Thoughts of Christmas

I have been pondering on the Christmas spirit lately, and am wondering why it is only one time a year when we think and act to help those who are in need, not only on Christmas, but every day throughout the year. Last night my sweet hubby gave a great Family Home Evening lesson on being grateful for what we have and not complaining because we may not like the broccoli or raisin bread that is served for a meal. He shared some very touching true stories about kids and adults who would give anything for a good meal, even broccoli. Or people who would keep their beds made and rooms cleaned if they only had a bed or a room. There is a passage in the Book of Mormon that I have also been pondering on for a few weeks. The phrase is "and there were no poor among them". It was at a time when those who had the "good" things in life shared with those who had little or nothing freely, not being forced to do it. One thing that I love about Christmas is the spirit of brotherhood that prevails, the patience and love for those around us. My question is, why don't we as members of the human race, have these feelings and act on them all year long? Aren't we supposed to follow Jesus Christ every day, not just to celebrate His birthday? There is no problem stepping things up a notch or two at Christmas, but what about the rest of the year? My mother-in-law was telling my sister-in-law and me about a soup kitchen that she had inquired at, where throughout November and December there were no spots available for going to help serve meals. However, come January, there seemed to be few spots filled.

I am not trying to make anyone feel badly, I am guilty of all of this, however, when I make my New Year resolutions, I think I am going to focus less on my own person selfish desires, and perhaps make a few goals to help my fellow man.

Ok, enough with the serious side of things. Only four more days to Christmas, and the kids are out of school for 2 weeks. What is a mother to do to keep these little darlings occupied so they don't fight and quarrel? Perhaps there is a soup kitchen or homeless shelter who could use some energetic little helpers?

From the Butlers to all of you.....Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Christmas decorations, or lack thereof

I love Christmas. I love the sights, sounds and smells that go right along with the season. I love to deck my halls with the Christmas Village, the train, tree and lights. I remember my mom singing You'd Better Watch Out to us kids when we would misbehave, beginning about on Thanksgiving day. At our house we usually get all the decorations out and put up the tree and turn on Christmas Carols the day after Thanksgiving. However, this year we have not one thing that would indicate that Christmas is only three weeks away. No tree, no lights outside, I haven't even put up the wreath on my front door. Instead of decorating for Christmas, the day after Thanksgiving we had 4 men downstairs framing the basement and 8 children running around playing upstairs. There was no place to send the children since it was about 10 degrees outside and no room downstairs for them to play and I was not about to add to the chaos by bringing out all the Christmas decorations. So our home remains bare. It is such a sad thing:( Perhaps tomorrow I will at least get the wreath up on the door. Oh well, I guess my kids need something to tell the therapist when they grow up:) I hope you all are enjoying your holidays.



Shelly