Luke 2: 1-20 (KJV)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

I bought these glorious beaded fruit ornaments a few years ago and just love them.  They were from QVC’s Valerie Parr Hill collection.  The photos really do not do them justice.  They look spectacular on our Christmas tree with twinkle lights and sheer gold ribbon.

I love the variety of fruits that they came in.  Everything from grapes and peaches to cherries and raspberries.  I do not use them every year but thought that I would do something fun this year.  Does your family use the same Christmas ornaments and decorations every year or do you rotate different ones each year?

This time of year I look forward to watching some favorite Christmas movies.  Some of them we watch as a family and some just Dave and I watch while wrapping presents.  This is my top 10 list of holiday movies.  Some are old and some new but all of them special.  What are your favorite Christmas or holiday movies?

• Little Women – This is the more recent version but I also love the older one with Elizabeth Taylor and Margeret O’Brien.
• Meet Me in St. Louis – The Christmas Eve scene chokes me up every time.
• Elf – One of the funniest movies EVER!
• Christmas in My Hometown (also goes by A Holiday for Love) – If you grew up as I did, watching Little House on the Prairie and Melissa Gilbert as Laura, you will love this.
• A Season for Miracles – Very touching story about a family trying to hold things together and a chance for happiness.
• White Christmas – A family tradition for our family.  We watch it the night we decorate our tree.
• Love Actually – Outstanding cast featuring Colin Firth (the ultimate Mr. Darcy), Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant.
• Bridget Jones’ Diary – This is one of my favorite movies of all time.
• The Muppet Christmas Carol – The kids love this version of Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.
• The Santa Clause – Fun for the whole family.