December was another busy and exciting month, but it was especially wonderful because we were able to come home from Christmas! Not only did we get to see our immediate family, but part of Mo’s extended family came to Chicago from Mexico City and Canada to join in with the festivities. It was a huge blessing to be able to celebrate Christ’s birth with our family and friends back home. We also got to celebrate my folk’s 36th wedding anniversary, spend an afternoon at their newly remodeled cottage in Wisconsin and I chopped 10 inches off of my hair. Quite a week!
Earlier in December, I hosted a clothes swap, which was much needed motivation to go through my closet and get rid of anything I no longer wear or like. Even with just four women in total at the swap, we had a huge selection to go through and all found one or two… or ten new items! The best part… they were all for free! It took away our urges to go out and buy something new for ourselves so that we could focus on gifts for others this Christmas season instead.
Also in December, we attempted to paint Monet at a paint party (difficulty level: HARD!), went out with friends to the North End for pizza and canollis, cheered on the Dean College women’s basketball team, celebrated Christmas with friends at our “Friendsmas Party” and I worked my last day at David’s Bridal.
Enjoy these pictures that represent the highlights of December!
Clothing Swap, the North End, Paint Party, David’s Bridal Christmas Party and Friendsmas
An Afternoon at our Cottage in Wisconsin, my folk’s 36th wedding anniversary, Christmas Eve and Christmas day with our family. (My nephew just loves selfies!)
Last, but not least, Christmas’ true purpose can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of parties, family, friends and presents. It is important to take time to reflect on the reasons why we celebrate Christmas. I know that my Christmas this year may be different than many others. I am blessed with a loving family and countless other blessings, but that is not the case for everyone. Many people spend Christmas in sorrow or bitterness, but no matter what situation are in, Christmas is a time of JOY. When you peel off all the outside layers, you get to the core purpose of Christmas- to celebrate the birth of our Savior, who came down from heaven as a man so that he might save us from our sins. He did this because of his surpassing amount of love for me- and you! As you reflect on this Christmas season, look deeper than the latest electronics, new clothes, or whatever it may be for you, and thank God for the greatest gift we could ever hope for- eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Eat, Lift & Be Married 
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