The Perfect Christmas
It’d be very easy for me to just sign off for the holiday now and wish you the very best of Christmases with your loved ones. And I will.
But I wanted to share something else too.
It’s far from the perfect Christmas here.
Despite Gigi making up her own, very creative Spanish lyrics to “Feliz Navidad” today and Lulu donning her skunk costume for no apparent reason, I’m not quite in the Christmas spirit.
I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders.
I keep saying sarcastically, “Merry Christmas, right?”
Well, actually…yes.
Things were far from perfect the night our Savior came into the world.
I’m sure Mary and Joseph weren’t in the best of spirits that Christmas Eve. They were tired, cold and hungry. Mary wasn’t exactly self-administering an epidural either. She was riding, rather uncomfortably, I’m sure, on the back of a mule. But I’d bet she didn’t turn to Joseph as another door was shut in their face, and say sarcastically, “Merry Christmas, right?”
Things were far from perfect the night our Savior came into the world.
We were undeserving, and yet He still came.
And so will Christmas this year.
Regardless of all the things that aren’t right, I can still make wonderful memories with my children, my husband and my family. I can appreciate the beautiful gift that I’ve been given in Christ. I can be grateful that we have Him to lead us down the paths of our lives.
Even if a few of the bulbs are burnt out this year, that won’t take away from the beauty of all the light in my life. Of His light.
I wish you the very, very best of Christmases with the ones you love.
May your holiday be full of light and love.
So very true. Merry Christmas and a new year full of light to you and your family! and ummmm….does that Santa have dreadlocks?
Yes, it was so bizarre. But he was awesome. He told Lulu, “I’m not sure I can get you a puppy. That’s something I need to discuss with your parents.” Well played, mon, well played.
nice job rastasanta! only in oregon
haha i was wondering if those were dreads too! what a hip santa! ;p
Rasta santa. LOL (thanks, I needed that)
Very sweet! The girls look so excited! My kids are in college and I miss this age.. I love the pic of your daughter walking .. Enjoy your holiday!
You too, Leslie!
Sarah, I hope your heart is feeling lighter as the next few days go by. You have made me smile so many times over the last year, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and the happiest New Year!
XOXO
Thank you, Carol. Merry Christmas.
So what I needed!!!
Me too.
Aw, lulu can come play with our new puppy- husky malamute mix. She is the cutest bundle of fluff!! But I’m not sure she’s ready to fly solo to Flagstaff,az!
God bless you and your family
No way!!! Congrats on your new addition!
Hope you feel better Mama. Love you lots.
Thank you, love.
I wish I could give you a big hug! I’ll be thinking of your family and keeping them in my thoughts and prayers this Christmas. My mom died on Christmas so I definitely understand a day holding both joy and sorrow. I just try to focus on the happy!
Thank you, sweetie. Merry Christmas. I’m so sorry you lost your mom on Christmas. Thank you for the perspective and love.
This was beautiful!! Made my night. I so love your attitude! Our little saying the past few months has been “Have an attitude of gratitude.” It makes life so joyful. Thanks for sharing!!
Amen. Thank you, Stef.
Merry Christmas Sarah! I hope you have a wonderful time with your family. This post hit home tonight. Things are so far from perfect over here it isn’t even funny. I’m struggling every day, but…….. that’s not what Christmas is about. Thank you! Thank you for sharing His light to so many others.
Hugs to you and your sweet, sweet family.
And you too, Kristin. One of the many blessings in my life has been getting to meet and have a friendship with you. <3
Sorry your not feeling it this. I am not either. However, I hope you can still have a wonderful time with your family. I hope things get better for the Pea family. Hopefully the new year will bring good things.
I meant… Feeling it this year.
Thank you, RJ.
Merry Christmas Mama Pea! You’re absolutely right, thank you for these reminders in this last frenzy before the holidays! And of course the photos are precious
I don’t need to send any well wishes for dinner because we all know yours will be the very best! May you and your beautiful family have a wonderful relaxing Christmas filled with joy and laughter!
And the same to you, Melanie! Baking frenzy tomorrow, which will surely lift my spirits.
