Christmas In England

Chance and his companion after they made
their regular everyday sweaters into Christmas
sweaters using stickers etc. at a church members house.

Chance has celebrated his first Christmas season over in England.  There were some wonderful people in England who helped make his first Christmas away from home special.

We got to talk to Chance on Christmas and his companion took a video of Chance opening up the presents we sent so we got to see his reactions.

One of the things that we sent was an apron that just happened to come in a two pack.  Chance and his companion were trying to figure out what it was as he unwrapped it.  Chance had to spread it out and hold it up before they realized that it was an apron.  It is true, that Chance didn't ask for an apron, but it was suggested that missionaries could use one and that made perfect sense so we sent him one (or two).  Missionaries in Chance's mission spend most of their days in white shirts and ties or sweaters so having an apron to protect your clothes while you make your meals makes a lot of sense.

We also sent Chance a set of small wooden logic puzzles that he had to figure out.  He was working on one of the puzzles in fact when he called home on Christmas. For Chance's entire life, he has had something to put together on Christmas.  Some years it was Lego sets, other years it was 3-D puzzles with directions only in Mandarin.  Chance loves to put things together and figure them out.  We figured he needed something on his mission to put . together on Christmas morning to keep up the tradition.

Christmas Pajamas

Since missionaries transfer to different areas every few months on a mission and only have limited luggage space, it is difficult for them to carry lots of extra items around with them on a long term basis.

Being in England, Chance has access to some delicious chocolate and treats so we sent a small dose of goodies he liked from home and then just sent money for him to buy what he wanted there.  Chance would have to transfer and carry a Christmas stocking with him through out the rest of his mission, so instead of a traditional stocking, we sent warm socks with tread on the bottom that he can wear around his flat to keep his feet warm.  And we sent Chance and his companion a set of our traditional Christmas pajamas so now they match the rest of the family.

Chance sent out a heartfelt message this week about Christmas  and The Savior:

Another Christmas has come and gone and we've all had the opportunity to spend it with friends and family. We've shared laughter, gifts, and stories throughout the Holiday Season with those we love. Perhaps you've continued traditions that you've had for years, or maybe even started a new one this Christmas season.

These are all amazing things that we have been able to do over this holiday season, but the real reason why we celebrate Christmas is because of our Savior Jesus Christ. We celebrate his birth and the gift of Jesus Christ given to us from our Heavenly Father.

But it seems to be that after the Christmas season is over, we forget the kindness, the love, and the joy that we felt or gave during the Christmas season and even sometimes why we celebrated Christmas in the first place. The amazing thing is that we don't have to let it stop after the holidays are over. We can continue to be kind and loving. We can continue to experience the joy that comes form our Savior Jesus Christ and learning more about him.

So this year, after the holidays are over, I invite you to not get too caught up in the busy demanding things of life, but rather, to think each day of someone you can be kind to, someone who could benefit from you telling them you love them and most importantly, to continue to remember our Savior Jesus Christ and learn more about him.

I testify that I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that he is the Savior of the world and has atoned for all mankind. I know that as we draw nearer to him, we can experience more peace, joy, and happiness then we have ever

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Making Christmas Cookies

Chance's cookie chilling in milk.

Chance always did love wearing a hat!