It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas.....

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year! I realize it's not even Thanksgiving, but I have already started listening to Christmas music. I love to belt out "Oh Holy Night" when I am driving. To me, that song is what Christmas is all about.
Christmas this year will be different. Usually by this time I am frantically trying to decide what to get the people on my Christmas list (especially my dad). He is the hardest person in the world to buy for. Usually by now I have already bought and wrapped a few gifts. I have usually made a list of some of the things I would like for Christmas and dropped a few hints to John. This year is different.
I haven't bought a single Christmas gift and I probably won't be buying many. John and I aren't exchanging gifts this year - our gift will be that precious baby we bring home from Ethiopia.
I haven't made out a Christmas list. There really isn't anything I want, let alone need. Okay, okay...I guess there is one thing I would like to have. This amazing necklace from Junk Posse. (hint, hint, John)

I guess the upside to wanting this necklace is that part of the proceeds go to help another families adoption.
Okay, I got off track....
I truly have no desire to go out and spend a ton of money of stuff that, in a few months, people won't even remember they got. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The pressure to buy, buy, buy at Christmas can be really overwhelming. Especially when you are trying to come up with $25,000 to adopt a baby. I want to focus on the REAL meaning of Christmas and find ways to keep Christ at the center of our celebration.
Just this morning I was praying about this. I was asking God to show me ways to make Christmas all about Jesus! I was asking Him for ways that John and I can help others during the Christmas season.
I got to work, checked a few of my favorite blogs and found this website.
Our Different Christmas is a new blog that will highlight ways to keep our eyes and hearts focused on Jesus this Christmas. Lindsey will also be posting items you can purchase as Christmas gifts that will either help families who are adopting or help make a difference in the world around us.
For example.....my sister and I always get matching pajamas at Christmas. It's a tradition. Check out these....

They are called Punjammies and they are made by women who have been rescued from sex trafficking in India and are being taught a trade. They are reasonably priced and provide an income to a woman in need. I think I know where I will be ordering my sister and I's matching PJ's. To order a pair go to http://www.punjammies.com/

Another way John and I plan to spread God's love this Christmas season is by participating in Operation Christmas Child.
This weekend I will go through my closet and gather all of my shoe boxes. Then I will go buy small gifts to fill the boxes with - items such as crayons, small toys, candy, toothbrushes, etc. These shoe boxes are handed out to children all across the world who need to be reminded that they are loved.

John and I also plan to adopt angels from our local angel tree this year. We did this last year and it was SO much fun going out and shopping for the two children. We picked out clothes for them and I loved buying the little girl a Cabbage Patch doll. I think John bought his little boy a Transformer toy. The best thing about getting the angels, was that we prayed for the kids and their families. What a blessing and honor it was to do that.

So....how do you plan to share the love of Jesus this Christmas season? I would love to hear your ideas.....please leave me a comment!