Presence more than presents...

Yesterday we attended the annual holiday parade downtown.  This is our after Thanksgivng tradition.  All the daughters, sons in law, and grandbabies were home this year, which makes it extra special.  Friends also come along, the more the merrier!  Then we venture into a few stores,  and give up quickly, heading home for leftovers, naps and Christmas movies.

Today, hubby and youngest daughter, (his favorite football game companion) are heading three hours north for the Apple Cup game...Washington Huskies vs. Washington State Cougars.  Go DAWGS!  Often, I go along and putter around my favorite shops, as well as sit by the lake with coffee and my Bible for some precious Jesus time.  But today, I decided to do my puttering here at home...putting away all of the fall decor, and getting out all of the Christmas decorations. 

This year, I feel a desire to keep things clean and simple.  In every way I want this holiday to be stress free and Jesus focused.  I want my decorations to be more simple and  less cluttery. I don't want to feel compelled to use all 4 plus totes full of "stuff".  I want my gift giving to be the same-simple, thoughtful, not just buying without prayerful planning.  I want Holy Spirit presence to be our focus this season, not presents. And that has to start in me.  Come Holy Spirit, in me, through me, have Your way.