I loved your daily quote on Twitter this morning, it rings so true to so many people. Whatever it is that’s eating at you, I hope it won’t put a huge damper on this holiday weekend, and I wish all the Peas a very merry Christmas
Thank you so much for this message, best post yet and really resonates with me this year. Thank you thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and continue to see the light in this world that was given to us through Christ. On a side note, I am attempting your delicious looking gingerbread cliff bars tonight. At least my workout snack tomorrow will be holiday inspired and a light, no matter how big or small, to help brighten the day!
I hope you enjoy the bars and that you have a wonderful Christmas, Marissa!
Sarah – like the previous commenters, I feel much the way that you do. Thank you for helping me to put things in perspective and to realize I’m not alone in this. Bless you!
I’m glad to have helped. May God bless you as well! Merry Christmas.
ThiS really hit me tonight. My husband is in the Air Force, and we just got to a new duty station. Well, we got here 2 months ago, but we don’t have a house yet. We were hoping to be moved in before Christmas, but that’s not going to happen. 2 months, 3 kids, in basically a hotel suite. I’ve been saying “Merry Christmas, right?” a lot too. So, thank you for reminding me, that, one, I could be in labor, wandering the streets, so count my blessings. And two, to remember how much I am loved, even though I don’t deserve it. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing, Michelle. Your kids aren’t going to remember the hotel room or not having a house. They are going to remember having a mom and dad there to celebrate with and feeling loved. Merry Christmas to your family (and prayers that you do get moved into your home soon!).
Michelle,
I don’t know you, but I can imagine that a) you ARE loved and b) you DO deserve it. It doesn’t matter where you are, it matters who you’re there with.
Happy Holidays to you and yours. You deserve it.
I hope all is well with you Mama Pea, you will get through this.
I am going through something rough too, just got the news last Friday that our entire office in this little island I’ve lived in for the past 5yrs will be made redundant by the end of the first quarter of 2012. I am celebrating my birthday and Christmas this year with a steady smile and am being grateful that I get to spend the holidays with my loved ones.
I will deal with work once the holidays is over, I don’t want to worry my family too at this time of the year.
Merry Christmas to the Pea family!
p.s.
lovin’ the new profile pic.
That is rough. I will pray that something better is ahead for you! And yes, let’s enjoy this time with our families. Much love to you and thank you for the compliment!
Merry Christmas, Pea family!
I hope Christmas does arrive for you in spirit as well as reality – it is hard getting into the swing of festivities when heavier things are happening in the background. A very Happy Christmas to you though, including those in skunk costumes!
She says, “Merry stinkin’ Christmas to you too.”
Merry Christmas to you, Sarah, and to your sweet Peas!
Wishing you peace and a continued sense of appreciation for this wonderful life that we are all so very fortunate to have. Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2012!
Amen!
Oh Sarah, how incredible and inspiring you are to take a step back when things aren’t going quite right and use the experience to remind us, and yourself, that there and greater, stronger, and more important things in this world than getting a perfect Christmas dinner spread, pristinely-wrapped presents, or even attaining that 100% happy December 25th that we’re all expected to have no matter the circumstances. Thank you, both for myself and for your bravery.
It’s an honor, really. Merry Christmas, Hannah.
I love the song “labor of love” by Andrew Peterson. Even though we try to see the Bible through rose-colored glasses, God’s people have always been of flesh and blood. We’re flawed, struggling creatures in need of His grace. Our struggles have always pointed us to him – it was the same for Moses, Abraham, Mary, and you and I.
Thank you for bringing that perspective to your readers. You are His light. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Beautiful. I will find that song and have a listen. Merry Christmas, Kirsten. His light shines in you too.
here is a link to the song, I blogged about it and included the lyrics
http://kirstenscooking.blogspot.com/2011/12/not-silent-night.html
Thank you!
God bless you, Sarah.
Merry Christmas.
Very well written and a reminder we all need this time of the year.
I appreciate the sentiment, but you know not all of your readers are Christian, right? Just something to keep in mind.
