“Experiencing Christmas”

What do you do for the holidays?  I’d love to hear and maybe I can add a few of yours to my list and visa versa.

I am an early tree riser :) I love to put the tree up early to mid-November and that beauty stays up until mid to late January.  There’s no harm in almost a whole quarter of the year being decorated for Christmas, right?  Yeh, I didn’t think so either.

It seems that every weekend we have something planned and many times they overlap, but what I find so empowering, is only go to the places you really want to be at.. the places that will enrich this time of year, the places that will make memories for your family. Do not be afraid to set limitations and say “no” if other events conflict with another “more important” event you have planned.  This is a busy time of year and you simply can’t do it all.

These special and chosen experiences are more important to us than any earthly gift. These experiences build memories to last.

Here are our plans and maybe I’ll see some of you there!

📷Disney on Ice- Yes, I know that this has nothing to do with Christmas, but our daughter has come to love this excitement and we add this into her Christmas experience.  We let her know that this is part of her Christmas present and she is happy with that.  The show is lively, and beautiful, and I believe worth going to for sure.

Hometown Christmas Parade in Liberty, NC – If you love a small town Christmas, I believe you should head to the Liberty Christmas Parade and stay for the festivities.  This little town would be a perfect Hallmark movie location.  Our daughter also performs in the evening show by the “Town Christmas Tree” after the parade.  She begged to go this year. Come join us. https://g.co/kgs/pV22tX

The Nutcracker – This year we are adding a new event, we are going to the Nutcracker performed at the McCray Theater, Elon University. The ballerinas of Walker Dance Ballet Theater will perform the ballet.  Our daughter loves to watch anything dance related and I believe that this gifted experience from her “Noni” will be one she will not soon forget.

https://www.walkerdancenc.com/resume

The Singing Christmas Tree- Last year we began going to a special event performed by First Christian Church of Ramseur, NC. This is an extravagant light show with singing and theatrical scenes that play out the true meaning of Christmas.  I love the live “stable” animals, and all the special touches in the performance. Yes, I said live animals, but I should also clarify, that you are indoors in the warm.. am must see! Go visit and stay to pet the animals afterwards. First Christian Church, 1381 Church Street, Ramseur, NC 27316. December 6, 7, 13, and 14that 7pm. December 8 and 15th at 4pm.

The Christmas Train at Denton Farm Park, Denton, NC – A drive over to the countryside will reward you with a huge train ride, Christmas Story, little chapel singing, Christmas lights, stores, history, Santa and even carriage rides.  Baylee would ride that train over and over and over again if she could..https://dentonfarmpark.com/country-christmas-train/

Then on Christmas Eve we meet at my mother’s house for Christmas festivities, Christmas morning Breakfast is at our home, Dinner at our cousins, and later, spending time with family at my Dad’s house.  

It can be difficult to juggle all the family and who gets along with who, but please try to remember, it’s not about who likes who, it’s about coming together as family, putting away our selfish needs, wants and pride and celebrating the birth of our Lord.  The one who can save each of us from a life we didn’t even know we needed saving from.. Something happens, when you put God first, you bubble :) with gladness, praise, friendship and serving..

I love you all, and Merry Christmas. Please comment with a special tradition or experience you love to do! I can’t wait to hear.