Jesus and 'Jingle Bell Rock': I’ve learned that there’s no dividing line between ‘American Christmas’ and ‘Christian Christmas.’

William wakes up from his nap and says, “Mom, I want to talk.”

He is in his crib, surrounded by his “sleep stuff,” which includes two pacifiers, a stuffed giraffe, and a blue and green patchwork blanket. His hair sticks up at odd angles, and his eyes are a bit puffy. But the expression on his face tells me he has an agenda.

I settle myself in the chair across the room, resting my hands on my rapidly expanding midsection, and say, “What do you want to talk about?”

“Santa.”

Read More: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/december-web-only/jesus-and-jingle-bell-rock.html

Santa is staying in our families Christmas

My wife and I had a very interesting conversation the other night regarding Santa and if we are planning to "release the Christmas crackin" with our daughter (who is almost 2).  Both our parents did the Santa thing with us and we both have nothing but amazing memories of those years.  As a child, there was a mystery and intense excitement that came with the belief in good ol Kris Kringle, and then an overflow of Joy when we woke on Christmas morning.

Yes, we loved getting things, and honestly still do to this day.  My dad just got my brothers and I a nifty little toy called the Ollie, which is a mobile controlled robot that travels up to 15mph and can perform some pretty slick stunts, and we are loving the thing!  Gifts are good!  Things are good!  Our families never ever let us become so infatuated with 'stuff' that we lose sight of why Christmas even happens.  It was always about Jesus.  Even in the midst of all the trinkets and toys, Jesus was, and still is, the center of our Christmas.  They also never let us 'worship' the idea of Santa Clause.  He was NEVER a figure who replaced the savior.

So where am I going with this?  Well, I'll let you read a little article that we found.  Sarah and I had already made up our minds about Santa well before reading this article.  The author does a fantastic job of explaining why Santa belongs in our children s Christmas.

With that said, go ahead and read for yourself.  Whatever you decide is best for your family will be awesome!  Build memories!  Saturate your kids in those memories!  But stop and think about your choice to judge a families decision to enjoy the fantastic story of Santa Clause because it truly is a beautiful thing.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2011/december/why-santa-belongs-in-your-kids-christmas.html?start=3

Wrecked for Christmas

Folks, I am completely head over heals in love.
Yep. And the girl drives me totally crazy much of the time.
She's loud, tries to eat everything in sight, sometimes runs around wearing nothing but her pink, light up, princess shoes, and literally poops herself at least once a day.
*sigh* But I cant help it.  The way she smiles at me, and literally screams and dances when I come home from work, and speaks sweet and completely unrecognizable garbled words when I call her on the phone.  Be still my heart.

My little Cora has WRECKED me in the best possible way.  I can't get enough of her and this daddy is overjoyed to teach her about Christmas and to create some AMAZING memories!

Merry Christmas sweet girl. Your daddy loves you more than you know, and will never stop doing his best to let you know just how much that is.  You done me in kiddo.  I am fully wrecked and reduced to a pile of festive, pine scented, mush because of what you do to me. (Please note that Zach does not actually smell of pine.)

Photo by Mason Wheeler

And you thought Xmas was awesome!

Well kids!  It's finally come!!!!
I wish I could tell you that Xmas is my favorite day, but I would be lying.  Tomorrow morning, I'll wake up, with joy in my heart and happiness exploding of my scruffy little face.  I'll sit, cup of coffee in hand and.... and....AND....

Stick a plunger on my head.

Yes indeed. December 18th is national wear a plunger on your head day.  Enjoy.