Christmas 2008

This year for Christmas John and I decided to make and effort to simplify things. We both had the desire to ensure that the focus of Christmas was on Christ and not on Santa Claus or the getting of gifts. As we brain stormed about how to do this, John came up with the idea of going camping. At first I didn't like this idea too much. All of the traditions we would have to leave behind ran through my head. However, after thinking about it for a few days I agreed with John, that would be one sure way to simplify things. We made reservations for a cabin in Garner State Park. My parents and my older brother, Nathan, and his family decided to come along too. We drove out to Garner State Park on the 23rd of December. The weather was beautiful the entire 3 days we were there. On Christmas ever we spent the day hiking to see some caves, riding bikes, reading and playing games. Instead of our usual Christmas eve dinner we had Chili and cornbread. That evening we kept up the Ellis family tradition of the living nativity (Thanks, Joy for the costumes and the narration!). Christmas day the kids woke up to see what Santa had left in their stockings. I was a bit worried that they would be disappointed that there were no big presents to open this year. I was so happy to hear the kids say "Wow! Santa sure put a lot of presents in our stockings!" The rest of the day was again spent hiking, reading, riding bikes, and playing miniature golf. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins and being outside. The rest of us had a wonderful time truly being away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation. It was wonderful to spend time in nature, observing the beauty that surrounds us and pondering the birth and life of Our Savior.