Christmas Cheer

We squeezed every last drop of Christmas cheer out of the season. And I think there just might be this new magical sense of Christmas time at our house with lots of memories to keep it special until it happens all over again.

Michael really loves "Schanta" (mostly only said in an awe-filled whisper). All cookies are made for Schanta to eat, and Schanta's reindeer sound like sheep. Baby Jesus got his head chewed off (so inappropriate), and stars are really special. So special that we're always on high alert to point them out. Michael is not allowed to touch mamma's tree, and only does when it's past time to go to sleep. That's when he turns naughty and watch out or he really might knock the whole thing down. Mostly he drags the little tree that's just for him over every square inch of the house.

One night, early in the Christmas season, we went to Temple Square to see the beautiful lights. There were a million people as usual, and it got a little stressful. But you know what? The most special part of the whole night was when Michael got close enough to the Salt Lake temple that he could reach out and touch it. We talked to him about the temple and how Jesus lives there. He was reverent and interested. You just knew he understood. In the middle of a crazy downtown adventure, it was a special reminder of why we celebrate the season.

I have also been extra sensitive this year every time I get a chance to reflect on a baby boy who changed the world. Maybe having my own little boy has helped me realize what a sacrifice it was to give Him up, or maybe I feel such a great responsibility to teach my little boy the things he needs to be a difference-maker in a very big world. 

I've also thought a lot about the names of Christ. Wonderful, Counselor, The Bread of Life, The Comforter, The Prince of Peace. As I reflect on each special name, I have had countless realizations of how He is each of those things to me. In times of decision He is my Counselor. When I am confused He is my Prince of Peace. When my heart breaks, He is my Comforter. In the situations I turn over to Him, He steps in to perfectly fill me with what I lack.

I hope Christmas time has been special and magical for you this year. Because that is exactly what it is meant to be.

Thankful

Thanksgiving seemed small and quiet this year. We only had 6 siblings together for dinner. What?! I know, so funny that 6 of us together (which included all but one of the five grand kids) seemed small and quiet. Regardless of how "small" it was, we had a really nice dinner and truly enjoyed.

This year the holiday season has been more focused for me. I have no idea where the insight came from, but I have let go of so much and tried harder to replace all the extra "fluff" with people, appreciation and love. I brought a store-bought pie to Thanksgiving dinner, for heaven's sake. Those of you who know, really know...

Later that night the third-annual Black Friday extravaganza commenced, meaning my sister and I got to watch Hallmark Christmas movies for hours on end while our husbands razzed crowds of holiday shoppers. JR tried to trick me about buying a huge TV, but in the end, although the physical TV was in fact parked in my living room, it was just a trick. (He actually did buy it on our credit card, but only for the travel points) I thoughtfully considered "believing" him after my brother-in-law secretly ratted him out so I could spend the same amount on myself the following day (as a fair trade), but dang that conscience of mine...

Later that weekend our house turned into a Christmas wonderland! We went through a bunch of our decorations and tossed a lot, and bought some new. It made it even more fun to decorate with a few new decorations. We kept the old that still brings a lot of joy and ended up with some new decor that we just love. I really appreciated that before we bought anything new we thoughtfully decided the space we wanted to fill and de-cluttered before anything ever came home with us. I salute you, JR. My sensible sidekick to balance out; "Ooooohhh... so pretty, we need it!"

Bring on every ounce of Christmas cheer, the Sandovals are ready!

A Spooky Halloween-ie!

The holiday season always has a way of getting me all cozy, brimming with every holiday excursion and bursting with all the holiday traditions. This year was really no exception. Of course all the excitement started with Halloween...

This year we all dressed up as superheroes. Michael was Batman, so JR had to be Robin and I got to be bat girl?? (all that really means is that I wore a Batman shirt and I'm a girl) The only night we all dressed up together was for our family Halloween party. And even then JR lasted all of about 4 minutes. His costume came from the women's section at Walmart and might have accidentally been a medium. Again, a WOMAN's medium. I mean, I offered to be Robin but he was having none of it. JR was set on being the Robin to Michael's Batman. Michael, however, wore his costume all month long. And if we're being honest he still sings a little song to himself whenever he sees the costume, (think: na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na...BATMAN!) and sometimes we're still lucky enough to have a mini caped hero saving the day like it's his job.

On the real day of Halloween I ran the Haunted Half and almost died. Two days later I tested positive for strep and it all made sense. I mean, geesh! I have only run like a gazillion half marathons. I couldn't figure out why my body was giving up, or why I cried (hysterical choked sobs) when I finally crossed the finish line. I now have a serious mental block when I think about running. I think I really don't ever want to do it again in my whole life. Needless to say I didn't do much celebrating on real Halloween.

What a fun and spooky time of year!