the magic begins

Sunday after church, we had a {short} family night lesson about the wonderful season that is upon us and we get to remember the things we are thankful for. I read a scripture from the Book of Mormon- Mosiah 2:17 ...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." (also could have read Matthew 25:40) I shared that I really wanted to serve Heavenly Father and Jesus because of all that They have given to me and the best way to do that is to do nice things for each other. Then we put everyone's name in a bowl and each person drew one out and that is their secret person that they will serve this week. I told them how fun it was going to be to try and think of little ways to help that person and make them happy. My kids were pretty excited, and I knew they'd have a hard time keeping a secret for a whole week, but the second Hunter drew out his name, he looked at me and whispered excitedly (and loudly), "Dad!" I whispered back to keep it a secret, even though everyone heard him. Then a few minutes later he came and handed this note to Dax and said, "Dad, are you noticing anything yet?"

A few minutes after that, a flash of a little girl handed this note to me and ran out of the room.

I'm not sure which hint gave it away more- the one she wrote, or the 'P' shaped paper. Christmas time is so much fun and there definitely IS a magic there. I know it has to do with anticipation of gifts, but I think it is also that we feel the Spirit of Christ in our hearts more because we love and serve more. I am excited to instill real Christmas joy in my children.

And I also love Santa Claus dearly. My kids wrote their letters to Santa and Hunter was anxious to mail them off today, which we did. He told me he didn't need to write Santa's address on the envelope because everyone knows Santa lives at the North Pole.

I discovered a new advantage of not having cable as my kids were writing letters to Santa and could not think of anything good to ask for. They don't see any toy ads ever. That coupled with the fact that we have no shopping options where we live makes this Christmas great. We cannot be wrapped up too many wants because we have no idea what is out there! I am thrilled that Santa can truly surprise them this year. I really can't wait to see what he'll bring!