas banners, a Reynders’ tradition. The kids love coloring so of course it was a hit. Right before bed on Christmas Eve, we hung the banners so they were blocking the entrance from the hall to the living room where the tree and presents were. On Christmas morning, the kids ran through the banner. Who wouldn’t love to run through and tear down a wall of paper?

We did a few other little fun traditions that we will perpetuate. In addition, we thought of things we would like to add next year.

There are so many things to love about Christmas. It is by far our favorite Holiday. The best part for us is striving to find every opportunity to remember Christ and share the gifts Christ gives with others, especially with our Children. Peace, love, hope, kindness, gentleness, meekness, forgiveness, joy; these are what we can strive for year round; these are gifts we can share with others.

Here are a few more pictures of the fun on Christmas Day:

Bubbles= true joy

Hannah: "Uh, what are we doing? Can I just eat this popcorn?"

"I'm read for this popcorn!"

Peter was so excited to give daddy his helicopter.

A little outside play :)