Christmas Readings

Shawn wrote: We had a book of Christmas readings that we used to go through during the month of December. It had a story and a song for each night of December, leading up to Christmas. It is currently in storage. We just finished reading the Book of Mormon and I wanted to do something like that with my family again this year, so yesterday I spent a few hours going through December Ensigns (or Liahonas) and New Era magazines, and found about 20 stories I thought my family might like to hear or might benefit from hearing about Christmas. We will probably read one a night during December, and then read the actual stories of Christ from the scriptures. These stories that I have attached are, of course copywrited and are often taken out of context, so I have included the full citation at the front of each story in case you want to go there, but all the more reason to disregard this or not forward it to others. Each story/quote (except one) is one-to-two pages long. Because I planned to actually read from the scriptures, these do not include any cases where the story of Christ’s birth, or prophesies of his birth, are recited. As a result, I don’t want you to replace your regular family scripture study with this, and it may actually be too long for many of you who have smaller children. So, altogether, maybe it is a bad idea that I am even sending it or suggesting that it has in value for any family besides my own. Also, it is not short, by any means, and would take quite a bit of paper if you printed it. But since I had the thought to send it, I will move ahead with that decision and, with all the disclaimers I have given, allow you to make your own determination. It is a PDF document, if you want to see it in some other format, let me know.

But aside from all of this, I hope you each realize how much I love you and how reminiscent I become of the times we have spent together, whether in need or in plenty, from shooting grasshoppers, to braiding hair, to playing games in the yard, to just enjoying meals or camping trips together. Unfortunately, I have often gone without saying that each of you and each of my children and wife are my dearest friends. I sure hope you each had a good Thanksgiving, and that you may be blessed during the coming Christmas season.

Myrna wrote: I also become nostalgic at this time of year. 

Thanks for the readings. Dad and I can actually read them on the computer but I will probably print them off at any rate. That way I can have them. I guess I could burn them to a CD and then I would still have them but I like paper better. Who am I kidding? I am nostalgic all of the time. I think the fact that I am turning 70 this birthday and, not soon after, Dad will be 76, has really sunk home. I am now only a few years away from the age of Grandmother Smith, Grandma Edna and Aunt Renee when they died. I know, I know, I sound like Grandma T but, one thing I have learned is that it is true that my time will be short in comparison with what I have already lived. Even if I live to be 90, I will not have as long to live left as I have already lived. It is just a fact of life. Having said that, I want you all to know how much I love each of you. That love has expanded to include not only my children but my children's spouses and each and every one of my grandchildren. I LOVE YOU!

I hope you all know that the silly little cards and the dumb little $1 (which Mary tells me won't buy ANYTHING) are just one of the ways I have chosen to stay connected so that you will all know you are loved.

Melanie wrote: Actually, the dollar buys me much joy. I can get a package of gum, or a bottle of water, or a package of gummy bears or spice drops...all candy and not very good for me, but it still gives me great pleasure.  Mel

Mom wrote: A bottle of water is so good for you. Sugarless gum is also good for you. As for the others, they always remind me of childhood (yours) and are comfort foods. 

Thanks to all of you!

Kirsten wrote: I save it up for babysitting!  :)

Myrna wrote: That takes awhile!

Amy G wrote: Thank you for the cards and treat $.  We got them today.  THanks! Amy