The Perfect Christmas

Each year I wish for the "Perfect Christmas." I'm not sure what that would be. Although I do have a good idea...


As a little girl, I'm sure my perfect Christmas was probably defined by getting just the right toy. As I got older, of course, the definition has changed a bit. I remember the first Christmas after we were married. Buying our tree, hanging ornaments we both had collected through the years. (We both were given ornaments each year as we grew up, so our tree was pretty full our first year! I always think how special it is that Mark and I both grew up with this tradition!)

Our First Christmas Together - 2005

Every year after that first Christmas together, I think that my "Perfect Christmas" will maybe come "next year." Because, of course, "next year" there wouldn't be just the two of us. Certainly by "next year" there would be at least three. But all those "next years" have come and gone. Some have been harder than others. I remember after that first year or so, thinking that there was no way I could stand it for five years like some people - missing that little person that wasn't there, or never came to be. But here we are. And again I think "next year."


But then, we have come so far "this year." There is a small matter of a home study to finish.... then a little more paperwork. But maybe "next year." Maybe even now our little one's heart is beating. God knows where he (or she!) might be. Maybe our "next year" will be "the year." "The year" of the perfect Christmas.

But.

Maybe it won't.


I guess, really, we aren't ever promised a perfect Christmas. Of course the First Christmas was brought about by a very special birth. But that certainly wasn't the perfect Christmas either. A stable. Hay. Just a few shepherd visitors. Then later fleeing to save a life. No. I guess really, there never has been a perfect Christmas. Not for everyone. But someday there will be. When all things are put to right.


So when I think about my "Perfect Christmas" and all that I want it to be - for me - I start thinking about how it isn't just about me. Maybe the perfect Christmas isn't in what we have, but in what we give. What we share. Our homes. Our joy. HIS love.


So maybe this year can be the "Perfect Christmas" after all!

Our "Perfect Christmas" 2011