The Oregon Corrigans: Christmas 2019

Merry Christmas! We had a wonderful season of keeping many traditions, casting some aside, and starting some new ones. This year felt like a transition year for sure, with me very aware of how life changes with older kids, the little ones who are still starry eyed, and then there's the dog who just wants a walk! :)

The first big change was we got an artificial tree, which was a HUGE deal, since our tree farm outings and fresh tree has meant a lot to all of us. However, we had to do it to help Dad out with his persistent allergies. It helped him a lot too! The second rare occurrence for us, was spending both Christmas Eve and Day just our little (big) family. For various reasons, many relatives were traveling or had other plans, and so we enjoyed a nice quiet (loud) few days at home, and it was awesome. Honestly, the best part was that we stayed in our Xmas jammies for several days and could totally be low key. We love our big family time, but it is nice once in awhile to have a chill year! And not to worry, we packed in many, many days of extended family time in between Christmas and New Years!

Some of our old favorites were ice skating, cookie decorating, Xmas morning cake/stockings/gifts, weekly Advent readings including singing every verse of "Joy to the World", matching jammies, Xmas eve candlelight service, special visits with cousins/aunties/uncles/grandparents... and last but not least, Kyle's amazing cooking :)

A couple new traditions: Xmas concert with the girls, cookie making day with moms/daughters (some of my friends have been doing this for years, and we were invited to join!), changing the light display on the fake tree with the flick of the remote, the first year I FINALLY found a lit outdoor nativity set that I adore... And finally, sponsoring a sweet family in our school that was having a hard year. The kids emptied their Share jars and were able to help make Christmas special for some kids just like them. SO AWESOME.

Somehow, we are called to PEACE and REST as we celebrate Jesus' birth, during a season that piles on more fun activity, wild expectations and busyness. I'm always searching for that happy balance, and often I find it in some fresh air and gratitude to the One who made this incredible life possible.