I do appreciate that Jen, but this is my space to share and with this post I just really had to share what was on my heart. No one is forced to read and everyone can believe what they want or worship who they want. I will never stop praising Him though.
I’m Jewish and I appreciate celebrating other people’s Christmas joy even though it isn’t my holiday and I never sat on Santa’s lap as a child. It’s a blessing to be able to share in other people’s happy times, even if I am just an observer. I fondly remember all of my Christian friend’s coming to my Bat Mitzvah and celebrating with me.
Thank you for sharing that, Julia. One of my best friends is Jewish and I love that we can both celebrate each other’s joy together.
Ditto to everything you said, Julia–especially that memory of my closest (and mostly Christian) friends sitting through my interminably long Bat Mitzvah service!
I completely understand feeling overwhelmed at this time of year by the deluge of religious sentiment that you do not share, Jen. I’ve found that the best way to reconcile my own beliefs with the Christmas season is to focus not on the religious aspect, but on appreciating the warmth, kindness, and love that people show one another at this time of year. And I am quite thankful for Christmas lights to chase away the darkness (both physical and psychological) that accompanies the long, cold winter. Plus all of the seasonal coffee flavors at Starbucks
I wish you and all of your readers a Christmas full of kindness, love, and happy memories to look back on, Mama Pea.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy the family time together! I bet the girls are SO excited! <3
Oh so glad I’m not the only one feeling less then Christmassy. I’m in Australia with my boyfriend, in between jobs and the hairdresser shaved my head today! Wierd. It’s too hot for Christmas down under BUT I’m not alone thanks to you (and the boyfriend, don’t tell him I said that
Hope Santa brings you some cheer. And btw I can’t wait to try your flax seed gel. Looks amazing.
Merry Merry,
Crista
I considered shaving my head just two days ago.
Merry Christmas, Crista.
My 3 year old makes up his own lyrics to Feliz Navidad as well, he really thinks it says “The spots on my dog, the spots on my dog…” Always good for a laugh
Merry Christmas!!!
That is awesome!
Thank you. Just thank you for this post. Merry Christmas and may God bless you and your family.
You are quite welcome. Merry Christmas.
I was so moved by this post! Thank you as always for your honesty and your example to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. Happy Holidays, Pea family
You too Jessica. God bless.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hope everyone stays tucked in their beds and waits patiently for Santa to come on Christmas Eve, too
And that Mrs. Claus, i.e. you, gets to enjoy some well-deserved rest time!
I may have teared up a bit reading this. Thanks for the reminder…
Merry Christmas to you and your Peas!
Merry Christmas to all the Peas! What a great reminder to stop the insanity and enjoy the season. I think i will take your advice.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thank you for the reminder for what Christmas is all about. In school, every year we read “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” out loud to the fifth graders. While most of them just take it as a funny fictional story, I love the underlying message. When I saw that you finished reading it the other day, I was in the same boat as you with tears in my eyes when Imogene figures out the true meaning of Christmas. Ah, I’ve got chills.
Yup. Maybe Imogene saved our Christmas
Thanks Sarah! I so needed this post right now. I, too, am having a difficult time getting in the holiday spirit. But I’m going to try to focus on the simplicity of the holiday and the fact that I get to be with family I love.
Indeed. We are so blessed.
Merry Christmas Mama Pea! Thank you so much for all of the inspiration you’ve given me over the past year. I love the passion you have for your blog, your job, your family, and your faith. All of it makes me want to be a better person in every way possible. I hope you and the Peas have a very Merry Christmas.
So sweet of you. Merry Christmas, Angela.
I hope that you had no question about whether or not to post this. But if you did, I’m glad you listened to the Holy Spirit. Someone will surely benefit!
Merry Christmas, Sarah!
How did you know? My finger hovered over the “Publish” button for many minutes. I’m glad you think I did the right thing. Merry Christmas to you too, Lindsay.
And I almost didn’t leave that comment…and felt weird about it while I was teaching classes all morning.
God is good. Thankful for His son.
