Christmas

It took me forever to get into the holiday spirit this year. It honestly did not feel like Christmas until Christmas Eve. I thought it was because of the baby coming early, but later realized it was probably because of finals. I wasn't able to complete Christmas shopping, Christmas cards, or even watch very many Christmas movies (which is one of my favorite parts about this time of year) because all of our extra time was dedicated to studying.

It finally hit me that those things don't matter. Gifts for others, photos for Christmas cards, getting Christmas decorations up (which we really never ended up doing anyway) are things that make the holiday season fun, but it can still be Christmas without them. I've always known this- I know the important part about Christmas is celebrating Christ's birth, but I can get so distracted at times. I am thankful for the primary song Mary's Lullaby. When I was singing it to Baby Oliver I was able to put everything in proper perspective and at that moment is when it finally felt like Christmas.

{Oliver's first photo shoot. Photo taken by David in our homemade studio}

I love the words of this sweet lullaby. Since I just gave birth to our little baby, I tried to imagine the nativity scene, especially Mary and the baby Jesus. I know this little primary song wasn't an actual song from that night, but I like to think that she said similar things to him as she was enjoying those first few nights with her baby.

Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.

Lullaby, my child so dear.

Thy precious life has just begun;

Thy mother holds thee near.

While Joseph watches through the night,

A star reflects thy radiant light.

Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.

Lullaby, my child so dear.

Thy gentle head shall wear a crown,

For they Father is the King.

Thy tender hands, so tiny now,

Have blessings great to bring.

Let all creation join my song,

For peace and love this night are born.

Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.

Lullaby, my child so dear.