My first Christmas post of the season!

And its not even Thanksgiving yet!

I love the Christmas. I have already been sneaking in some Christmas music here and there (who knew that Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas made for such a great runnings song?) and am enjoying the red cups at Starbucks, thinking of what Christmas cookies I want to bake and starting my gift list for family and friends.

This year we will be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in Tucson for the very first time, and Christmas day we will be driving to the airport in Phoenix to fly to Pittsburgh to spend time with Jon's family. I am excited to start some traditions with just our family at home and will also be missing being with our parents and siblings during this time.

In the midst of the anticipation for the season, I love this YouTube video. Even though all of our gift giving is done on a limited budget, this video still convicts me and also encourages me.




Consumerism, especially around Christmas time, has always made me feel a little bit ill, and I am constantly trying to find the balance between enjoying the celebration and festivities and feeling like I need to spend and buy and go over the top.

I hope to relish all the Holiday season has to offer and celebrating the birth of Christ, without forgetting how Jesus lived, what he taught and what he asks of me as his follower. I also really want to instill these things into Evie and Zach from a young age!

I am excited to brainstorm some ways I can fully celebrate Christmas in all of its glory this year!