Christmas memories.

Christmas...was...magical.

After last year I was so happy to spend the holidays with those I love. Although, last year while I was in Formosa, Argentina I really realized that the holidays are about so much more than material things. On Thanksgiving (although Argentines don't celebrate, I still remembered), we had transfers and I was separated from Hermana Recinos. It was a tragic day in my mission. My favorite companion was going to the other end of the mission to Obera, Misiones. SAD! I am not one for crying, but that day the tears were in full force. She was my seventh companion in the mission and for once after one transfer I was ready to stay with a companion. But it was not to be. Off she went and I stayed behind to hold down the fort....

About a month later, it was Christmas morning. I got up as usual at 6:30 am. My companion was still asleep and I went out to study my scriptures. After, I decided to open the gifts my family had sent me via package mail. As I sat and opened my presents with no one around, I was truly reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of the Savior was very apparent in my mind. I missed being with my family at that moment. I couldn't wait for 6:00 pm to come so I could hear their voices. I did get to spend the day with a family that looked after us like their own. We ate a huge asado and sang Christmas hymns. It was about 98 degrees outside, definitely not what I am used to associating with Christmas. Once 6:00 pm finally came I was overcome with emotion to hear my Grandma Grace's voice at the other end. I knew that Grandpa Lee was not there with her. They were all so close, yet so far away...but so comforting to hear their voices and know that I would see them soon.

My Christmas in Argentina was not what I would call memorable in the sense of traditions. However, it was nice to see Christmas not so commercialized as it has become here in the States. I could really focus on the Savior and His mission and why He came to earth. I am so grateful for the chance to celebrate His birth each and every year and be reminded of the "reason for the season." I hope you all had a wonderful, merry Christmas and may the new year bring all that you hope and desire!