Merry Christmas To All!

I love Christmas time, everything about it, being around family, doing family traditions, decorating my house, baking all kinds of goodies, seeing Christmas lights on the house, putting up my Christmas tree and putting the ornaments on with each one there is a special memory of my kids and friends. Hopping in the car with my kids and head to the mall listening to Christmas music, getting all the wonderful goodies from our neighbors, listening to the First Presidency Devotional, seeing the Temple lights, remembering my Savior and all that he has done for me. I hope all of you find that Christmas Joy in your life and that you will be near your family and loved ones this Christmas Season. Merry Christmas to my family and friends.

“Of all holidays there is none that enters so fully into the human heart, and stirs so many of the higher sentiments. The thoughts, memories, hopes, and customs linked with it are bound by antiquity and nationality collectively; and by childhood and old age individually. They embrace the religious, social, and patriotic sides of our nature. The holly and mistletoe entwined among the evergreens, the habit of giving gifts to those we love, the presence of the Christmas tree, the superstition of Santa Claus, all combining to make Christmas the most longed-for, the most universal, and from every standpoint, the most important holiday known to man” (Clarence Baird, “The Spirit of Christmas,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1919, 154).

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept."

(Howard W. Hunter "The Real Christmas" Ensign Dec. 2005)