Christmas 2016.

The Christmas season for us always starts immediately after Thanksgiving ends. We kicked off the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year by attending Christmas in the Night Sky. It's a charity event at the fairgrounds with hot chocolate and fireworks. The following Sunday, my parents did their Christmas Kickoff that they do each year. It is always full of food, family, fun, and presents! We are so thankful for my parents endless love and generosity. It is always my favorite way to get into the Christmas spirit.

This Christmas was extra special for our little family. We decided to participate in the 'Light the World' campaign through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 'Light the World' is an initiative that encourages individuals to share the light of Christ each day of December leading up to Christmas. Every day there was a different act of service idea that correlated with the life and example of Jesus Christ. It was such an uplifting activity to do with our family as we looked forward to Christmas day. We shoveled snow, visited the sick, delivered treats, donated glasses, sent mail to loved ones, and so many other Christ inspired activities. It was such a great experience for me to be able to teach Ellisyn more about our Savior through our own actions. It really put into perspective the true meaning of Christmas.

December was also filled with so many fun traditions. The annual Sargent Christmas Light Tour is one tradition that's always followed by dinner at McDonald's. My parents rented a 13 passenger van to tour the lights of Pocatello and Chubbuck. It, of course, resulted in several memories that will last a lifetime. 

Another tradition is the Sargent adult only Christmas party. This is such a fun time without the noise and distraction of kids to be with my siblings, parents, and grandpa. We did a gift card exchange, ate plenty of food, and played some hilarious games. 

Every December, my parents take each grandchild on a Christmas date. This year they took Ellisyn to dinner and built the most adorable reindeer with her. I'm so thankful for the relationship she has with her grandparents. 

We weren't able to be with Daniel's parents on Christmas this year, so we were lucky enough to get to celebrate with them early. We are always so grateful for everything they do for us not only on Christmas, but throughout the whole year! 

I remember going to Salt Lake City almost every year to see the lights at Temple Square as a kid. This year we decided to take our own little family. We went down for a quick weekend trip to ski and show Ellisyn the beautiful lights. She loved it as much as we do! 

Of course, last but not least, we did the usual visits to see Santa. Ellisyn's only request this year was a toy vacuum. She knows how to make a mama proud!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day arrived with so much anticipation! There is nothing more exciting than being a parent on Christmas. Ellisyn makes everything so much fun! We welcomed tons of snow on Christmas Day which led to church being cancelled and the day being spent playing with all of Santas gifts, the snow, and family. We went to my parents house for dinner and more Christmas celebrations that evening. I absolutely love Christmas and the whole Christmas season. I could attribute my love for the holiday to the traditions, the food, the presents, or the lights, but I truly love Christmas because it helps me focus more on what is most important to me; the ones I love and trying to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.