(and for you)
Amen
i am ready for Christmas this year, but i have to say that i do always enjoy putting the night of our Savior’s birth in perspective. it makes the miracle of it all even more real and calms me down when i get sucked into the world of holiday consumerism.
i know you guys are going to have a fabulous Christmas…probably the most wonderful one yet! much love to you guys
I LOVE this post. I hope things turn up for you in the New Year, Sarah.
Thank you, sweetie.
Thank you Mama Pea! What a good reminder to us all about what the season is truly about. As a mom myself I was just thinking about all I have to do, and how there’s no time, when I read your post. It was just what I needed this morning. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday, and thanks so much.
You are very welcome, Kimmi. Merry Christmas.
What a wonderful post! This is my favorite time of year, but this year my favorite time of year has been accompanied by my biggest heartbreak and ill grandmother
I REALLY needed that post to get my emotions a bit more aligned to where they should be.
If we could see His plan for us, all our hurts (is that a word?) would make perfect sense. Mary and Joseph would have probably given anything for the comforts we enjoy even when we are hurting. Thank you for reminding us all the REAL reason for this holiday!!!
P.S. I just noticed when you scroll to the very bottom of your comments, there is a little tiny smiley face
Aw, MERRY MERRY Christmas to the Pea household!!
Thanks for a great reminder of the true reason for the season
Thank you for the support and strength you have me these past few crazy and borderline depressing months. You reminded me to keep my faith and look to Him for guideance and still allow myself some time to process my own feelings. Thank you. I wish I had some amazing words of encouragement for you but it seems you already have seen the “light” and are doing ok. Enjoy your family this holiday season.
Here is to a great Christmas with our girls (and husbands) and the hopes of a fantastically bright(er) New Year.
Yes indeed! Bless you and your family, Pam. Merry Christmas!
Powerfully true. Thank you, thank you for being you AND for being SO right!
Merry Christmas!!
So true! Thank you for the reminder of what Christmas is REALLY about.
Merry Christmas!
So true! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas
Merry Christams to all the Peas!
What a wonderful, and needed, reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas season. What a precious gift we have in our Savior’s birth! Whatever you’re going through right now, you have the assurance of His grace and hand in this circumstance(s). How great!
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family.
(P.S. LOVE the photo of your girls with Santa. The glee on their faces is heart warming. In all the pictures my mother has of me with Santa, I’m crying my head off every time… ha!)
Such sweet words of comfort. Thank you, Sara. And Merry Christmas!
Thank you for reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas to the Pea Family.
Happy Christmas to all the Peas! Thanks for all the smiles and warmth you bring with this amazing blog, and for being such a great and positive voice for why we celebrate this holiday in the first place!
It’s an honor. God bless!
Merry Christmas Mama Pea, I hope you enjoy lots of love and laughter this weekend!
Hope things start looking up for you very soon! Have a magical and blessed Christmas! And I suppose it’s pointless to ask why Lulu owns a skunk costume?
It was a gift from a neighbor. And it really has been a gift via so many smiles
I have so enjoyed reading your blog these past few months. I’m sure as you become more successful and in the “limelight”, it would be easy to let your faith take a back seat in the spirit of “not offending” anyone. I’ve been there myself, and have often wondered if I’ve said enough or said too much. This post was so encouraging and inspiring. You haven’t shied away from your beliefs and you’ve articulated them in such a compelling and eloquent way. I truly hope to do the same in my line of work… Merry Christmas!!
Thank you, Sarah. I anguish quite a bit about how much of my faith to share, but with all our family is going through right now, it is at the center at my heart and if I didn’t talk about it, I would be true to myself. I appreciate your support and understanding. Much love and merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too!!
such poignant, beautiful and true words….
wishing all the peas a wonderful christmas filled with love, peace, family and happiness.
thank you for brighting our lives with such beautiful posts and for creating an atmosphere full of laughter, openness, and insight into your wonderful family.
it is a true blessing and joy to read your blog.
Wishing you only the very best this christmas, and may the joy of the birth of Christ fill your heart, even though circumstances may be preventing us from enjoying the season to the fullest .
Thank you for reading Tania, and for all your love and support. Merry Christmas.
