Monday, December 22, 2008

Over The River and Through the Woods...

We're heading out bright and early this morning for our 17-hour trek to Arkansas. I wish I were excited about the drive, but I'm not. After we moved here, I told my family that driving from Colorado to Arkansas (and back again) was a lot like labor. I needed to forget how bad it was before I was ready to do it again.

It hasn't really been long enough for me to forget.

But...

Like it or not, we're packed and ready. I know I'll have a great time once we get there...it's just the "getting there" that I dread. I'm choosing to have a good attitude in the car today! (I'll let you know how that goes once we get there.)

I saw this over on Gretchen's blog and decided that if anything could put me in a good mood, thinking of my favorite things about Christmas could. So...here are my five favorite things about Christmas.

1. The music. Love, love, love Christmas music. I love the traditional carols and classics as well as the contemporary favorites. In case you missed my post about it, this is my favorite Christmas song.

2. The lights. Doesn't everything just look better with lights on it? I sure think so.

3. My children's delight. My kids love everything about this season. Decorating, baking, singing, Santa, the Nativity story, lighting Advent candles, shopping, funny movies, etc. You name it...it's all magical to them. And their delight is contagious.

4. The mail! I've said it numerous times, but I LOVE going to the mailbox this time of year. I love getting cards (especially photo cards) and reading letters from friends. I love sending cards too. We had a family folding/stuffing/sticking session on Saturday night and have our cards all ready to go this morning. (There was just one tiny glitch that I'm hoping doesn't delay your card's arrival...if it does, I'm very, very sorry!)

5. The Christmas Eve service at church. I love going to church on Christmas Eve, especially if it's a candlelight service. I have to admit I didn't love it so much when my husband was the pastor because it was incredibly hard for me to manage toddlers and candles by myself!

12 comments:

JenB said...

Have a wonderful Christmas and safe travel!!

Megan L Hutchings said...

Sweet Meredith ~ I hope and pray that you all have a safe, uneventful, and joyful drive to AR ;)!

Trish said...

Merry Christmas! Praying for your trip.
Be blessed!

Gretchen said...

I lurve all those things, too. I think, perhaps, I'm a Christmas junkie. I guess there are worse things...

Traveling mercies mwhah,mwhah and huuuuuuggggs.

Amber said...

Have a safe trip. We're headed out in the morning...we don't have anywhere near the drive you have, but I hate it, too! Yuck.

Love all those things, too!!

Brenda said...

Well, by now your well on the road and maybe half way there? Hope the weather has been good for you. We have 2 ft on the ground and it started snowing again today, already another 4".
Merry Christmas to all of you!

Stephanie @ My Answered Prayer said...

Be careful!!!! I've decided we're just going to have to come out there to see you guys!!!

Beth said...

Meredith,
Just wanted you to know that I always enjoy stopping by your blog. Thanks for inspiring me with your posts--I love reading about your family traditions and all of your "dailies."

Have a merry Christmas with your family--hope the road trip went well!

Jacquie said...

I love your list, Meredith. I hope y'all have a safe trip and a Merry Christmas with your family.

Jackie said...

Merry Christmas, Meredith! All of my Christmas faves are the ones on your list, too...I am so looking forward to Christmas Eve service.

Be safe...if you happen to drive through NM, give a wave in my direction. :)

Susan said...

I have done that drive without kids and it was LONG: Have a Merry Christmas and a safe trip!

Jenn said...

We are Christmas fans here in Texas. Love the whole magical time of year. We went to an early Christmas eve service tonight - it was great to experience with M. and Jeremy.