Dear Children,

It is Christmas time! I love it. You guys are loving it! We have been watching movies and decorating and went to the Temple to look at the lights. We haven't gone overboard, we were on the cruise for a week of December and now Grandma and Dude are moving this week.
I have noticed that I don't do much with Santa Clause for you guys. I love the movie The Santa Clause and a few others, but mostly I try to focus on the nativity portion of the holidays. And giving presents. I have made sure Zach is helping with wrapping the presents (and so far not spoiling any secrets!) and understands that he is giving things to people he loves. I guess it seems a little strange to have a holiday celebrating Christ's birth and giving mixed in with Santa, but I also see the 'Magic of Christmas' being important. Not sure what I think about everything yet, I just know I haven't been big on making sure you sit on Santa's lap each year or anything. You have most years, from ward parties and whatever else, and I know Santa will play a great part, but for things like an advent calendar I would rather we did a nativity countdown than something with Santa. I think it just helps in keeping an image of Christ in our minds rather than just Santa. I am having so much fun with you! I love this season so much and love that our family gets to spend it together. Tonight Dad made pies for his scouts and the other leaders. 5 pies, plus an extra for us! Berry, since it looks the worst and apple pies look amazing. Zach helped make the pies while Elizabeth yelled to us to hand her apple slices the whole time :) We enjoyed the day with Caitlin and Mike, her fiance right now, and we are loving having Grandma and Dude live so close!