Christmas Time's A-Comin!

I love December!  As soon as we got back from Thanksgiving in Idaho I was looking forward to winter and Christmas fun.  This year we tried to be on top of Christmas planning and shopping to minimize stress and December craziness. I think we succeeded and I know I for one was more relaxed and present to enjoy the joys of the season!

In the past I've set up our Christmas tree off to the side wherever it fit. But this year we actually spent Christmas in our own home... so not only did the tree and decorations go up, but the whole room had to be rearranged this year.  I made sure to send Jared a warning text before he came home for lunch, "Just remember you love me!"  Between school, and work, and other activities there were a few days of nagging from kids before we finally got around to decorating the tree.  Gavin knew Bobo - Santa's elf that comes each year - wouldn't arrive until the tree was up and decorated.  Our Christmas tree is always Bobo's first spot to visit!

We thought it would be fun to throw a Christmas Party this year. I'm not typically one who loves to host events, but it turned out well and was fun. Who knows - maybe we'll be starting a new tradition.  Originally we were going to have families over to our place, but opted to use the clubhouse instead because our place would have been way too crowded.  We did a potluck/appetizer type lunch and graham cracker gingerbread houses for the kids.

Growing up, the live nativity by Heritage Park was always a part of Christmas.  I was excited to discover this year a local live nativity in Heber. It was inside with a free donut and hot chocolate - slightly different from the outdoor one in Calgary - but really nice to NOT be out in the cold!  Gavin kept asking questions throughout the production, and it hit me that although we've read and he knows the Christmas story, this live nativity helped put it all together.

And speaking of Nativities.... Bobo attempted to blend in with the shepherds in this one for a day. Just like every morning he was quickly discovered before breakfast.  It was cute to watch Liam actually get excited about things this year and start to understand what was going on. Gavin and Liam woke up each morning on a quest to be the first to find Santa's little helper.

Fun at Seven Peaks North Pole Experience!  We saw reindeer, snowmen, and Santa, went sledding down a water slide, took a "train ride" through a winter wonderland display, drove a pedal cart through a Nutcracker storybook, and of course floated along the lazy river in bumper boats.  I think this is the last year all four of us will be able to squish into one boat - I think we were taking on water by the end!

They had fun - I promise. But these faces crack me up!

About the middle of December we took a road trip to Vegas for some pre-Christmas fun.  Jacob, Rachel, and their kids were't down, so even though we missed cousins the boys had a blast with Uncle Tyler and Aunt B, Auntie, Uncle Jayden, and of course Grandma and Grandpa.  Making (and eating) treats, opening gifts, and fun at the Magical Forest.

One of my visiting teachers works at Thanksgiving Point, and gave our family passes to Luminaria.  It's a new event at Ashton Gardens featuring a mile walk through Christmas light displays compete with music and scents. Really - it was crazy walking through a section of candy cane decorated trees with the scent of peppermint in the air.  Or smelling flower blossoms in the middle of December!  We also got to meet two very special individuals at Luminaria - Comet and Vixen were resting up at Ashton Gardens before heading back home to the North Pole.  Gavin was awestruck to actually meet two of Santa's reindeer!  We also learned that Comet and Vixen are both female, and both are expecting babies soon.

My favorite part of Luminaria was walking through the Light of the World Garden.  This describes it better than I can:

"The Light of the World garden is a new two-and-a-half acre garden inside the Ashton Gardens with artwork and themed landscaping donated by the I Am the Light of the World Foundation.  Created by Utah artist Angela Johnson, the garden includes a total of 15 scenes and 35 [monument-sized bronze] statues, with 14 scenes from the New Testament and one LDS Church-inspired scene depicting Joseph Smith's First Vision.  The sculpture garden offers guests a walk through the life and miracles of Jesus Christ and a space for quiet reflection."

With the glowing lanterns and peaceful music I wish I had more time to stroll through these beautiful New Testament scenes and reflect on the meaning of Christmas and Christ's ministry.