Christmas Vacation

Recently, my husband's grandfather passed away. The last Christmas we spent with him was about 6 years ago. Our daughter was only 1 year old and it was our second Christmas with her. We traveled for 18 hours and stayed in my husband's parent's house that he grew up in. There were 8 adults, 5 kids and 1 shower. The great-grandparents arrived for a day, too. It was joyful chaos to say the least. Below is what my husband wrote after that Christmas. It means even more this year as we reflect on his grandfather's life and the time our children did get to spend with him.

What I learned from my One-Year-Old Daughter on Christmas Vacation

Toys are great, but anything can be fun with imagination.
Toys are great, but wrapping paper is just as much fun.
It doesn't matter where you are, whenever you hear a song you like, START DANCING!
It doesn't matter what kind of house you live in, what kind of car you drive, or what kind of clothes you wear, so long as…

• The house you live in is filled with love and warmth
  
• The car you drive can get to Grandma’s house
  
• The clothes you wear are comfortable
  

When you are hungry, EAT.
Try everything at least ONCE.
Sometimes food tastes better when you eat it with your fingers.
When you fall down - GET UP.
Go to bed early and wake up early.
Most people are nice so it is okay to talk to strangers sometimes and sometimes it’s even fun!
When you feel scared, lonely, ashamed, tired, mad, frustrated, overwhelmed or even happy, a hug always makes you feel better.
When you have wronged another or another has wronged you, smile, forgive and forget instantly (no grudges)
Baths have the functional purpose of cleaning the body, but more precipitously they cleanse the soul and provide an arena to splash and play with rubber duckies!
Parental approval is important but not a prerequisite for happiness.
Warm and snugly blankets help you go to sleep faster.
From the most simple of things derive the greatest of pleasure.
Relish in other’s happiness as much as your own.
Christmas is about the family getting together, not the toys.

It is no wonder Christ calls us to be more childlike. (Mark 10:15) May you take these messages and MAKE IT A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!!!