Pumpkin bread is baking in the oven and Christmas cards have been ordered, but I still need to run the labels and finish our Christmas letter.
OK, and a few more gifts need to be wrapped and purchased. Then we'll be set for Christmas.
Each year, I wonder what joy and blessings I miss from rushing around. Am I so busy making sure everything gets taken care of that I have missed the joy this season brings?
Hopefully that's not the case this year. I am making time to enjoy cantatas at churches, Living Nativities in our area, the high school choral and band Christmas programs, and Christmas Eve services.
All these wonderful things keep me focused on what the season is truly about: the gift God sent in the form of His son, Jesus Christ.
I am also going to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with friends and catch up, even if it is just by phone.
Our family will reflect on the blessings we have received from the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The baking might get put off to another day, and some of the cards may get mailed late, but our enjoyment of Christmas will rise and we will have real joy.
December Happenings
•KIWANIS BREAKFAST & AUCTION WITH SANTA: 7-10 a.m. Dec. 13, Coach-N-Four restaurant, John King Road, Crestview. Includes workshop where children can shop for their parents, along with pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. Tickets: $5 per person; free for kids age 6 and younger. Proceeds benefit the Crestview club's scholarships and community projects.
•YULE OF YESTERYEAR: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Details: 678-2615 or info@heritage-museum.org.
•CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW'S OUTREACH CHRISTMAS DINNER: 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Carver-Hill School Center, 461 W. School Ave., Crestview.
•Crestview High School Band Christmas Program: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Pearl Tyner Auditorium, 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd. No charge.
•Advent service: 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 171 W. North Ave., Crestview.
•Live Nativity: 5-8 p.m. Dec 19, 20 and 21, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Freewill offering.
•ST. MARK UMC CHRISTMAS SERVICES: United Methodist Church, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview, plans five Christmas services.
•6 p.m. Dec. 21, “early bird” communion and candle lighting service.
•1:30 and 3 p.m. Dec. 24, children/family candle lighting services.
•4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, contemporary candle lighting service.
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, traditional communion and candle lighting service.
Details: 682-5280 or www.stmarkcrestview.com.
•Crestview High School Choir in Epcot's Candlelit Processional: 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 27, 200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista. Admission to Epcot required.
•CHS Chanticleer and Destiny choirs perform at Universal City Walk: 10 a.m. Dec 28, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando. Parking: $17
•New Year's Eve activities: 6 p.m. Dec 31, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.
•Watchnight Service: 7 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Worship service will be at 11 p.m.
If you see me on my jaunts around town, please wish me a "Merry Christmas." I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
The former music teacher enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, playing the piano and studying the Bible.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Reflecting on our blessings