Connecting at Christmas

"Isn't being with each other at Christmas really what it's all about?" I mused contentedly on my way to Chapel Hill. I was excitedly anticipating a happy reunion at the church I attended 20 years ago as a college student. My friend and then-roomate, Nana, had invited me to come speak at their women's Christmas tea.

The theme was "With", and I thought about my question again. "Isn't being with each other at Christmas really what it's all about?" I think the answer is "Yes!" After all, God's desire to be with us and for us to be with Him is the reason that Jesus came. He gave up so much to be with us--heaven, glory, worship, complete intimacy with the Father and the Holy Spirit, freedom from pain, sickness and grief... The list could go on and on. Jesus gave it all up to be with us. Incomprehensible! That thought brings me such awe and joy.

His desire to be "with" is reflected in His creation--us! One of the highlights of Christmas is being with the ones we love. My oldest said that being with his cousins and grandparents Christmas morning is the thing he looks forward to the most. Friends and family work really hard to carve out time for each other in their busy schedules this time of year. It's a priority.

I was happy to be reunited with Nana. We've decided that we're older but definitely better! All our wrinkles and gray hairs are symbols of the lessons we've learned, the hugs we've given and received and the richness of life. Totally worth it! Not too bad for 2 moms!

Can you tell how much fun the women of Grace Church were having fun WITH each other? Check out their beautiful English high tea. I haven't had such yummy scones since my family lived in England!

Sometimes it's hard to slow down enough during this season to even enjoy being with each other. Our family has a couple of traditions that slows down our schedule and helps us to focus on God and people.

When I was a little girl, my crafty mom made an advent calendar for my brother and me.

I loved taking out the tiny felt symbols every day. There was always a big fight about whose turn it was to take out baby Jesus that year. Real spiritual, right? My mom gave a new calendar to each of our families when our kids were born. It's the greatest gift. Not only do my boys enjoy it like I did, but my childhood memories come rushing back every morning in December.

As an avid reader and former elementary school teacher, I love books. I've been collecting Christmas books for years. I've amassed enough that the bottom broke on my book basket, so this year I replaced it with a book bucket. Our family loves to spend the end of the day beside the fireplace in the glow of the Christmas tree reading our favorite stories. Some of the very favorites are: The Three Trees, Polar Express and The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree (a NC story!). I couldn't help but grin like a goon this year when my very cool 11 and 14 year olds picked Merry Christmas Amelia Bedelia as the first book of the season!

Tip: If your big 'ole boys act like they might not want to cuddle up, go to Ulta. I bought some of their Vanilla body spray. It made me smell like a cookie, and they snuggle right up to me. Enjoy being WITH!