Merry CHRISTmas Everyone! :)

Christmas is my most favorite holiday! I love seeing the Christmas lights twinkling brightly, ( reminding us of the star that led the wise men and shephards to Bethlehem and the Christ-child! ) I love the candy canes ( that are a sweet reminder of the shephard's staff )! The presents and gift-giving ( reminding us of the gifts the wise men gave to baby Jesus, Who was the Beloved Gift to us from our loving Heavenly Father )! At every turn there is a cherished reminder to us of the birth of His Son, Who we joyiously celebrate!! :)

Still, I've longed for some additional way to celebrate His birth! :) ...

So I started a new tradition in our home, a few years back! I lovingly wrapped an empty box, and decorated it with a shiney bow and an ornament of a wise man that simply says "Seek Him"! This gift is the first present to go under the tree and the last to be removed! Each year I fill it with a gift from my heart of something I wish to do for the Savior throughout the coming year! :) Even though I do this for Him, I'm the one getting the most out of this experience and invite anyone who'd like to, to join in this tradition in your own homes! :)

Our tree has become especially fun to decorate as I've collected ornaments that are meaningful, through the years, from the angel on top on down to the special gift at the bottom! :)

Some favorites are ones purchased when I worked at Hallmark! I love the little girl and boy, dressed as angel and shephard! She tells the first half of the scripture story of the birth of Baby Jesus, and he tells the last half! Their voices are precious!! :)

The lamb holds a birthday cake that says "Happy Birthday Jesus"! :)

Behind it's back is a gift with a tag that reads "For my shephard." :)

The three wise men! It's looks like there's only two, but the third is on the other side! :)

This one was from Avon, years ago, of Bethlehem! :)

Of course no Christmas tree is complete without family photos of those so dear! We have many of Sheana and Cal, and now we need to make more, and add Troy and little Brennan! :)

Loved ones made some of these photo ornaments for us, years ago! This one was taken outside the Idaho Falls Temple, on our wedding day, - a sweet reminder of our beginning! :)

This is possibly one of the oldest ones, which may have been an Avon one, too. :)

I won't bore you with the rest! You can come visit us and see more if you have a mind to! :)

I wish I could see your trees and the ornaments that are special to each of you! :)

May there be among your decorations things that bond your heart to our Savior! May you feel His perfect love this Christmas, and every day of the new year!! :)