Sending hugs and prayers your way. You give so much to others, I hope things are looking up for you soon. I’m also going through a very difficult time. Every day I have to force myself to get out of bed and just do what I have to to make it through the day.
On the brighter side, I thought about your family last night. There was a show on last night called “I want a dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown.” I was hoping Lulu wasn’t watching or you might never hear the end of it!
Oh Michele, I will pray for you! And that Charlie Brown show is on our DVR right now
Oh and Merry Christmas to the pea family!
i really appreciate this post! a couple weeks ago, our pastor did his message on the fact that everything wasn’t all merry and perfect the night Jesus was born. it really opened a lot of people’s eyes i think, including my own. have a wonderful Christmas pea family, even if everything isn’t perfect.
Thank you, Ashley. Merry Christmas to you too!
Thank you Sarah for giving me a spiritual lift today and reminding me what all this craziness is really all about – I sometimes lose that perspective – but am forever grateful for the birth of that wonderful babe so long ago and to His wonderful mother and father – miracles continue to to bless our lives if we will but ask and then stop, listen and watch!
Merry Christmas to you and your darling family I love you all as though you were my own
!!!
xoxo
Perfectly said and so nice to read this Christmas Eve Eve. Thank you!! A very blessed Christmas to you and your family!
beautiful post…Merry Christmas to you and your family, Sarah!
Your kids are just so adorable!
Have a wonderful wonderful Christmas Sarah! xx
Sarah – I have recently come across your blog and cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts. Your love for your children is truly admirable and encouraging. It seems that this week has been a bit emotionally difficult … i’ve been reading Ecclesiastes during my quiet time this week and wanted to share the below verses –
9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. [Ecclesiastes 3:9-14]s
I know it is frustrating when we are faced with news we do not want to hear and when things are not panning out the way we want it to be panning out … however, i love how these verses remind me that God is in control and that He will make everything BEAUTIFUL in His time… Sarah, God is using you to do such great things – He has blessed with with the amazing talents of being an awesome wife, mother, blogger/writer, creator of some delicious recipes… He is already using you to be a light in this world… and I am sure He still has so much in store for you … while doors may get shut in our face from time to time (sometimes more often than we would like), let’s all try to continually be thankful.. for the good and the bad …. because without Him, we would be nothing.
Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas… and God bless!
Lois, bless you for sharing this! Your words are filling the holes in my heart. I so appreciate you and your reminder to be thankful and to appreciate all I have been given. Merry Christmas to you.
As a long time (vegan) reader who’s tried almost all of your recipes, I felt the need say Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family! You are all an inspiration to myself and many others out there!
P.S.- I stumbled upon this and instantly thought of you…
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuckyAccessories?section_id=5494734
Last minute Christmas present? I say yes!
What a wonderful reminder! Thank you. Merry Christmas to the Pea family!
This blessed my spirit. Just last week, my dad lost his job and being “merry” has been difficult. But knowing Jesus brings so much more to Christmas — that it isn’t just about baking cookies and being jolly, it’s really about knowing a Savior who entered our broken world to give us hope.
One of my favorite songs this season has been “Welcome to Our World”:
“So wrap our injured flesh around You, Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy, Perfect Son of God — Welcome to our world”
Have a merry Christmas, cherishing the gifts God has given you!!
How beautiful. I can certainly relate to what your family is going through, but it will all be okay. He has come. And He will provide for all of us! Much love to you.
Santa Marley’s dreads are freakin’ badass. I love him.
Continuing to lift you and your family up in prayer, Sarah. It seems a lot of people I care about are going through some rough stuff, and I had my own little dose of it last night with an emergency trip to the vet for a dog who could have died with all the dark chocolate he ingested. I’m shaken and rough around the edges today, but he’s okay and I’m so grateful.
Big hugs to you, sweet friend. xo
So glad your pup is okay. Thank you for your prayers and hugs. Same to you.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
I always important to remember the whole reason we are celebrating. That’s why my advent calendar has no chocolate in it.
Such a perfect blog Sarah. Definitely helps me feel the real Spirit of Christmas when I remember why we celebrate in the first place.
