Christmas Season and Every Day

This holiday season has been unique for Sterling and me. We sent Christmas cards to the missionaries, and we gave little gifts to our branch members and the other senior missionaries we work with, but that was it. We’d given our family the gift of airline tickets to Hawaii (and dinners while they were here) months ago, so December was more relaxing and less stressful than usual. 

Yesterday was a beautiful, warm Christmas day here in Hawaii, and although we missed being with our family, we enjoyed a walk to the beach together in the morning and a quiet afternoon.

Then we had an early and simple tostada dinner, including fresh and yummy homemade salsas and melon and mint, with two of our branch members—Tory and Desiree.

Afterward we watched an inspiring movie called The Cokeville Miracle and an enlightening documentary about Handel and his work Messiah…a perfect way to end Christmas day!

This morning I was surprised to find I was sad when I went to mormonchannel.org to listen to the radio I always listen to, and Christmas music wasn’t playing. Then, as I listened to the uplifting music, I realized that most of the music was Christ-centered and that the Christmas season didn’t need to end. I can continue to listen to beautiful music about Christ and give gifts of love and service all year long.

I’m so grateful for Jesus Christ…for His humble birth and His life of service and sacrifice. I love and honor Him this Christmas season and every day.

Christmas Concert

We’d heard about the annual Christmas concert for months—how it was a long-time tradition (29 years) and an event not to be missed. Well, everyone was right. It was everything we anticipated and more! The doors opened an hour before the concert began, so we arrived early and were surprised to discover people lined up around the building. Although we were in the very back of the Honolulu Tabernacle, we were grateful we made it inside.

There was a beautiful adult concert choir with talented vocal soloists (one of whom was a member of our branch—Tory made us all proud!), an incredible orchestra, a deaf group signing several songs, a drill team dancing during some of the numbers, and sweet youth and children’s choirs. I’ve never been to a community event quite like it, and the two hours flew by quickly.

The concert was a fabulous production and the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season with festive and sacred music to honor our Savior’s birth.

Beach Front Reception

We went to a reception for one of the couples in our little branch and had an absolutely memorable evening! The gathering of family and friends was intimate, and everything from the invitations to the décor to the favors had a personal and handmade touch. We were impressed!

Although the couple was married in the Laie Temple the day before, they wanted a simple ring ceremony, and the ocean was the perfect backdrop for the occasion. Eric and Kelly had also written sweet letters to each other that were read aloud.

The food was delicious and the program was simple and light-hearted until the end when the bride hula danced to express her thanks. It was so touching and a beautiful way to end a lovely evening.

My few photos definitely don’t do this beach front reception justice, but they’ll provide memories for us as we look back over our mission and the relationships we’ve enjoyed.

More Celebrations

Here are two more birthday packages for Sam and Cooper, who celebrated birthdays recently. Sam loves animals and Cooper loves sports, hence the packaging themes.

Speaking of celebrations, I wasn’t able to be at Patty Bennett’s celebration a few days ago, but you can read about it and see lots of photos on the Stampin’ Up! blog here or on Sara’s Facebook page at facebook.com/asarathing.

Birthday Bags

I’ve not been good at blogging lately, and I’m behind on sharing family birthday packaging, so I’ve got some catching up to do. Sara and Megan had birthdays within the month, so their bags are featured today.