The true meaning of christmas.

Bedtimes for Lizzie are a special time for us now. I love hearing her prayers. In fact, I would go as far to say that her prayers are often more sincere than a lot of my own. They are different every night, and always involve a rundown of her day. She gives an exhaustive list of all the things she is grateful for, naming each family member in turn.

Children teach us so many things. Things that we as adults often tend to forget. Now don't get me wrong, as every other child, Lizzie is very much focused on the 'presents' that come with christmas day. But I know that all the presents in the world will not make her happy if it were not for the love of her family around her. Give her a toy from poundland and she would be happy as Larry.

So this christmas folks, let us remember it is not about the presents under the tree, or the heaps of quality street (although this is a bonus I admit.) It is about relationships with loved ones. And making the most of what we have.

A friend recently shared the following quote by one of our prophets, who summed up the meaning of  christmas beautifully.

"This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again".

President Howard W Hunter, December 4th, 1994

                                   Merry Christmas everyone! Love from the Abbotts xxxxxxxxxx