I just received my copy of Peas and Thank You from my UPS man today, three days earlier than it was supposed to arrive! Merry Christmas indeed!!
Thank you for this post! I have been feeling very “grinchy” this year as I feel like I am constantly giving and constantly getting stepped on! I also just moved to a new state and I have honestly just wished Christmas would not come this year. I even looked for volunteer opportunity’s on Christmas to see the misfortunate and to see how blessed I am, and do you know every place I can think of and have called is FULL?? This led me down a further spiral but after reading your post it really put my attitude into perspective. Thank you so much!
What a wonderful post to bring about the true spirit of the season. Sometimes we all need to step back and see all the things around us that are there to be grateful for. Thank you so much for this wake-up call! Best wishes for a joyous and peaceful Christmas to the entire Pea Family, and I hope things turn around for you as we approach 2012!
Hope you feel better in the coming days! Remember–if all else fails, you have your family, your friends, your health…………..and your dough balls
you are full of wisdom and kindness.
I hope you will have a fabulous Christmas.
that picture of gigi at the end is so pretty. i havent been feeling much in the spirit either, thanks a lot for posting this. the reminder helps me, i can only imagine it will help remind others too. i think being far away from my side of the family is extra hard. i have to remember that this is all about jesus and family- and im lucky enough to get to be with my hubbys family, who welcomed me with huge open, warm arms.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank you for your incredible generosity throughout the year. I wish you and your family joy, health and wonderful memories this holiday season and for the coming year! Xx
Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas! May you hold strong to the truths God provides us through scripture and may you continue to trust in Him and His perfect will, timing and plans for your life.
Thank you Mama Pea – for everything you share. Your recipes, your humor, your feeling, your family, and your faith. God Bless you every one!
Merry Christmas Sarah– thank you for your daily dose of humor and recipes. Whatever challenges you are facing now are sure to pass, one way or the other. My mom is in the hospital this Christmas (again), and all I can do is be grateful that we at least get to celebrate Christmas with her a little bit. Hang in there and I hope you have a wonderful holiday!!
Merry Christmas! Enjoy those loved ones and cherish the special time.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! ♥
I hope you have the best xmas mama pea!! i finally just got your book!! (it does need an autograph
) i’m bringing a vegan dish to my family’s gathering on xmas day…and will be getting it from your book! which do you recommend?? thanks for all that you do and i’m so excited to try out that lavender hair and body gel!! you are a rockstar!
I’m bringing the green bean casserole to mine
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!! I was at the gym yesterday and at the end of our Bodybalance class the instructor wished us all a merry christmas and then added “and don’t stress yourselves out too much…remember it’s only a meal”. And he’s so right! we put all this pressure on ourselves to make this huge feast, buy and wrap all these presents that we quickly forget what the essence of christmas is all about. I’m grateful for my family and my health this christmas and that is all I need!!! Happy holidays
so so true! merry christmas! i love the first photo of the girls looking like they are about to die of delight with santa! too cute.
Merry Christmas to the Peas! May you guys be blessed greatly.
I just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog! Not only because your recipes are great but because you share the ups and downs, of your life – you are real and I like that. And, to make my Christmas the best ever, I gave myself a gift – your cookbook!! I’m reading it like a regular book and I just love it!!! Awesome job, Sarah!! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you every one!!
Thank you Diane. Merry Christmas to you as well. I appreciate your kind words!
Merry Christmas to you and your family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I couldn’t help but reflect upon His death as I arose this morning. God’s plan walked out by Jesus Christ for my sins, yours, and the worlds. I also was reflecting upon how Christ’s parents and their parents must have felt. Wow…..so thankful today.
Amen! God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas.
Christmas blessings, and peace, Mama Pea, to you and your family. Merry Christmas.
Absolutely beautiful, Mama Pea! Just what I needed to read today.
Amen! Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family! Thank you for always putting things in perspective and reminding us all about the reason for the season
I just noticed that Santa has dreads in his hat/hair with a bead in his dread too. Did anyone else notice Reggae Santa?
