Christmas Intentions

I so love this time of year. It is during this time that I am encouraged to throw off all distractions and focus on our Lord and my family. I generally feel invigorated during this time and plan accordingly. This years plans include...

*participating in Stir Up Sunday. According to Anglican tradition the following prayer would be recited on the fifth Sunday before Christmas and it is from this prayer that this day gets its name. From the Book of Common Prayer: Stir-up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Many British families see this as a timely reminder to begin the Christmas cakes and puddings. I do not make such cakes and puddings but did think that it would be a nice time to start my Christmas baking. Alas, this day came upon me so quickly, as I was distracted with illnesses, doctor's appointments, and play auditions, that I failed to prepare for my baking. However, the boys did have a great time mixing up a huge batch of hot chocolate mix that will be used during the holiday festivities and used to keep us warm during these cold winter months.
*decorating the front porch. I bought a variety of florist pics so that I may change the wreath on the front door according to each particular festivity. For Saint Nicholas Day I will use pics that resemble peppermint candies. I have blue and silver pics to decorate the porch for Hanukkah. Gold pinecones will be used for Christmas itself and pics that a riot of colors for New Years and Epiphany.
*decorating the Christmas trees. Our large tree is always decorated with the family ornaments that include ornaments that I have given each child annually since birth, other ornaments received as gifts, and handmade ornaments. Our smaller tree will be decorated for the Hanukkah party using silver and blue ornaments and ornaments created by my daughter specifically for this occasion. After the Hanukkah party I hope to help the boys create Jesse tree ornaments to put on this tree.
*recognizing Saint Nicholas Day. I hope to recognize Saint Nicholas Day with my older sister, her children and grandchildren, and, of course, my kiddos. I have so many ideas for this day. I will share those ideas later.
*having a Hanukkah party. We are not Jewish; however, we respect the Jewish heritage and traditions. My daughter has an annual Hanukkah gathering and the family really looks forward to this celebration.
*making an advent wreath and lighting it nightly as gather as a family to pray and to read various things that will help us to prepare our hearts for Christmas.
*counting down the days to Christmas with our advent calendar filled with chocolates.
*baking cookies to give to all of those who touch our lives in a special way (friends, our pastor, the librarians, etc.).
*sending out Christmas cards. I have actually failed to do this for years. Let's see if I can manage it this year.
*reading The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola and making luminarias.
*steadily moving the individual pieces of the nativity into place as the Christmas story unfolds through our evening readings of the Bible.
*taking the boys Christmas shopping individually.
*preparing for Dad's arrival home and the celebration of our anniversary, possibly staying at a bed and breakfast and having dinner downtown.
*developing the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus. The Christmas Day menu must include ham as my children expressed great disappointment at there being no Christmas ham at the table last year.
*going to our community theatre's production of Babe's in Toyland.
*displaying a poinsettia after reading The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola.
*providing opportunities for the children to express themselves and their Christmas spirit in an artistic fashion.
*reading a host of Christmas stories during family read-aloud time. These stories include: Fear Not, Joseph; The Friendly Beasts; Pascual and the Kitchen Angels; Merry Christmas, Strega Nona; little tree; Toot and Puddle I'll Be Home for Christmas; and The Legend of the Candy Cane.
*attending Christmas Eve candlelight service.
*gathering around the fireplace on Christmas Eve and making yummy, gooey s'mores.
*figuring out how to recognize Epiphany despite the fact that Keegan and I will be Orlando, hmmmmm......

This list does not fully reveal all the ideas that are floating around in my mind. There is so much I would like to do during this time. However, I have learned to relax and enjoy the process. I have learned that some plans can go unrealized and I will still have a beautiful and meaningful Christmas. I have learned that it is best to intentionally let go of some ideas and plans if they become burdensome and prohibit me from enjoying my family and God's incredible gift to us. I hope that you all have a meaningful and blessed Christmas.