My Advent ... Not "Holiday" but "Christmas"

This Granny may just be the only one in my blogging community to have a different feeling this holiday season.  And I will preface to clarify -- I do not mean any disrespect in saying "holiday" instead of "Christmas".  

On the contrary ... and I will clarify this statement as well.

I'm all in to "Christmas" ... I'm getting it. 

"Christmas" is Jesus ... 

"the holiday" season (to me) is the span of time from Thanksgiving through New Year's.

"Christmas" is Jesus ... 

celebrating God's most Precious Eternal Gift sent to this world as a baby.

I "get" Christmas.

I'm anticipating Jesus.

I'm aware of the little baby of Hope.

Last night as I stood in our kitchen chatting with our daughter, I looked at my calendar and said 

"Do you realize that Christmas Eve is 2 weeks from now?"  

Her mouth dropped open almost as wide as mine had at that realization.  

"It can't be" she said (knowing that Christmas Eve is also her & 'Joe's wedding anniversary) ... 

so I showed her the calendar.

Then Dan came home and all chaos broke loose (as usual) with our little ones for a while.  After they were settling down at bedtime, I said "I told Mrs. 'Joe today that it's hard to believe Christmas Eve is 2 weeks from now."  

His reply -- with mouth dropped open "Oh no, it's not that soon" ... 

so I showed him the calendar.  Normally by this point of the Christmas season I'm almost finished 

with my Christmas shopping.

Not. This. Year.

So, I finally BEGAN my Christmas shopping TODAY.  And this evening ... it struck me ...

Granny may not be ready for "the holidays" ... 

but I am celebrating my Advent ...

waiting ... anticipating ... hoping

for the little Baby of Hope who became human 

to give me eternal life.

I'll post some pictures later of our Christmas household. Lucy loves decorating and has been "educating" her little brother Tag 

on interior design. She has been so patient with him, so loving, and ever-so taken by Tag's grasp on Christmas this year.  At 22 months old, Tag is fascinated by our Christmas trees, our Nativity, our Santas -- so big sister is there to explain what it's all about to him.

And sweet Lucy has also been most interested in our season of Advent ...

this little girl is inquisitive and eager to absorb ... 

she's tender-hearted and sings her Christmas carols to the top of her lungs ... 

Lucy is anticipating the little Baby of Hope ... 

~~~ Will you join us in our season of Advent? ~~~

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 

The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6  KJV)