December

The month of December is laced with much meaning at the Grinn house.

First of all, and probably most importantly, it means the holidays are coming!  And with the holiday season comes a nice long break from school!  This is a happy truth for all seven Grinns (since there are five students and two teachers among us).

Secondly, December brings with it the heavy sense of finality.  It is the last month of the year.  :( Once it is gone, that year is gone forever and ever, amen.  We can't get it back.  December quickly reminds us how fast times flies by and how precious each moment truly is.
But this is sad, so let's get back to more joyful reasonings...

December also means Birthdays!  Grandpa's birthday, Mr. Grinn's birthday and most importantly, Jesus' birthday all fall during this month! (Okay, so there's debate on when the Messiah actually was born, but we like to celebrate it in December.)  So, there's lot of celebrating!

And with birthdays come gifts and gift giving.  So, December also means, unfortunately, what we like to call, 'The Great Financial Squeezing'.

Last, but certainly not least, December means family gatherings!  We will be traveling and spending precious moments with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and lots of special people.

With that said, here are a few 'must haves' I've learned to add to the month December that will increase the 'Joy Meter' in any home:

1.  Decorate early and with lots and lots and lots of twinkle lights.  And keep the lights up all month.  Kids love this and it helps with making fun memories! ;)
2.  Plan at least one game night with the family including at least one round of multiple solitaire and lots of popcorn.  Watching 'Elf' as a family is also a good way to spend a Friday night.
3.  Celebrate Jesus by reading Scripture, singing, giving gifts, and doing something with candles late at night with lots of other people.
4.  Pray for at least one really good snow day and when it comes, take off and build a snowman and make angels until your toes are wet and cold. ;)
5.  Invest in a fireplace and light it up as soon as the temperature falls below 60 degrees.

May you be inspired. :)
Happy December to you!