Christmas this year was definitely more different than it has ever been before!
Our usual tradition is that on Christmas Eve, we stay home all day and play games as a family, watch movies.. and all that jazz. Then we get to open a big family present which always consists of pajamas with the occasional slipper. After that we have a candlelight dinner and my mom cooks amazing-ness. Then we stay up all night playing more games and watching more and more movies. I love Christmas time with my family.
But this year.. it was different. Christmas Eve started out the way it normally does. We played games, and watched movies.. But then my mom wasn't feeling too well and decided she felt sick. Well, what was sick turned into even worse sick, and my dad had to run my mom to the emergency room around 3:30 pm leaving me, alicia, sky, jake, dylan, and the twins at home. We weren't sure what was going on, but before they left my dad and skylar gave my mom a blessing, then they left. I was kind of scared, and I didn't really know what to do because we never have had a Christmas where mom and dad weren't there.
Mom and Dad were gone for 6 1/2 hours on Christmas Eve. Mom had to get lots of tests done and given lots and lots of blood. I was scared we would have a Christmas without mom and dad. It came around to be dinner time.. and mom's food hadn't been cooked. Alicia is 8 1/2 months pregnant and obviously wasn't up to cooking a huge meal that mom had planned for us. So, for the first time in my entire life we had Taco Bell for Christmas Eve dinner. It was the only place open besides McDonald's.
Mom and Dad got home around 10:00. By that time, Ethan, Emma, Dylan & Jake were asleep and we had played so many games and watched so many movies I was about to pass out. But mom was feeling a little better and we sat up talking and laughing and we got to enjoy Christmas Eve with mom.
Then I went to sleep, and Santa came (:
I got zebra bedding, a new straightner, tons of clothes and shoes, a new coat, rue 21 gift card, lots of treats and etc. It was a good Christmas and I loved it!
Even though tradition changed, and things got a little shaky and scary, our family pulled through it and none of us forgot about our Savior for one second. It didn't feel like Christmas to me a lot this year, but the true meaning of Christmas was still there and the hope and love was shown in my family this year.
I love my family, and I love my parents. They are the best examples to me and I want my mom to know that I missed her, and that I love her. Because it just wasn't the same without her there. And I'm SO thankful she got to come home to us for Christmas. I think that was the best gift of all. The gift of having a mom as great and special as mine.
I hope everyone had a GREAT Christmas this year & that no one forgot its true meaning. Because we should never forget that this time of the year is the time where we can take a step back, and realize when we're being greedy or selfish. It is the time where we can look at ourselves and see the potential we have in helping others. Because there are so many of us out there that can make a difference to someone else. There are so many people out there that have nothing, and anyone can make their lives just a little bit better.. even just by smiling at them or being their friend. I love giving service to others knowing that I can make their life just a little bit better by giving something to them that I know they need more than I do. My Grandpa has taught me that my entire life, and I learn it from his selflessness and love for others. I'm proud to have the family that I do. & I'm grateful to be able to spend time with them during this season.
Well, now I'm just rambling on, so I'd better go! Merry Christmas everyone! & Happy New Year!!
love, erin
