Christmas Countdown Calendars

It all started when Amy was little and Grandma Ball would send a chocolate countdown calendar to for Christmas.  She started a tradition.  For awhile, Amy got the calendar to herself.  Then she had to share with Misha.  And when Kristen was old enough, well, every third day wasn't quite so exciting.

You'd think at 16 and 18 my girls would have outgrown the chocolate calendars, but no.  This year they asked me to get THREE so they didn't have to share.

24 Days Closer to Christ

I found this list on Pinterest and filled our Christmas countdown calendar with slips of papers.

1. Make a Christmas list of gifts you would like to give to everyone this year. If you already have your list made, look through the Topical Guide in the scriptures under the different headings for Jesus Christ and make a list of attributes of Christ that you would like to develop.

2. Look for the good in people today. As you find it, give sincere compliments.

3. Do something to beautify the world around you – decorate for Christmas, clean up a
mess, spruce up your yard or someone else’s yard, etc.

4. Make a sacrifice today. It could be a sacrifice of time or money or thought. You could give something of yours to someone who would like it, spend time with someone who needs it, etc. Try to make your sacrifice benefit someone else.

5. Set up a nativity scene if you have one. If you don’t have one, keep your eye out to see one today. If your nativities are already set up, give thanks to God for the gift of His Only Begotten Son.

6. Exercise faith in Christ today in some way. You could make a point to trust in an answer to prayer. You could turn your burdens over to the Lord. You could tell the Lord why you believe in Christ and give thanks for Him.

7. Make a point of turning the other cheek and going the extra mile today. If someone says or does something mean to you, say or do something kind back to them. If someone cuts you off in traffic, let another person go ahead of you as well.

8. Try to give the gift of peace to someone today. Do some of their work for them and allow them to rest. Give them some quiet time. Read someone a book or sing them a song. Etc.

9. Wrap some Christmas gifts today. As you tie the ribbon on, think about Christ encircling you in the arms of His love.

10. Do something today that Christ would have done – help someone to heal, listen to someone without judgment, serve someone just as Christ washed His disciples’ feet.

11. Keep Christ in the forefront of your thoughts today by listening to Christmas music that speaks of Him.

12. Share something with someone today.

13. Forgive someone today. You could forgive someone for an offense done today or for one done in the past. Ask God to help you forgive if needed.

14. Choose someone you love and make sure he or she knows you love him or her. Think about the 5 love languages (words of affirmation, quality time, service, gifts, physical touch) and try to show love to that person in all 5 love languages today.

15. Give someone an early Christmas gift today. You could take some cookies to a neighbor, mail a package to a missionary, or give a gift to someone you won’t see later this month.

16. Think of a trial you have been having or something that has been difficult to overcome. Realize that God has all power and can help you overcome that which you could not do on your own. Choose a burden to lay at His feet.

17. Write a note to someone today letting him/her know how much you love him/her. You could write a letter and save it to tuck into his/her stocking, stick a post-it note on his/her car, leave a note on his/her pillow, mail a thank you card, send a text, or e-mail a letter.

18. Spend some time today sipping cocoa or cider in front of the Christmas tree. While enjoying your peace, think back on how righteous actions have blessed your life. Offer a prayer of thanks for these blessings.

19. Sacrifice something for God today. You could choose to give up a sin or promise to serve Him in the future. You could help Him by spreading His Gospel to others.

20. Do a small act of service today in secret (a Secret Santa). Make someone’s bed, do their dishes, clean their room, wash their car, etc.

21. Give something to a homeless person or someone else in need today.

22. This is another day for giving a gift. Give an early Christmas gift, go caroling, deliver neighbor gifts, give to someone in need, etc. Alternatively, you could share the gift of Christ’s gospel with someone.

23. List some of the gifts that God has given to you. Thank Him for them. Reciprocate by making, giving, or delivering a gift to someone.

24. Read the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-11. Ponder on Christ’s life and plead with God for the gift of charity. Resolve to follow Christ’s example in the upcoming year.

Roses

Chris came home from Europe bringing flowers.  He was a welcome sight.  The flowers were just an added bonus.

Thankful - Day 30

I am thankful for good people who act as the Savior would act and love as the Savior would love.  A couple weeks ago, I helped at a funeral for a man who died of a stroke.  Scott was young, vibrant, and well-loved by his family, the community, and his co-workers.  As family and friends mingled after the service, I watched a young man walk to the front of the chapel where a large canvas of Scott rested on an easel.  I took note as this young man paced in front of this picture, stared at it, and seemed to ache for the loss.  You could just tell that there was an emptiness in his heart and unbelief that Scott was gone.

As I walked in and out of the kitchen, serving food and cleaning, I kept my eyes on this young man.  He finally sat on the front pew of the chapel with his head in his hands.  And then the miracle.  As I returned to the gym after clearing trays from the serving table, the scene at the front of the chapel had changed.  Our bishop sat next to this young man.  They sat and talked.  I am thankful for good people who act as the Savior would act and love as the Savior would love.

Jazz Choir Performance

Kristen had her final performance for her Jazz Choir at the Dickens Opera House (a performance room above a restaurant).  She had to be at the Opera House at 6 pm even though the performance didn't actually start until 7 pm.  We weren't thrilled at the prospect of eating there, but I guess the choice was made for us when all of the tables were occupato when we arrived.  So we sat and watched Kristen's group as well as another choir group from another school practice and work on stage placement.  We pretty much saw the performance before the performance even started.

Kristen has loved practicing and performing this past semester and you could pretty much pick her voice out because it was strong enough to carry the whole group.   She loved watching the other choir group as well because they had choreography, matching dresses and sashes, and some great songs.  Perhaps a little inspiration for next year.

