Written By:  Rachel Gnagy @ Inscribed Photography

This Christmas will be a little different for most of us – and tragically different for many families in Oregon and Connecticut. The terrible events of the past few weeks have struck us all in some way. For me personally, my heart has been thankful to look forward to a time of celebrating Christ’s Incarnation – but more importantly, to look forward with hope to His coming again and going to a Place with no more death and sadness (Revelation 21).

I’d like to share some of the things we’ve been doing to embrace this special time of year. December always seems to come and go so quickly that each year I try to find ways to remind myself WHY I choose to celebrate Christmas. It’s because of the gift of salvation God gave this world when He sent His Son here.

Like many of you, we’ve been making lots of Christmas goodies! Fudges, truffles, cookies, candies… some are recipes that our families have been making for years and a couple recipes are new. 

The best part about making these yummy treats is sharing them. We’ll take some to our family get-togethers, deliver some to our neighbors, and I’m considering taking a plate to my midwife’s office at my next appointment as evidence of why I may have gained too much weight this month…

I love decorating for Christmas. There’s something about the twinkling lights, greenery, ribbon, and colors that make it special. I helped my mom put up her tree and my little sisters LOVED getting to put some of the ornaments on. They were thrilled to set up the nativity scene as well. In our family, we don’t put baby Jesus in the manger until Christmas Eve. I explained that part of our tradition to Anna-Hope as we carefully put the Christ child in a safe place until Christmas Eve. It’s been fun to see our family traditions come alive again through the eyes of the little girls.

Having four distinct seasons is one reason I love living in Nebraska. Winter is very different from spring, and summer is very different from fall, and I love that! That’s why I’m excited for snow. Having a white Christmas will be LOVELY. I love the times of being outside in the crisp winter air, looking at the sparkling snow and thanking God for the beauty I see.

Sam and I wish all of you a most blessed Christmas! May your hearts be overflowing with thankfulness and praise for the reason we celebrate. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9