True Meaning of Christmas

This morning we read The Living Christ before we started opening presents. We took turns reading the different paragraphs. Layne read the last one and was emotional before he finished. That usually gets me started too. He shared his testimony and how he's so grateful for a Savior because he knows it's the only way he'll be able to see us again. He then talked about feeling and recognizing the spirit because we could feel the Holy Ghost was there. Megan had suggested before we started that we pray after reading it (loved that idea/love my kids)...so, we did that and the kids were ready to start with the gifts. I asked for just a second or two to say something. They were kind and sat to listen. I then told them about how I was so grateful dad was here with us today and even if it's the last Christmas we get to have him around, I'm very glad I know we'll get to see him again. I shared with them that I know that can only happen because of what Christ has done for us and that I will be eternally grateful. As soon as I said I was done...the kids really were ready to go. Layne went over by the tree and started to hand out presents. The kids had done pretty well - we had already had breakfast and the girls were already dressed and ready for the day. The kids had checked out what was in their stockings...but, other than that they hadn't done a thing with the gifts that were surrounding the tree. It's been different for us to have just our family together this year at our house. This is the first year we've done that since we've lived here (6 years) so it's a new thing for us.