I am convinced that one is never too old to lie down under the Christmas tree!   Have you ever done that and just gazed up through the branches and looked at all the treasures?  My kids used to love to do that and even fell asleep under the boughs when they were really little.  They aren't so little anymore, but are still enjoying the view from under the tree.

 Here is some proof:

Aren't those twinkling stars fun?  Those and the glittery text are available if you use Photobucket.  I like their service, and you might too.  Just remember to keep your albums private. 

So why a tree? Here is a fun and very lovely page about Christmas you might enjoy.  Read some of the history of why we do trees, etc. 

I just read a neat blog about the WHY of celebrating Christmas.  You can go read it here.

Are you enjoying this Holiday season? 

Or is it getting you down? 

Here are a few things that might pick you up.  First off, have you ever heard of Adornaments?   We found them a few years back at the thrift store, of all places.  They are out of print now, so you might have to hunt some down for next year.  (That link is to Amazon, just FYI with a couple of reviews.  It isn't an affiliate link.) 

Anyway, we've enjoyed them and just realized that the artist who painted all the little pictures illustrating the names and attributes of Christ is none other than the wife of one of our favorite Christian musicians;  Wendy Francisco--wife of Don.  You can get some wonderful music to hear from their website station right on www.donfrancisco.com and read some great articles too.  They have GREAT mp3's that you can download for a donation too. 

One quick note:  a song called "Pants" is a bit more adult in it's lyrics than you might want your kids to listen to...just a friendly warning.  It's a cute song, but might lead to some questions. Speaking from personal experience, of course.  LOL!)

Ok, so back to your holiday. 

 Are you feeling overwhelmed with shopping that still has to get done? 

 Well, just don't shop anymore! 

If you think you need a bunch of gifts still, look around your house and see what you have that you can give away.  We are all so blessed that there must be just the right thing already in your posession for that neighbor, co-worker or friend that you want to bless with a token of your love.  Give them your favorite recipe, or that sweater that they have admired, or some seeds you saved from your flowers last summer...or...the list goes on. 

Or just take a few moments to write a card and tell them how much you (and Jesus) loves them!  It really is the thought that counts. 

However, if the getting ready to give and then the givin itself becomes too stressful, just give them a big hug and pray for them.  That is worth its weight in gold!

Are you struggling with Depression?

If you are feeling depressed, you are not alone!  Holidays can trigger depression or worsen it for many reasons.  There is a website that has some good information on it, some a bit humorous, and hopefully just the word you might need to get you up and over that mountain.  You can find it here.

Christmas and everything associated with it can totally take over our lives for a few months.  Then it's over in the twinkling of an eye...and then we have to deal with the aftermath.  Try to remember the best things you can, and throw away the rest!  Focus on the Lord and He will lead you through these crazy days of blessing and stressing. 

I hope you are remembering to find Grace and Peace in each day and not let the busy-ness of life get to you.  Remember that LOVE covers a multitude of sins, and that HIS mercy is new every morning.

Great is His faithfulness!

Have a wonderful, Holy, holly, joyful, jolly, CHRISTMAS this year!

Nancy