The Reason for Christmas

I must admit, in the hustle and bustle, I lost track of the meaning of Christmas. These Advent videos brought me to tears and helped get me back on track. They are by Lo the Poet. Enjoy!

Hope


Love


Joy

Branson, Missouri

So, this year my family decided to to spend Thanksgiving in Louisiana, since we wanted to visit my sick uncle. It's a 17-hour drive. We decided to split it into two days with a stop in Branson, Missouri. Things changed and just my dad and I went.

We arrived early afternoon and hit the very packed Tanger Outlet Mall. They were having terrific sales. From there, we checked into our hotel at the Clarion. It was super festive there with an enormous Christmas tree. There were also super cute Christmas wreaths on the balconies.

We got lost and walked six-tenths of a mile. It was cold outside. We were relieved to happen upon Shorty Smalls. They're known for the World's Largest Country Fried Steak. We split it and it was huge!

Afterward, we visited the Grand Village Shops, a must-see! They had lots of Christmas decorations to buy and got me in the Christmas spirit.

Later, we went to see the Baldknobbers Show and it was SO good with lots of Christmas songs in the second half.They did a lot of old and new country songs too. It was a high energy show with comedy.

The next morning, we had breakfast at Buckingham's. They stuff were great and the food was okay. I miss when it used to be Sadie's!

I really enjoyed our fast stop in Branson and hope to visit again.

The Best Winter Hat: Pistil Juliette Hat

While shopping in L.L.Bean before Christmas, a super cute hat caught my eye. I tried it on and liked it, but didn't like the price tag. My mom asked if I wanted it for Christmas, I did, but had several hats already. I told her that and knowing me she said, would you actually wear this hat? I really liked it and said I would. For Christmas, I got my Pistil Designs Juliette hat in gray. I love it. Kansas winters are brutal and I've worn the hat to work as well as around town nearly everyday since. It's comfy, warm, and stylish. Definitely one of my favorite Christmas presents. :)

Christmas

This will be my first Christmas in my apartment. I'd like to get a small Christmas tree and a Christmas wreath.

More than anything, I'd can't wait to pass this class so I can get into the Christmas spirit.

So far, I have only purchased one Christmas present and that was over summer. So, I've got a long way to go. This year, I'm on a tighter budget. Boo! I guess, it will make me more creative. :)

I've always said I love a simple Christmas. I hate holidays being overdone. I love the simplicity of doing enough to make it special, but still be able to enjoy it. Sometimes all the plans and hype take the focus away from what Christmas is all about. Christmas is about God who sent His Son, Jesus to save us from our sin. Without this great gift, we could never hope to go to heaven, but God made a way for us through Jesus. Amen!