JOY in gift GIVING on Christmas Morning

The series prior to Easter was such a success I’ve decided to dedicate the days leading to Christmas with memories of Heidi and me once again. This time focused around some of our Christmas memories specifically. I pray you enjoy and are blessed as you learn a little more about me, my beautiful sister and our relationships with each other and our family.

When I saw this photograph an instant smile plastered my face. She is so cute. I’m not sure what has my attention so captured that I couldn’t look up for the photo but that is alright. The wrapping paper carpeting is wonderful. My mom wrapped EVERYTHING. I honestly believe my parents enjoyed watching us open our gifts more than to see us engaged with the gift a month later. Don’t get me wrong, they liked to know we used the gifts but their smiles and exchanged glances while we opened and tossed wrapping paper everywhere…were, and still are, pure joy.

There was another photo of Heidi and me posing in front of the tree for the traditional Christmas morning photo BEFORE we could open any of the gifts. As a mom, I understand the beauty of a photo before the gifts are open yet as a child it was nothing less than torture. So many gifts waiting to be discovered and we had to stop and pose. Thank goodness we did, the photos now retain my memories.

The archery kit behind me was my “big” gift for the year. We learned how to shoot with a bow and arrow during physical education class in middle school and I became infatuated with learning how to shoot. With my very own bow, arrows, and target I was excited to get started. Of course Dad made sure I knew all the safety rules, proper posture and holding, and that I could focus (a skill set I struggled with, lol) before he would release me to shoot.

The hours spent outside with my dad “learning” how to shoot are priceless gifts ~ far better than the actual gift. Time is definitely one of my love languages. Thanks Dad for always making sure we knew and understood the rules and safety precautions in all aspects of life, not just at Christmas.

I pray you have happy memories of Christmas with your family, friends, and loved ones. Memories of joyful, laughter filled, time together. We were and are blessed with each of these daily – we don’t wait for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

No one knows what tomorrow will bring; only God does. We chose to savor and cherish our time together making it like Christmas every day.