THANKFUL FOR: THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

Everyone celebrates Christmas and the birth of Jesus differently, and that is precisely what I love about today. It is not about what is under the tree or what you are doing, but it is about how you recognize that Christ is born. Presents, Santa, and all the other fun traditions are just added perks. I know some really harp on this during Christmas, but I want to just say how thankful I am to have been taught this every Christmas. Santa and the family brought lots of great things like vineyard vines, and a selfie stick (which you all know I LOVE) and that is often a great part of Christmas for me. I love seeing everyone get things that they would never buy themselves, things they would have never wanted, and things that they wanted so badly. It is so fun to give AND receive during Christmas time. I have always loved the build up to Christmas because it is so crazy and over the top, but I must say the best thing about Christmas is Christmas Day. In fact, I have never been able to sleep very much the night before because I am always so excited. I am so thankful that this year I slept all through the night, but still woke up at the perfect time to start the celebrations. We do Santa and gifts with the whole family, along with a great brunch, every year, but before we really do anything, we read the bible story. Mills and I always take turns, but it is a tradition of ours that I love and will always cherish. It really puts you in the right mind set to properly enjoy gifts. We also take a minute and pray together for anything and everything on our mind and heart. I am incredibly thankful for a God centered family who understands the importance of celebrating the real reason for the season. My aunt and uncle always have to head to do with other family, but the four Bethea’s take the lazy day seriously and watch great Christmas movies in-between naps! It is something am thankful for because after a busy morning, it is almost needed! I see people who have to do all this traveling during the Holidays, and I know that they probably love that, but I am thankful that I am able to spend the day at home in front of my Christmas Tree, in my pajamas ALL DAY, with my family. Janjan and Bia come back down for dinner and we just enjoy being together! I love anything that reminds me of how blessed I am and Christmas is one of those days for sure! I am blessed when it comes to friends and family, I am blessed when it comes to great gifts and foods, and I am blessed when it comes to christ being born. What a great day that must have been all those years ago! Who knew that little baby in a manger, would change life as we know it. I am forever thankful for that because without him, I wouldn’t be who I am today… That is the best Christmas gift of all. Knowing Jesus was born today to change our world is truly mind blowing. I always hate that Christmas is over, but some years it is easier than others. 2014 has been great, but I am personally ready for a new year! I will take these last couple of days and live them to the fullest because they are the closing chapters in the pages of 2014… I will fill them with thanks and I will make it the best ending… Christmas is defiantly adding to that great ending. I pray that everyone had a great Christmas. I pray for the nonbelievers. I pray for those who had no one to be with on Christmas. I pray for those who are sick or hurt. I pray for those who are missing a loved one today. I pray for those who are missing someone for the first time. I know things are not always easy, but thank goodness we have days like Christmas to remind us that they are worth it. Merry Christmas to you all! Thankful is at the center of such a wonderful day like today. Happy Birthday Jesus… Thanks for coming into this world and giving me the best Christmas gift! 
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful