Christmas Tree

Its quiet in my house.  That doesn't happen very often. I'm sitting here in my living room enjoying my Christmas tree and winding down after a hard workout on the elliptical. Even as an adult, I still love the glow of the Christmas tree at night.  I have a million things on my to do list right now, yet all I want to do is relax and feel Christmasy (is that a word?).  I got on the computer to finish up another tutorial for my other blog and to try to figure out some things with networking and advertising.  Yet my heart isn't into it tonight.  I'd much rather sit here and soak in my Christmas tree.

We watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional for FHE tonight.  We weren't able to catch it last night as we were at my sister-in-law's making gingerbread houses.  I am so very glad we decided to watch it tonight.  For the first time this year I'm actually feeling the Christmas spirit. I think this time of year is so stressful for me because I try to do everything.  In fact, today I had a mini panic attack when I realized it was the 3rd and I hadn't even pulled out our advent calendar.  Then I realized that it was just another thing that I felt I had to do because someone else was doing it. In some ways I think the Internet can be a curse because I get on Pinterest, Facebook, blogs, or Instagram and see all of the wonderful things others are doing and I feel that I have to do those things too.  Sometimes I have to take a step back and remind myself that some of those people are in different stages of life, and don't have three kids under four to chase around all day (although I know some of you do have kids those ages and you are super moms! Seriously.  I admire you.). I realized tonight that I don't have to participate in every tradition or trend that comes along.  I just need to focus my family on Christ.

I also realized that I need to show more love to those around me.  We are coming off a quite challenging year, and I find myself getting so wrapped up in my own problems that I'm not looking outward at other's needs. I recently found out that a dear friend of mine has been having some serious challenges and I kick myself for not staying in closer contact with her.  I am very much an introvert, and as such, I struggle with staying in contact with people who aren't in my immediate surroundings. I've been realizing more and more how I need to reach out to others. I feel renewed, and determined to have a more Christlike heart.  So thank you, Christmas Tree, for letting me bask in your glow and realign my priorities this Christmas Season. And thank you, First Presidency, for the beautiful devotional.