I decided last Christmas that I was going to plan ahead and shop early next Christmas. Now it’s next Christmas and the majority of my shopping is done! I even bought all of my stocking stuffers today.
Our bishop asked me to speak during a combined meeting with other members of our congregation about how we show love during the holidays. None of us felt like we had any amazing traditions to share, but I said I wanted to have the habit of planning ahead so I have time for others, because trials don’t stop for the holidays. In past years, I felt like I was too busy to do much for anyone else. One year I had ten musical numbers I was participating in for Christmas and I didn’t even want to go near anyone for fear I would get sick and mess up everything. I vowed that would never happen again.
I’m glad I’ve had such a great opportunity to think about this. Tonight we had a Family Home Evening where we talked about all of the plans we want to make for the month of December, who we want to serve, who we want to bring treats to, and which families we would like to invite over for dinner. We want to have over at least three families we have never had the chance to get to know.
I was proud of my kids for choosing families who aren’t necessarily their favorite people in the world. They have good hearts. We also jotted down the devotionals we have coming up, like the First Presidency Devotional that we will get to watch via satellite broadcast from Salt Lake City. It is always so wonderful, especially the performances of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir with the Orchestra at Temple Square. They make me cry when they play together. Absolutely gorgeous!
If you go to lds.org this Sunday, you can watch the devotional from your home. If you’re not Mormon, you can see what us Mormons talk about at Christmas time. You can find more information here. I am getting so excited. I love to get up early in the morning on Christmas and replay the broadcast. It really helps me feel the Spirit of Christ.
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