Happy New Year!

As I sit here typing this post, it is still December 30th, 2011.  This year, as part of my husband's Christmas present was an "instant watch" plan through Netflix.  While we've really enjoyed watching TV episodes we've missed in the past 4 years, I am enjoying watching Disney's A Christmas Carol.  I know there are so many different renditions out there, but there is a reason I like this one as much as I do.  You see, my daughter found our leather bound copy of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" and has been reading it to us every so often through this season.  We've enjoyed seeing if the story Mr. Dickens had written was adhered to with the Disney rendition.  I suspect that the further we get in to the Dickens story, we'll find some discrepancies. 

I like watching the Disney rendition, not because I enjoy watching a person suffer and wallow in their own selfish bitterness, but because I've noticed subtle nuances and not so subtle references to the true meaning of Christmas.  THE CROSS on the steeple of a church is flown upon, hovered over, and it's image reverently paused and viewed with a twinkle in the eye of both Scrooge and the ghost of Christmas present.  This is not the only reference, my friends!  Christmas carols are sung throughout!  "Joy to the World, the LORD is come!" 

Why, then, do I bring this up?  Disney is a worldly organization.  This surprises me, pleasantly so, I might admit.  I think that with every passing year, there is a movie/DVD that sticks out in my mind and touches my heart more than most.  This year, it is this one.  I've watched it 3 times now.  The computer graphics are amazing!  But, that isn't why I like the movie.  That little tidbit just lends itself to only a part of the whole reason. 

Already, we're discussing next Christmas.  We're taking of having a Christmas Party/Game night.  I'm not sure how this will eventually develop, but I love the idea!  I've asked every member of my family 2 questions and I've received some surprising answers.

1. What did you like most about this Christmas?
2. What would you like to do differently (not to be confused with "what didn't you like?")

Some of the answers for the first one was, "Everything", "Decorating the Basement with all the Lights", "Going to Church on Christmas Eve with our Daddy and friends," "Christmas Dinner"

Some of the answers for the 2nd one were, "Game night", "More Lights", "More lights on the outside of the house", "A Real Tree (oddly enough...came from my husband)."

I don't think, nor remember answering the questions for those listening at the time.  However, I will list them here now.

1. I liked most-doing all the usual Christmas preparations with all of my family.  I don't like excluding anyone, especially my husband even if he has to be at work. 
2. I would have begun Christmas preparations earlier.  I would have made more time for talking with others, spending time with them. 

I would like to do more for others.  I've always loved giving.  I would like to give more of my time at a food pantry or home less shelter, with my husband and children.  I don't know of any places here where we live, but I'm sure those doors would greatly open so we could walk through them, with some prayer.

There are lots of things to do and re-evaluate in the days to come.  For me, I'll be re-training our children in their chore changes.  We need to make sure they know what to do and are very clear with directions. 

I also have end of the year tax information to gather.  It shouldn't be as labor intensive this year since I've used Quicken, so hopefully things will not take as much time. 

As I re-evaluate things this next week or so, I'll share my thought morsels with all of you.  :)