The Reason

This holiday season has been one of the most meaningful I have had in a while. It hasn't been about shopping and wish lists. It's been about focusing on what really matters. I have had so many touching moments with my children. This year we read two longer Christmas books, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and The Forgotten Carols: A Christmas Miracle for Isaac and Eliza. With both books I became really emotional. When I finished the last page of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, I was crying and Ainsley asked me if I was sad. I told her I wasn't sad, but that I was happy. I told her I am so grateful for my Savior and we talked about His birth and why we celebrate Christmas. Then Ainsley said that Jesus was born and He died for us so that we can be a family forever. It was a beautiful moment. I felt so much love for my Savior and I was so grateful that my kids were getting it.

I have The Forgotten Carols CD, and I have played it many, many times since Thanksgiving. One time Brinnley was really listening to the words and she asked me what the songs were about. So with each song I told her who's story it was and explained it. Then we read The Forgotten Carols: A Christmas Miracle for Isaac and Eliza. The book has 4 of the carols in it. As we read the book, the girls recognized the carols and they knew the stories. Again, I thought to myself They get it! And this Christmas Eve morning as I was in the kitchen preparing food for tomorrow and the girls were in the living room coloring, we listened to The Forgotten Carols. The girls decided to make decorations for the house, and Brinnley wanted to make the manger scene. She made it all by herself! When she told me what she was making, she said, "I am making pictures about Jesus because that is why we celebrate Christmas." And Ainsley reminded me that Santa Clause comes because he is like the Kings taking gifts to the Baby Jesus. And that is what it is all about!

I have also been so touched by the love and generosity of others. We have been so blessed and I am so grateful for all that we have. I will always remember this Christmas, as we have had so many of our own Christmas miracles this year. I love my Savior and I am grateful for Him, for His birth; His life of service, love, and teaching; and His death for us. I hope that as we open presents tomorrow that we will continue to remember the reason for the season.