Advent and Christmas

The last three days have felt both restful and overwhelming - is that possible?! Restful in the sense that we haven't had to rush around to a lot of places and overwhelming in the sense that all I can think is - what do we do with all these nice gifts?! I think the kids are a little overwhelmed with all the toys, so we're going to put some away for a rainy day and spread the Christmas cheer beyond 12/25.

 

We have really tried hard this year to help Mary-Michael focus on giving, but let's be honest, she's 2 years old. Despite our attempts to teach about giving and gratefulness she continues to ask "Is that my present?" or "Can we open that one?" as soon as she's tore the last piece of paper off the previous one. Sigh. Well, I guess life lessons aren't learned overnight and if we're focusing on giving and gratefulness throughout the year, at some point she will start to understand.

 

Our final days of advent were spent preparing a cooler full of pork (from our very own pigs) and a package of cookies to take to a family down the road that we know is in need. On Christmas morning, before presents, we all piled in the truck to deliver the goodies. When we drove up the children came outside curious at why this big white truck had come up their driveway. Mary-Michael and Daddy gave them the decorated cooler and cookies and soon after, a very grateful mother came out to thank us. She told Geoff how she was just trying to make ends meet working 2 jobs and that the gift was such a blessing. We really felt like we had chosen the right family.

 

I share this not to boast about good deeds but in hopes that we can pass an idea along for your family. I know the best way to teach my children to be selfless and raise them to not feel a sense of entitlement that I think plagues some of our youngfolk (including my generation) is to "do" our faith and not just talk about it.  So, let's do something!

 

We hope you and yours had a blessed Christmas and that you are filled with hope as we enter 2013!

 

Packing up the cooler with Daddy.

 

Merry Christmas from our farm!