On This Christmas Eve

Last night I went with my daughter's family to visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  It was absolutely amazing.  I had heard that it was another of those "not to be missed" things in Utah.  That turned out to be more than true.  It wasn't just the lights and all the beautiful decorations on the huge site, it was the amazing blessing felt by all who witnessed the true meaning of Christmas.

There were literally thousands of people out walking the streets of Salt Lake City last night taking in the beauty of the lights, the bagpipers on the corners playing Christmas Carols, and the Temple.

The scenery was amazing and the telling of the Christmas story depicted in lighted vignettes which were so realistic the children asked if they were real people. The life-sized characters and animals were amazingly detailed, and there was a "star" whose light bell upon the Manger as if it were really falling from the sky above.

The music was inspiring.  I was brought to tears more than one time last night during my visit to the Temple.

The Temple itself is an amazing architectural feat, with 9 foot thick walls of quartz at the base going down to six foot thick walls near the top.  The quartz was mined in the nearby mountains and is similar to the granite we saw in Georgia. 

The detail in the surrounding buildings and grounds is awesome.  The Temple is central in the compound, but there are several other large structures including a Visitors Center where you can learn so much about the Temple and the Mormons.  It is all very family oriented.  There is a huge model of the Temple in the Visitors Center which has a cut away side like a child's dollhouse, showing you what the inside looks like.  The Baptismal area was fascinating to both the children and I.  The pool is actually held up on the backs of 12 large oxen statues which represent the Twelve Tribes.  It is amazing.  The interactive displays are very interesting and educational.

From the park like area where they had the Christmas Story being told, you saw a huge dome shaped building with a glass front where you could see this magnificent statue of Christ.  It was breathtaking. 

You could enter the building downstairs (and wait in line - you just wouldn't believe how many people were there last night) to go upstairs and sit down to hear the spoken words of Jesus about salvation.  Again tears.

Livie, who is my little artist, was complete taken with the HUGE paintings depicting different Bible scenes/stories and kept taking pictures of them for herself. 

We entered two other buildings, one where they hold concerts daily at noon and at 2 pm on Sundays...Huge Huge organ! 

This was the larger of the two pipe organs we saw..The picture can not give you perspective on the size of this enormous instrument.  I must go and listen some time.  It has to be thrilling to listen to.

The second organ, which was also huge, was housed in a lovely large chapel like building with stained glass windows which reminded me of something out of an old English novel.  Really a beautiful sight.

I got tickled at Ashlyn, who isn't interested in boys yet at all other than as playmates, saying what a beautiful place it would be for a wedding! 

She is right, it would be!

This amazing trip into SLC really brought the true Spirit of Christmas into the season for me.  Hearing the story as related in Luke II, seeing the scene depicted so beautifully, and witnessing the devotion and dedication of those who put together all of this was quite humbling.

If you live in Utah and you haven't yet seen all of this, make it a point to do so.  If you are planning to visit Utah during the Christmas season, put this on your agenda.  You won't regret it!

I hope that as all of you approach the day tomorrow, you are filled with the Joy, Awe and Miracle of this Day...a Day which changed the world forever.

GOD BLESS - PEACE, LOVE AND JOY

Merry Christmas To All...and to Alll

Famous line huh?  During this joyous time of year each family has a set of "traditions" they fulfill during the time preceding Christmas and New Years Day.  Those traditions vary from family to family.  Some are as simple as always making sure to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" which by the way was voted on FB to be the number one favorite Christmas movie for most people.  My hubby loves "A Christmas Story."  I think he identifies with the little boy who wanted the BB gun!

I would encourage you, particularly if you are a "new" family to begin building traditions for your family.  Thinking back over the years, there are certain things which we had as family traditions that the children looked forward to.  I remember things which were a part of our stocking stuffers - a tangerine, ribbon candy, hard candies and nuts in the shell were always a part of my own childhood,  and for many years I carried that tradition into my own children's lives. 

This year we are enjoying some new "traditions."  Our move to Utah has guaranteed us our First White Christmas!  The children are thrilled.  They are sledding and tomorrow they are going for their first ski lessons!  How exciting.  I am sure this will become a part of their family traditions from now on.

Today we made Christmas cookies.  That is something I have done with all my children and grandchildren every year.  We usually make a gingerbread house too, but somehow the time has gotten away from us this year.   The Christmas tree is up the day after Thanksgiving, as usual,  and decorated with many lights and a star on top.  During the move we managed to lose some ornaments, but some did survive.  I noticed on my daughters tree that there were several ornaments from years gone by.

I used to take the children every year to see Santa and have their pictures made.  When I attended a Christmas Party at the Clubhouse here a few nights ago, I watched as the little children told Santa their Christmas wishes.  It seems like yesterday my children were sitting on Santa's lap.  Where has the time gone?  Grab those moments, make those memories and hold on to them. 

I used to let the children each choose an ornament of their own every year to place on the tree.  Some of those are still around!  I made sure each of them got theirs to keep when they started their own families. 

I took my two young granddaughters to the store the other day and let them pick an ornament of their choosing.  Ashlyn chose a very overdressed little Yorkie and Alivia chose a brightly colored Peacock!  I had already purchased each of them an angel to hang on their tree.

Their mommy gave me a lovely ornament with their pictures on it...so sweet.

 I always purchase a gift for my "fur puppy."  He is part of the family too!

Buster the Wonder Dog used to know which present under the tree was his,  and he would check on it now and then, but he never once opened it until we told him he could!  It was amazing how he loved getting his own present. 

My little Buddy will get his present this year too, he himself is such a gift.  He gives us many giggles and much love. 

We will gather together as we have for many years now, at my home for Christmas Eve where we will have some wonderful treats and the kids will get to open a present from Granma and Granpa.

 This year we will be adding to the tradition by traveling up to Snowbasin to see a torchlight parade of skiiers down the mountainside.  There is plenty of snow, and it should be amazing! 

A White Christmas is a plus in a lot of ways.  It does seem even more magical.

Although this is a wonderful and exciting time of year for many, there are some for whom this time of year is lonely and difficult.  Many have lost loved ones this year, and it will be their first Christmas without that special person.  It is always difficult to lose a loved one, but particularly if it is during what should be a joyous season.  If you are blessed enough to be close to the love of your life, hold them tightly.  If you are blessed enough to have children and grandchildren, then hold them tightly also.  Make memories with them, for even if your are not near them in the future, the memories will ALWAYS be there. 

Build traditions, share love and spread it around during this Season of Magic. 

May you all have a very Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Linda