Merry Christmas Mama Pea. Thank you for all you do for us, and for sharing your beautiful family!
You are so very welcome. Thank you for reading. Merry Christmas!
My pastor the other day said, “Jesus is the not reason for the season. You are.”
Um, wow? The reason we celebrate Christmas is because God loved US so much that He sent His Son to come save us from our chaos and sin. We are the reason He came. Regardless of what you’re going through this holiday season, please know how deeply loved YOU are by none else than the Creator of all. Hallelujah. Can I get a witness?!
Thanks, Mama Pea, for reminding us of the Light that burns ever brighter, even when we’re short on wick.
I really enjoy your book and appreciate your blog every day, but not everyone celebrates Christmas. And I found this year people felt it was the year to be politically correct and say Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
I appreciate your viewpoint, and while I don’t want to offend, politics isn’t really whose eyes I care about being seen as correct in. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the blog anyway! That being said, I do wish you a very happy holiday.
Merry Christmas Mama Pea (& family
)
Thank you for sharing the TRUE meaning of Christmas..that is what is most important!!
I’m not really in the Christmas spirit, but after reading this it shines a whole new light on the TRUE meaning…and that is what should be celebrated!! Thanks again for the reminder
Sarah- I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year; this post tops my five favorite. I even passed it on to a non-practicing, somewhat non-believing Christian…
I wanted to share with you something my dad used to tell me every night before bed. I pray it has the same effect on you as it did/does on me…
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Thank you for writing, when the rest of us just need/can only read.
Merry Christmas,
Margaret
Thank you, Margaret! Our pastor actually closes our Worship with that blessing every Sunday. I love it. Thank you for reminding me. I hope you had a beautiful day. God bless!
Merry Christmas Mama! I am sending all my love to you and your amazing family. Much love, <3
i hope your heavy heart is lifted, even for a day, with the magic that christmas day brings for your girls. i know it’s difficult to keep your chin up when it’s quivering and choking back tears. sending prayers for your family, that you may be supported, reassured and unbroken. His GRACE is sufficient. much love Mama Pea. may He bring blessings upon (all of) you. Xo
Thank you Lisa, my heart is much lighter. God bless you and I hope you had a glorious day!
Very well said. Merry Christmas. His mercy is new every morning. And He provides what we need. Even in the darkest of moments you aren’t alone.
Oh yes indeed! I hope you had a joyful day!
I’m having a rough time, too, Mama Pea. Christmas is always not what you expect. And I think the expectations, and failing to meet them, result in poor moods. I’m not sure, but this was an enlightening post!. Merry Christmas to you and your peas!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday, Lauren. xo
Beautiful post! Gods blessings to your family! Merry Christmas!
Although I don’t personally celebrate Christmas, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas. Whatever is bringing you down, I hope it resolves itself soon. A good friend of ours lost their daughter this past week in a snow tubing accident, my whole community is in mourning, so we are not feeling so spirited this year either.
Oh Wendy, that just makes my heart ache. Thank you so much for you Christmas and well-wishes. I will keep your friends and family in our prayers.
I am not Christian and not even religious, but I really appreciated this post and the message within it. Thank you for the reminder and to remember the grattitude we all deserve to feel and express in our lives, no matter our hardships. Merry christmas and all the best to you and your lovely family!
Thank you, Lia, I really appreciate you saying this. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Just wanted to tell you that I made your Pumpkin Spice Bars and they were oh so yummy. I have a hankering to make them again very soon! Thanks for such yummy recipes and great stories from your life.
Thanks for the great feedback! I am happy to share–thank YOU for reading!
Amen!
Amen. I could not agree more and applaud you for posting such an important message/reminder.
I started following you on Twitter a month or so ago and fell in love with your encouraging tweets. I am also a believer and love to read about your life as a busy working mom and see that you still find your hope and joy in Christ. Thanks for being such a wonderful example and for letting us all know that you are human too. I hope your sweet family had a wonderful Christmas!
Natalie, thank you so much. That is the most lovely compliment you could give me. Much love to you this Christmas and always!
THANK YOU!!!