Probability of a White Christmas

Just thought I would throw this out there. The probability of snow covering the ground on Christmas day... and also what is currently out there now (Dec 23).
With all the snow the northern half of the country has been blanketed with, appears that there will be lots of people enjoying a White Christmas. I'm headed home now for the Holidays!

Christ In All Things Christmas

I enjoy the opportunity to read others blogs, getting a peak into their lives that you might not normally see. I've recently read some interesting thoughts on Christmas traditions in relation to Christ, which got me thinking. How many different types and symbols in the holiday traditions are there? Of course Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. But how many decorations or songs or performances are there that we may take for granted or perhaps not understand its meaning completely; which can point our minds to more fully focus on Christ. Well that sentence was a mouthful. I just want to share a few of the interesting things I have read:

The Christmas Tree ~ it is commonly known the evergreen is a symbol of eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all. I found what came out of Germany in the 16th century to be interesting. They decorated the fir trees with roses and candies and apples, and the day before Christmas put on a play depicting the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The tree hung with apples was used to symbolize the Garden, and the play ended with the prophecy of the Savior's coming. Those who have been through the temple may find this symbolism of the Christmas tree more meaningful. It is also interesting to ponder as we try to emulate Christ by giving gifts, we typically first place these gifts at the foot of the tree.
Lights ~ are found everywhere during the Christmas season, decorating our homes, pathways, trees, etc. We know that Jesus is the Light of the World. Light is a fascinating subject in the scriptures. On perhaps a lesser note, yet interesting, if we go back to those middle-ages in Germany, the reformer Martin Luther was rumored to begun the tradition of adorning trees with lights. While coming home one December evening, the beauty of the stars shining through the branches of a fir inspired him to recreate the effect by placing candles on the branches of a small fir tree inside his home. So as we stare at the twinkling lights in the tree on Christmas Eve, we might think of the stars on a clear night as our gaze is turned heavenward, perhaps in search of the Star of Bethlehem or angel proclaiming the birth of Jesus.

Holly and Mistletoe ~ these plants not only celebrate the Christmas colors, but also have unique stories behind them. Boughs of holly, believed to have magical powers since they remained green through the harsh winter, were often placed over the doors of homes to drive evil away. Legend has it that holly sprang from the footsteps of Christ as he walked the earth. The pointed leaves were said to represent the crown of thorns Christ wore while on the cross and the red berries symbolized the blood he shed. The ancient Celtics believed mistletoe to have magical healing powers. The plant was also seen as a symbol of peace, and it is said that among Romans, enemies who met under mistletoe would lay down their weapons and embrace. Christ is the master healer. He is the prince of peace.

The 12 Days of Christmas ~ I always thought this was a goofy old song about giving presents during twelve days around Christmas. I never realized the symbolism in this catholic catechism which begins on Christmas and ends on Epiphany (January 5th). I won't write out the whole song here, but... on the first day of Christmas my true love (God) gave to me, a partridge (Jesus) in a pear tree.

"He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ." (D&C 88:6-7)

The Christmas Season

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year! What other holiday can you dedicate a whole month to? The Christmas Spirit runs throughout the season as we put out our decorations and put up the tree, feel more of the spirit of giving, and one of my personal favorites, hear the familiar sounds of Christmas music. I adore listening to (and sometimes singing) the tunes of Christmas, especially those dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ. It is remarkable to think about the celebration of Christmas, how the world can re-focus on the birth and life of the savior, and how amazing He truly is.

New Comforter

I've decided to get myself a brand new comforter for my bed this Christmas. For those who know me, you would know that sometimes it takes me a long time to make decisions. True I can be very indecisive at times, but once I know what I want, my mind is made up. I've been thinking about getting one for awhile now and finally made the decision to go for it, with the conditions it has to be micro-suede and can't be white.
Ok, so that decision is made. Now comes the fun part, actually picking one out! After browsing through Walmart and Ross and other discount stores, I didn't really see anything I particularly liked. So I turned to the internet and came across two good sites from which I've narrowed my search down to 3 (pictured). As of yesterday I have already ordered one of these. Guess which one?
Well the one I really wanted was a bit out of my price range (at $124.99). The other two fell within the range I was willing to spend, so I chose one. I guess now I need to go out and get some blue accent pillows. Unless I decide to change my mind...