Wendy and Sam gave us the most beautiful gift for Christmas this year, a handmade little manger (built by Sam) and a book called "The Last Straw" which instigates a family service tradition at Christmastime. It's a great tradition that I hope we can incorporate (so far it hasn't been super successful, but the kids are sweet and we are trying!). The biggest hit of the year is actually the fact that Lucy fits perfectly into the manger and Lydia loves putting her in it.
Started working on our Christmas Cards! I think they turned out lovely. I love writing our Christmas Cards, mostly for us, but also because I think you put things on there that people (even people who follow you on social media every day) just don't really get to know. Some people get stressed about Christmas Cards and I support them simplifying - but I love our Christmas Cards and I would do them even if we didn't send them out to anyone!
Lydia has been practicing her piano piece for her Christmas Concert with dedication and enthusiasm. She's practically got it memorized and I'm really proud of her because there are several tricky passages. Also, Lydia and I went to a choir concert of my little brother Jacob (we went with my dad) and it was so neat! It was a beautiful production, all about the nativity and the Savior. My favorite song, Angels are making their rounds, touched my heart. I've been listening to a small recording of it on repeat ever since.
Speaking of traditions, I also LOVE the tradition of Neighbor Gifts. It doesn't have to be anything big or expensive - but I love the thought of connecting with my friends and neighbors at this special time of year. I love coming home to little items dropped on the porch and I love driving around with my kids, teaching them that one of the ways we can say "Thank you" and "I love you" is to give something nice/thoughtful and how that helps us strengthen our connections to each other. This year we are doing cute little box cutters with a little saying about making sure that, along with all of the other gifts and boxes this season, we open our hearts to the love of the Savior.
Also, gift preparations are well underway! I'm only posting this because I know no one reads our blog anymore, ha. But I'm working on a book for my father-in-law, Cal, that goes over all of their vacation pictures for the entire Peaden family childhood. It's going to be so amazing and I'm excited to give it to him. I'm not always the best at this, but I love finding meaningful things and giving them to the people around me to show how much I love and appreciate them.
Decorations are sparse this year, considering that we are right in the middle of our basement construction project and our front room is filled to the brim with basement supplies. We really only put up the tree, our stockings, and a few other small decorations in the corner. But the kids are thrilled and we've been dancing to Christmas music all month long. David and I have been working on staying up with our Christmas wrapping and the kids have been loving seeing new presents appear under the tree. (And I love the Peaden tradition of doing secret Christmas names so no one knows who the presents are for. It's just fun.)
We are looking forward to the Christmas holiday and are working hard to enjoy the preparations and even the busy parts of the season.
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