I don't know why but I felt Christmas was better this year. I didn't get great gifts or something amazing happened; it was just a different feeling this year. A Savior was born many many years ago to save mankind. I helped organize some sub for santa events to help poor families in the community, that was humbling and made me happy. I also bought my own (my first) christmas tree and decorated it. I love it. I don't want to take it down :-)
I also just realized that this is the last christmas of the first 10 years of the millenium.
I got a real treat this year. I had the opportunity to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert featuring David Archuleta and Michael York. As always, I loved it! and even more, I adored it.
I'd say my favorite season of all is Fall. Amazingly this year in Utah, I saw the most amazing fall colors in the last 7 or 8 years. I stole these pictures from my friends Lee and Will on facebook. the week of halloween, we had snow in Utah Mt Timpanogos
Some Lake in the Cottonwood area
I too had the opportunities to be in the East Coast this fall. I finally got to see the fall colors people always talk about.
Washington Memorial, DC
Central Park, NYC Outside the DC Temple Harvard Square, Boston
Last Sunday, Sister Beck came to visit my ward and gave a talk. She spoke on how we should be more grateful and more positive about our life. That's the life we are given and instead of wishing for a different kind of life, we should cherish it and make the best out of it -- live it abundantly.
I have had a rough week. Gratefully, I received a blessing to receive a healing of the sick and comforting. I know that I will be okay no matter what and that trials are there to make us grow and become the person we need to be -- to achieve our potentials and to be more like the Savior. I came across this video on the Mormon Channel. I love hearing Stephanie share her positive attitude and her hope in the Savior despite the challenges she faces.
I love the quote at the end of the story: "Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised, “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88). That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including—and perhaps especially—in times of trouble." Jeffrey R. Holland
We are all given a cross to bear and we can absolutely carry it with the Savior. I have learned throughout my trials that life is hard and unfair but so was it to some of the greatest people who ever lived even the Savior of the World. It's my life; I will live it more abundantly.
I also just realized that this is the last christmas of the first 10 years of the millenium. 
