Slow, But Still Meaningful . . .

Oh, how the Christmas is coming out in slow motion this year -- painstakingly slow for some in the Lee house. I have little people at my feet asking when they will see their stockings, their ornaments and that Olive the Other Reindeer stuffed dog that rotates sleeping with each of the kids until the blessed holiday arrives.

I'm just not feeling it yet. I think it has something to do with it still being November. And the fact that I still haven't put Thanksgiving away. And possibly because I just finished the stuffing and creamed corn leftovers today. Hmmm. . .

In an effort to not overwhelm myself, I'm only getting out one Christmas thing each day. (Until I feel a little surge of energy and Christmas spirit and bring the rest out in one fell swoop.) Just call me the queen of drama and festivity!

On the first day it was the great set of alpine trees that go in the basement with all of the kids ornaments on them. It may sound mean that I've relegated their school made stuff and vacation collectibles to the bottom floor, but I assure you, it's because that is where they spend most of their time! They love to look at all the different treasures and show them to their friends who come over. We always have fun decorating these little trees up. I hand each ornament to the kids and we talk about who gave it to us, where it came from or how old the kids were when they made it. Good times!

Today we got out our family nativity. This actually is my favorite part of decorating for Christmas. I love our nativity. Each piece makes me think of the beautiful story that unfolded so many nights ago. I love watching my children gently unwrap the wise men and ask me to pronounce the names of the gifts they can never remember (frankincense and myrrh). I love putting the little crook in the hand of the shepherd and wondering if he knew that he was witness to the true Shepherd. I love setting Mary and Joseph together in the center of it all. She's looking at her baby in that tender way only a mother does. And Joseph is there to protect them as a father should, but knows well that there is a greater Father than him. Hannah likes to line up all the animals in a row. I like to scatter them about randomly amongst wise men, shepherd and parents - spreading the humble animals throughout the nativity. This little routine holds a special place in my Christmastime heart. The birth of that tiny baby is my greatest joy.