#2: Family

On Sunday and Monday of Christmas week, Eric and I celebrated Christmas with his family. We enjoyed Sunday dinner and a sibling gift exchange with Laura & Jared. We played games and laughed and got to know each other better. Then on Monday we had a delicious Christmas dinner and opened gifts. They spoiled us - I feel undeserving of their generosity but grateful too. As we spent the evening together, I felt so grateful that we live close to Eric's family. It's a blessing to have them in our lives and to feel love from them and for them.

Then, on Wednesday the 23rd, we embarked on a crazy adventure: driving to Benson to be with my family for Christmas. We left about 2pm and arrived the next morning around 3:30am. Oh my goodness, what a drive! It was long but worth every minute. I loved being with my family for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Being with family is, in my opinion, one of the simplest sources of joy and strength. I loved the laughter and conversations and creating memories.

It seems Christmas is a time to build relationships, and I believe it happens because we are united in our beliefs and feelings of the season. The gifts and food are only a small part of the memories we build. Coming together to strengthen our love for one another and strengthening our faith in our Savior and his birth and life are the most memorable aspects of the time we have together.