We started off on Christmas Eve with our traditional PJs and sibling gift exchanges.
The kids humor me each year by letting me have my Mom-moment photo op.
Ahh, I just love my people in new jammies and we get more of a kick
out of our "age order" vs. "height order" photos all the time!
(the sisters)
(the brothers)
Then on Christmas morning, well before dawn, one of my favorite sights of the year took place.
Delighted children scurried (carefully) down the stairs with glee...
To find a station for each one with gifts Mom and Dad set up thoughtfully the night before.
(some assembly required...Dad zone)
And this year it hit me maybe more than ever before...
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:11
Our Heavenly Father knows us so well...just like I know them, but even better!
As the sun began to rise, we tidied up a bit (our usual tradition) and then carried on with our circle of gifts, opening one by one for some time. And with each gift, I savored the lesson the Lord was teaching me this year...that He knows each of us (His children) so well, so intimately, so perfectly. He knows just what we want, just what we need and which is best for us when. He is so generous! And as I marveled at the JOY I felt in the giving of personal, unique, chosen gifts to each my individually unique and beloved children, I felt God's love for me just the same. I felt known. Understood. Cared for. Provided for. Blessed. And I hope that my children are learning more of that too as they give and receive each Christmas.
I hope they feel known.
I hope they feel special.
I hope they feel loved.
I hope they feel understood.
I hope they feel cherished.
(Nova is literally the sweetest little gift opener and patient observer...ever!)
We all had a wonderful time!
It was so precious watching them unwrap their gifts that we'd collected for each one.
We so enjoyed the giving!
And I hope they enjoyed making memories too!
I think they did!
There was laughter...and true to form, there were sentimental tears.
(Elka has a tradition of making us cry with some sort of thoughtful handmade gift.)
She explained how she had embroidered trees (a symbol we cherish) to exemplify the ever-changing seasons of life and how we grow through them all. Her card and care moved us, her words encouraged, her efforts blessed and I am just so thankful as I watch my little seedlings blossom one by one into maturity. We have so much to be thankful for, especially the greatest Gift of all, Jesus. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Teacher, Friend and He is why we celebrate at Christmas.
"Every good and every perfect gift is from above."
James 1:17
