Christmas Time was Here

I know this post is late, but it's important so I'm posting it anyway. Better late than never, right?
First of all, I moved home two weeks ago and it's been the best two weeks. I survived my first semester of college! Hallelujah. I wasn't sure if I wasn't going to make it for a little bit there. T and I packing up our rooms in 441 was really bittersweet and I definitely shed a few (thousand) tears. We both have big adventures coming up, though, and I can't wait for a couple years down the road when we finally live together again and can tell each other all about them!
Now that you're caught up, let's get to the important part.
Being away from my family and knowing I'm moving out of the country and won't see them for four months made me appreciate them so much more this Christmas. I think I finally understood the "true" meaning of the Christmas season this year. The only thing I could think about during finals week was spending time with my family. I knew I would have a lot of down time too when I was home, though, because my parents work, so I decided my goal for my time home was to do as much service as I could. I think Heavenly Father was pleased with that decision because he gave me MANY opportunities, and I sure am grateful.
I was able to spend the week before Christmas nannying for my stake president; helping my neighbor who suffers with MS clean, cook, wrap presents, and prepare for Christmas; shopping and wrapping presents for Kony Coins for Kids; Caroling at a nursing home; and selling Christmas CD's for Dixie Care and Share.
Can I tell you it was the best week before Christmas I've ever had? If you know me at all, you know I am a little crazy about Christmas. I get caught up in trying to fit in all of the festivities of the season and sometimes forget to focus on the real reason for the season. That was exactly what I was able to focus on this week and it made Christmas so much more meaningful. My new goal is to continue this tradition every Christmas. There really is no feeling quite like the one that comes from serving others and that is the feeling I want every Christmas--not stressing about having the 'perfect' Christmas. I'm so grateful I was able to learn this lesson this year and hope that I will remember it every Christmas.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with family, friends, and the Spirit of Christ. I'm so grateful for my relationship with the Savior and for this time of year to remind me of it.