12: The number of treats and notes delivered by our "Secret Elves."
We had a dear family (and we suspect we know who) who delivered a treat and a note each night. The note stated, "The words of the prophets help us know what to do, on this day of Christmas we leave for you..." then listed a prophet and a quote about Christmas or service. We had quotes from Thomas S. Monson down to Lorenzo Snow, then Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ. It was a wonderful reminder that Christmas is a time for reflecting on our spiritual gifts as well as temporal ones.
13: (11 + 2... I couldn't think of one just with 11) The number of people around my cousin's kitchen table when she invited us for a Christmas dinner.
We so enjoyed our visit to the Cross's house and their delicious dinner they made for us the Sunday before Christmas. Our kids got along famously, like they'd been friends for ages instead of just seeing each other a time or two at family functions. And we had a good laugh when James said, "Do you remember the year church was on a Sunday?" (He meant Christmas... but we laughed at the slip and teased him all night.) We will have to get together more often!
10: Different kinds of dishes prepared for our Christmas Eve feast.
Our family has a fun tradition: I cook an "all request" dinner for Christmas Eve. Everyone can request anything they want to eat. We have so much food that it spills over into Christmas day (which means less cooking that day). I love to cook and I'm glad the kids have a chance to enjoy their favorite treats. This year included hot dogs, bacon, tacos, angel food cake, etc.
9: Packages of new socks and underwear received for Christmas.
Hey, new socks! What could be better or more comfy!
8: New dinner plates.
James was sweet and got me a beautiful set of plates that are pretty but not heavy, and will not warp like our current plastic ones. He is always good to listen to my wishes and try to fulfill them.
7: Number of family members, employers, and good people who gave us money for Christmas.
I'm not bragging, but I'd like to mention this because it points to how generous and kind people truly are. We had our employers give us $100 bonuses, and family members (and one anonymous person) who gave us from $100 to much more. I think sometimes we don't deserve such good people in our lives! But I pray they will be blessed for their generosity as much as we were blessed by receiving it.
6: New board games received.
We love board games and with six new ones to try, we'll have hours of family time together! Plus we plan to invite friends over to enjoy the games with us, too.
5: New pajamas made by Mom.
I found some super-soft fleece and sewed up pajama pants. The coolest thing was each pajama top was a Lantern Corps shirt! We had a Yellow Lantern (Sinestro corps), Indigo Lantern, two Purple Lanterns (Star Sapphire), and an Orange Lantern.
4: Secret Santas!
I will admit, the first time that someone showed up on our doorstep and explained they wanted to help our Christmas by donating stuff to us, we were kind of upset. We aren't needy. We had plenty of gifts for each child. And some of the things dropped off were just not needed--we already had some or we had no room for it. But we acquiesced and accepted the gifts in the spirit they were given. And later more things were dropped off anonymously on our doorstep. Even on Christmas Eve, a new kick scooter with a ribbon and note attached appeared at the front door. Who does this? Who gives so abundantly without wanting the credit? And why were we picked to be receivers of such bounty?
As I pondered on why we were "picked," I came to the conclusion that our Heavenly Father is like us, as parents, at Christmastime. We give our kids things because our love knows no bounds, and even if they have plenty, we still want to give them more. We shower with gifts because our love is not based on them deserving it or earning it... it is abundant just because of our relationship. Love isn't measured in gifts, but it can be one way of expressing it concretely. So this Christmas I got the message--my family is loved. :)
3: Sets of Grandparents who spoiled us.
From "Grammy" who lives just blocks away, to my parents and James' parents who live in different states, each grandparent took special care this year to send their love, gifts cards, money, and more. We have the best in all of Grandparentdom!
2: Kids throwing up on Christmas.
Yeah, not exactly a blessing... especially at 3:30 a.m. But it did make Christmas day more quiet and toned down, leading us to simply enjoy many quiet hours together.
1. A very generous Great Aunt and Uncle.
James' Aunt Wally and Uncle Tim have taken special care of us for Christmas, and the kids are so blessed! They received new, stylish outfits, watches, books, candy and more. We just don't know what to say about their goodness to us!
This is far from a complete list of blessings. There were also three hams, a turkey, a loaf of bread, fudge, homemade candy, a restaurant gift card from our landlords... sheesh! As I said, the generosity was beyond what we ever expected or deserved. But I felt I needed to recognize those who gave to us, whether by saying a kind word, dropping off a treat or sending a card, or anonymously giving items. I can't believe Christmas has now come and gone, but the beauty of this season will remain a warm and glowing memory in my heart.
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