This holiday season has been wonderful so far. It has been busy and hectic, but it has been filled with growth and excitement. I think having two children has helped me feel more excited. Being able to read them Christmas stories from the Friend magazine has been nice. Watching them play with the decorations has also been very entertaining. Though I can't say I haven't held my breathe as I sneak over to take a bulb away from Allison. Dallin has been really excited about presents and things, of course, and hopefully we'll be able to celebrate the fun traditions while reminding him and Allison (and ourselves) of the reason for it all. 
I think about my own issues with Christmas also at this time. Tiredness, irritableness, 'poorness' from too much money spending. It obviously isn't an issue with the birth of Christ or the family celebrations, but the busy, busy things that drain me. I like presents, I like giving and getting, but I love being with my family and Jenna's family the most. I love being with our friends and just 'hanging out'. I love watching my daughter jump on my son's back and ride him like a horse. I love spending time in the evening with Jenna getting ready for the home show we just went through. I love visiting the families I home teach and enjoying their homes and their spirit. I know many of these things are great all year long, but the goodness of these things seem to be magnified by Christmas time.
The days are shorter and the nights longer, but those nights find us seeking for companionship-from friends, from family, and ultimately from God. I hope this Christmas we (especially me) can seek out those longing for friendship and companionship and invite them in. It is dark outside, but there is so much light within. Happiness accompanies us when we serve and offer friendship. Jesus knows what He is doing when he asks us to love our neighbor. It is for our neighbor's good, it is for the good of God's work, but it is also for our good...and it feels so good.
