Christmas.

"...for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

-Luke 2: 11-14

I've always loved Christmas - the story, the lights, the songs, the togetherness. It is my all-time favorite holiday! Something about Christmas this year was extra sweet for our family. Maybe it's Ethan's age, our focus on Advent and Jesus' birth, the simplistic approach we took - or a combination of those things - but it was truly wonderful. We did things a bit differently this year and I look forward to continuing these traditions and making new ones in the years to come.

Here's how the Tri Mulli "did Christmas", in 20 photos or less...

We decorated...

We celebrated Advent...

"Every story whispers His name"

The Advent e-book we used was exceptional! Each day corresponded with stories from the Jesus Storybook Bible (which is also fantastic).  All three of us thoroughly enjoyed this experience.  I can't say enough good things about it! (Plus, the teacher in me can't get over how much Ethan's coloring improved over the course of the month...)

We traded gifts for experiences...

We spent time with friends... 

And enjoyed lots of family time...

We celebrated with our church family, too...

In the eight years we've lived in Raleigh and been a part of our church, we've never been able to attend the Christmas Eve service.  That all changed this year and will be a priority from now on! Seeing my sweet boy's face lit by candlelight while we sang "Silent Night" just about did me in.  It was the perfect culmination of all we learned during Advent and set the tone for Christmas day.

We gave and received gifts...

...simply because we love and are loved, not because our behavior is deserving of presents under a tree.

And we spread some of that Christmas cheer to local hospitals...

We ate, we laughed, we played.  We thanked God for sending his Son to rescue us, and we celebrated that extraordinary gift.  I never sent out Christmas cards and an elf never donned our shelf, but Christmas still happened with awe and wonder for what has been done for us.

And, in the words of Ethan, in response to me telling him that Christmas is over: "Christmas is about Jesus' birth, so Christmas is still here."

Amen, my sweet boy.  Amen.