The Love Family Christmas Letter 2010: Doing Christmas a Little Differently This Year

Merry Christmas! What a wonderful time of year as we get the opportunity to celebrate our Savior entering the world. I am so glad he came! I know that it is only through Jesus Christ that we find true peace and joy in this life and the one to come. 2010 had been such a tremendous year of blessing for the Love family. Darin got a new job working as an accountant for Wyndham Vacation Ownership. We were able to take full advantage of the home buyer’s tax credit by purchasing our very first home! We have continued to be amazed at watching Elliana grow and develop. She is such a blessing from the Lord. She is 18 months and talking up a storm. She is very much a daddy’s girl which will be very helpful in the near future when baby sister arrives. She loves to be outside and is incredibly social. She cannot stand to be at home when there are people to see and places to go!

As you all know, we are expecting our second precious little girl any day now. The due date is December 18, but of course the baby does not know that. She will come whenever she is ready. Having a baby at this time of year has caused us to do Christmas a little bit differently this year. I like to think we are doing a “mild” version of Christmas. We have very few plans. The key word is flexibility. As far as gifts go I should go ahead and let you know that my gift to the world this year is giving birth! This has caused me to really stop and think about what is most important during the holiday season. It also has made me have to decide what are the things our family could just do without this year? Obviously we are limited on both time and money this year with our new addition arriving shortly. First of all, I realized that our house only having a few decorations put up (less to take down!) including our Christmas tree that stands a proud 12 inches is ok. Secondly, we really are not buying the traditional gifts for family and friends, most of whom have already expressed their understanding in this area. Lastly, we are just taking things slow and simple. Our focus has shifted a little. Darin and I have been convicted that what matters most at this time of year is how we can be a blessing to those around us who need it the most. We are looking for every opportunity to give and show love to those who are poor, lonely, and hurting. The holidays can be so painful and difficult for so many who are struggling.

So, I end this year’s Christmas Letter with a challenge to anyone who reads it. Find as many ways as you can to show God’s love to those who need it most this Holiday Season and don’t get too caught up in all the other “small stuff” that can so easily distract us and cause us stress.

We look forward to sharing the news of our baby girl’s arrival with you very soon!

Grace and Peace to All of You,
Darin, Kasey, and Elliana Love