Christmas with Pneumonia

Well I am still struggling with pneumonia. I am at least able to get up and around but I tire so easily. It's frustrating me because I can't celebrate Christmas like we usually do. In years past we have taken the kids to the Festival of Lights at the zoo or to the holiday train display at Museum Center. This year however just going to church wears me out. Ironically this fits in perfectly with our church's sermon series this month -- The Advent Conspiracy. Our pastor has been talking about spending less and giving more. Give presence, not presents. And with me having pneumonia and not being able to do much, I have been spending more time just hanging out with the kids rather than taking them places and spending money. Tonight, for example, the 6 of us sat down after dinner and watched A Charlie Brown Christmas together. Then at the end we sang along with the characters to "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." And last Friday night we went out driving around and looking at Christmas lights. That's one of my favorite traditions really. There are a couple neighborhoods that have fabulous displays that we have to drive by every year. I only wish I'd thought to take along my camera and take pictures of some of the houses we saw. The kids seem to be enjoying the Christmas season this year in spite of my illness. Regardless of whether we get the tree up and the cards sent, this will certainly be a Christmas to remember!