A friend sent me this letter a while ago I thought it was interesting. It has made me want to change some things about the way we celebrate Christmas, Christmas eve is our special family time where Dan and I have come up with our own traditions and we have been looking for ways to show Dahlia and Nathan (when he is old enough) what Christmas is all about. This year Dahlia is starting to get glimpses of what we feel is important. she has her little people nativity set and she loves it. she knows who everyone is and takes baby Jesus with her when she has a nap. its very sweet. this year we decided to have a little birthday celebration and have a cake we hope that it will help Dahlia understand that Christmas is the celebration of Christs birth.
I think that Dan and I feel a little bit excited for Christmas this year, oh and here is the letter that I liked so much.


Dear loved ones
> As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every
> Year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the
> celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people
> shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials,
> and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is
> getting closer and closer.
> It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some
> people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began
> many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of
> all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the
> reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a
> lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
> I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor.
> The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted
> Nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many,
> Many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I
> wasn't
> invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me
> an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was
> left outside, they closed the door in my face .... and I wanted to be
> with them and share their table.
> In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years
> All close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter
> the
> party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They
> were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
> laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all,
> this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered
> the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all
> the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if
> the party were in his honor!
> At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended
> my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know ... no one
> hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one
> by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to
> see if, maybe, there was one for me.
> What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts
> And you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that
> Party and quietly left.
> Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink,
> the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this
> Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that
> you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to
> this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I
> only
> want that you believe this with all your heart.
> I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to
> their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no
> one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
> I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out
> many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if
> you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your
> name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the
> guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the
> invite,
> will be left outside.
> Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my
> Great party.
> See you soon.
> I Love you!
> Jesus