Christmas

I was just starting to get stressed about the holidays...dividing time with family, gifts, money (that's the big stressor), etc. when I decided to go ahead and pull out a few Christmas decorations to lighten my mood. I grabbed a string of lights and hung them around our dining room windows. The next thing I know, Tyler is racing up to me shouting, "Mommy!! WOW!!!" He was mesmerized by the lights. So I pulled out a few more decorations, and one thing led to another as Tyler's excitement grew, and now much to Tyler's (and my) satisfaction, our entire house is decorated for Christmas - minus the tree. Mark might have a heart attack if we put the tree up this early. Every time I would get something new out, Tyler exclaimed, "WOW!!" So sweet. He even decorated his own mini-tree in his room with lights, tinsel, and puppy ornaments (his room is decorated in puppies). He was so proud, and we have about 2 thousand toys or music boxes that play Christmas carols, so those have been going off spontaniously throughout the day as Tyler discovers how they all work.

Yes, money is tight, and Christmastime is always a little stressful for us adults, but I pray that God will lighten my heart and help me see the season for what it really is, a celebration of Jesus's birth.