It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I am still smiling.

Last night my heart felt full of Christmas.

The Jorgensens came over...it had been way way too long since that has happened.  We talked and laughed, Mark chased Britta, Janet chased Inge and tried to keep her from trouble. (My house isn't very baby proofed.)  Emma and Freja shut themselves away in Emma's room (with the door tightly closed).  The boys played a game on the floor of the school room.  

Then we called everyone together for a Family Home Evening.  I knew better than to try on my own (more on that tomorrow) to read A Christmas Dress for Ellen so I had Eric read it.  We watched this which is sort of long (over 8 minutes) but worth every minute if you want to take the time:

Speaking of bells, a few times during the evening, our doorbell rang.  Friends and neighbors stopped by with treats, caroling, and greetings of Merry Christmas.

We performed a reprise of "Carol of the Bells" (the Jorgensens brought their bells too so everyone got involved).

Adam read from the scriptures, we ate treats and tried to keep food off the carpet and laughed and talked some more.

And chased cute Inge some more. 

We exchanged Christmas gifts before we left.  Janet always gives me the best Christmas presents.  I love Christmas presents.

But I think more than that, I love an evening with old friends.  I love my house bursting with laughter and music and a jumble of people.  I love the Christmas season, the glorious joy that brims inside me until it fills up my eyes with tears.

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.

Because He came, we are gathered tonight to worship Him, in bonds of brotherhood and love.

Thomas S. Monson