Holiday Happenings

Ah, what a wonderful, wonderful Christmas! I can't believe the holidays are over..they always seem to pass a bit too quickly. Here's what this Christmas season held for the Craddock's: Annual Christmas Eve breakfast at the Hennighausen's - always one of my favorites. It had special meaning this year since Anne was able to come home for a few weeks from her mission work in South Africa. She has been out of the country since March, and it's been so wonderful to have her home! Breakfast in a cup and a white elephant gift exchange. Here are a couple of the products: (HAHA....love those Hennie's!). My beautiful friends: Not long after leaving the Hennie's, it began to SNOW (and snow and snow and snow!) We had the only white Christmas I've even known! We attended the Christmas Eve service at The Heights, followed by another annual tradition: Mexican dinner with good family friends. (a very snowy Christmas Eve night) (at dinner with my handsome) After dinner we headed to the Roman's for PJ's, hot drinks, and one of our favorite movies, The Holiday. And of couse, picture-taking by the fireplace! We spent Christmas morning at my parent's house this year, and left at about noon to head to the lake. The next few days we spent with Kyle's family, and enjoyed some much-needed downtime. I was able to lose myself in a few good books over the last couple weeks, which always makes my heart happy. I also enjoyed writing in my Christmas memories book, a gift from Kyle's mom last year. The book holds 20 years worth of memories...what a wonderful keepsake we will have! This year I became very aware of the emphasis we put on gift giving/getting during Christmas. I love love love to give gifts (even more than I like to get them, if you can believe that). But I find that I often obsess over what to give people, and shopping/decorating/baking, and even family time are what builds my excitement surrounding Christmas. Though I never forget that Jesus' birth is the reason to celebrate, I quickly overlook that the magic and wonder of Christmas stems from the gifts we have already received from Christ - those that He continually gives that are far beyond anything we could ever deserve or even comprehend. So... My Christmas gift-giving looked a little different this year. With every Christmas gift I gave to my family, I attached a small envelope labeled with the name of a God-given gift to His children. Inside each envelope was a reference to Scripture where the recipient could find the description of that divine gift, straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ. We had a wonderful time opening gifts this year, and I loved pausing before each one to reflect on just a few of the numerous gifts we are given every day, all year long, from our heavenly Father-the Giver of all good gifts. Merry Christmas!