Christmas Message

As you walk outside you hear the snow crunch under your feet, the wind pierces you to the bone and you forget the color of your car from all the salt on the roads. Yet, you still have that warm feeling inside that you get no other time of the year. Yes, this is Christmas. During this time of year, my thoughts always turn to my family and friends. I realize how blessed I am to have each of you in my life. I know that I don't see you all very often--some of you at all--but I still think of you and I think back to the times when I saw you more regularly and I find a smile on my face. Thanks for being a part of my life.

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Below is an email questionnaire I received the other day. I thought it would be something fun to post here. I have included my answers.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I like to wrap my presents, but if in a pinch, I will use a gift bag.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial--but if not for the fire danger would have a real tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day

5. Do you like eggnog? I only drink one glass of eggnog a year and that is on Christmas Eve. (Sorry to say, Paul's is just not as good as Grandpa's eggnog, but it is close.)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Oh my goodness. This is a tough one. I think it is a tie between my Blue and Gold BMX type bike and my LA Rams Coat.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Multiple--my favorite is the one my coworkers gave me.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Dad (He usually goes out and buys whatever he wants.)

9. Easiest person to buy for? My nephew Chase

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't know--I am usually happy with any gift I receive.

11 Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail Christmas cards

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? In this order: 1. White Christmas 2. Christmas Vacation 3A. Santa Claus is Coming to Town 3B. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Breakfast Casserole at the Williams Family Christmas Party.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Most often they are clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? All of them, no really I think my favorite is "Do you hear what I hear?"

18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Stay home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and on those foggy nights Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Some people get rude this time of year.

23. What I love most about Christmas? Christmas! I love being with my family and exchanging gifts with friends. I like to watch my family open their presents on Christmas (even more than I enjoy opening my own.). I like the feeling of love between most people and of course, I love using this time of year to reflect on the life of our Savior.

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To those of you in Oregon and Washington reading this--be certain to get your animals together two by two. If you need me, I will build an ark to come pick you up.

To the rest of you, I hope that this Christmas season finds you all healthy and happy. May the joy of Christmas be with you this season and all throughout the coming year.

If you get a chance, post a comment on my blog here, or send me an email at SeeElPain@gmail.com

Merry Christmas!!!!!

--clp