"Christmas is a special time for President Joseph Fielding Smith. It is a day for family and a day for remembering. But, most of all for President Smith, Christmas is a day for children.

If I were to do it again, I would do more pizza and movie night, I would Play more, I would sit on the couch and cuddle more, I would spend less time in the kitchen, I would have Alejandra, the cleaning lady, more frequently, and I would go out with Mike more. I'd spend less time and energy on shopping and toys and things. 

Course correction beats perfection. 

We enjoyed Derek's baby blessing today. There were 3 other baby boy blessings as well. In December. As we celebrate the babe in Bethlehem. 

Yesterday we went to Hoffmann's house. It was perfect and magical and everything was in its place. Train around the tree. Stockings. Derek smiled for the first time, while cuddling on the couch and enjoying the peacefulness of the season.

Our house is a wreck. Half-lit tree. No ornaments. Tree skirt was a cape.  Stockings in a bin.  

Yesterday I thought: "it's kind of hard to have a little baby in December. I'm either holding him, feeding him, or too tired from a sleepless night, having little time or energy to decorate." 

But today, as we enjoyed those blessings, something occurred to me.  I realized that everything a baby is is Christmas. The peace a newborn brings into our home is worth more than all the decorations, meals, crafts, and activities. The peace of a newborn recreates the peaceful and simple night that Christ was born.

 

Garfield. It's not about the getting. It's not about the giving. It's about loving. 

Christmas isn't about the decorations. It's not even about the magic in the air. It's about our Savior. It is a celebration of his birth, his life, his gift and His love.

Today is a grain of sand in the Sahara of eternity. -Benson

We hope FOR many things, but it is only our hope IN our Savior that will sustain us... That will pierce all darkness and bring light in our darkest nights. 

In what specific way did I connect with ---- today?

Derek is such an angel and such a gift. My mantra this season has been: "Santa came early this year." Heavenly Father really does know what we need and what will make us happy. There is no greater happiness than having a newborn boy for Christmas.