Thankful - Day 29

Kids who are “adulting”.  Every once in awhile, my girls make pretty grown up decisions.  Sometimes as the parent, I just have to keep my mouth shut when they make decisions I am not so thrilled with.  So when they surprise me with making a not-so-fun, but wise choice...ahhhhh.  Life is good.

Thankful - Day 28

Being loved.  Christopher is my greatest cheerleader.  I am grateful to be loved by him.

Thankful - Day 27

Finding a bargain.  I try to be a wise steward of our family’s finances.  And what I really love is finding a great bargain, or being able to use coupons to make a great bargain even better.  I am thankful for bargains and coupons.

Thankful - Day 26

The older I get, the less I enjoy cooking dinner.  Unfortunately, when Chris has been gone all week and has been eating out every night, he really only wants to come home and enjoy a home-cooked meal.  I really just want to go out on the weekends.  So sometimes I cook and sometimes...I don’t.   And going out is the best option.  I am grateful for restaurants and good food that other people make.

Thankful - Day 25

Great music.  In our family, I am usually the odd one out with my choice of music.  Chris has inspired the girls to have a love for his type of music.  That’s fine.  I still love the music choices that I make.  I love peaceful and romantic music, I love the sound of men singing, I love movie scores and classical music.  I love Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Simon and Garfunkel, church music.  I am grateful that music can lift my soul.

Credit Cards

That time when your daughter cuts up her new credit card because she thinks it looks ugly.

Kristen's Date with Dad

Kristen was having a hard time coming up with an idea for her date with her dad.  After she put a gingerbread house kit in the cart at Costco, Chris suggested that they go for dinner and then come back to the house and put the kit together.

The house was already glued together, so it was simply a matter of adding frosting and candy to decorate.  Perfect.  And they had fun.

Lightroom Fix

When Chris upgraded my computer this last year, the transfer of picture files to my Lightroom catalog went fairly smoothly, except that the path for files was tweaked slightly.  This meant that the pictures were stored in the correct place on my computer, but a new folder was created in the Lightroom catalog.

I spent a couple of hours on hold with Adobe to get help.  The first time I waited over an hour and then had to leave to pick up Kristen.  And that was when they finally got to me.  So I tried again a couple of days later.  I finally got through to a person but found that by the end of the "help" session, my files were all messed up.

It was then that Chris stepped in and handily fixed everything even though he said he didn't understand the workings of Lightroom.  What a lifesaver!

Black Friday

Before heading out shopping Friday morning, we stopped at our friends' home to help them move.  They might have thought that no one was around for the weekend to help, but so many people came to help...and kept on arriving as well.

Kristen, Chris, and I spent the afternoon shopping in Fort Collins.  The drawback to that was that Kristen saw some of the gifts we purchased and even some for her.  The fun part was being able to spend time with her bit of craziness.

Thankful - Day 24

Clean sheets, more especially, clean sheets fresh from the clothesline.  Clean sheets from the dryer are great, but fresh from an outdoors clothesline...perfect.  Beyond smelling great, line-dried sheets are crisp and cool.  I am grateful that my mom took the time to hang sheets outside to dry.  (I am also grateful that she taught me to wash my sheets at least once a week).  The feeling of climbing in to bed with freshly washed sheets is wonderful.

Thanksgiving Day

It was just our family for Thanksgiving this year.  It was lovely for me to have my girls help with cooking and the table setting a la Kristen. 

Thankful - Day 23

Blistex.  My husband would say that I am addicted to Blistex.  I am.  I admit it.  I have tubes of Blistex  everywhere:  in the car, at my treadmill, in jacket pockets, in the bathroom, by my bed, in my purse.  I have gone back to my car to have Blistex in my pocket at a movie, and I have sent Chris back to the car to retrieve some for me.  I am thankful to who ever it was that invented lip balm.

Temple Day

I volunteer at the temple on Wednesdays and it was nice that Kristen was able to come and spend some time there on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  The temple closed at 11:30 to allow families time to enjoy the holiday with their families, so my volunteer shift was a lot shorter.  Kristen loved being in the baptistry and soaking up the spirit of the temple.  I love that spiritual things mean so much to her and touch her heart so deeply.

Thankful - Day 22

Europe.  There is something about beautiful buildings and awesome scenery in Europe that just makes my heart sing.  I love taking pictures and find myself composing a picture and a blog post before I even switch on my camera.

Boogie Sweeping

I asked Kristen to sweep the floor and she asked "Alexa" to play a song from Earth, Wind and Fire. 

Thankful - Day 21

Glasses.  I started wearing glasses a few years ago.  I am thankful for glasses that allow me to read what I can no longer decipher on my own.

Amy's Date with Dad

Chris wanted to take each of the girls on a date while he was home.  Amy chose to go shooting with Chris.  She's a pretty good shot.

Thankful - Day 20

Exercise.  I am grateful for a body that allows me to get out of bed every morning and stretch, lift weights, and perform aerobic exercise.  Some days are easier than others, but I especially love those mornings when I feel invincible and am able to run faster, lift heavier, and last longer.  I am thankful that Chris supports my lifelong dedication to exercise.  And having a gym in the basement makes exercising so much easier.

Puffer Fish

Amy to Kristen, “If you want people to be nice to you, you need to be nice to them...especially when they look like a puffer fish.” (Speaking of Misha who just had her wisdom teeth removed).

Kristen Selfie

There always seem to be some allure to taking selfies with Mom's phone.  Kristen took the opportunity to snap some shots on the way home from church today.