Fear not I bring you Good Tidings of Great Joy!

Christmas isn't about the gifts, decorations, movies, or even the baby Jesus. It is about what Jesus Christ did for each of us, he atoned for our sins, sorrows, illnesses and the mistreatment that has been heaped upon us. He made it possible for us to be with our families eternally. So this Christmas don't worry about having everything perfect, just do what is important-spend time with your family and be thankful for the opportunity to have them with you forever in our Heavenly Father's kingdom.

Merry Christmas to you all!

"And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld"

• Don't forget to share your holiday traditions.
• Pixie Week, December 17-21. Don't forget to visit that family you were given. Have fun!
• The Las Vegas Temple will be closing for 2 weeks beginning December 30th. It will reopen on January 15th. 
• When was the last you wrote one of the missionaries? Send them a card or letter, it's a great Sunday activity and they love hearing from us, especially during the holidays. See the back of the Ward program on Sunday for addresses.
• Playgroup is meeting every Thursday at Hollywood Park.  This will be a weekly Playgroup from 10:45 a.m. until 12 noon.
• See our "Calendar of Events (to the right) for other important dates to remember.  Also see http://www.lds.org

Traditions

I am always interested in family traditions. Our family has some that came from my side of the family, some from his and some we made up together. Some we may have "borrowed" from friends because they were so fun. And sadly some our family may have outgrown, given up, or forgotten about through the years.

What are some of the traditions you have with your family during the Holiday Season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years)? If you'd like to share some of them, email me, halfadozen2000@embarqmail.com, and next week I'll post some of them on the blog for others to see and possibly "borrow".

I'll start it off: This is one of my kids' favorites, but we only started it a few years ago. On Christmas Eve we have Panda Express. It began because by Christmas Eve I was too tired from baking, wrapping and shopping to make dinner. Who knew it would become something they would look forward to?

Now it's your turn. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

• Our Relief Society Christmas Dinner is Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30 pm. Childcare will be provided. Please come join us for fun and good food and bring the sisters you visit teach.
• The Vegas Valley Ward Christmas Breakfast is this coming Saturday, December 15th, breakfast is being served from 9:00-10:00 am at the TEMPLEVIEW Chapel (next to the Temple). There's a rumor that Santa will be visiting so the kids will want to be there.
• Why is Tithing Settlement important? Here's the answer. If you haven't had your stewardship accounting with Bishop he has openings on Wednesday, December 12th or call Brother Longo to set up an appointment. 
• This coming Sunday, December 16th is the final day to donate to the Angel Tree. Sunday there were still several ornaments on the tree, if you did not have a chance to get one email Korina M. at gkkamaynor@yahoo.com. Check out this post for details about the Angel Tree. 
• Pixie Week, December 17-21. If you signed up, Naomi will be sending out the pixie families this week. Have fun and be safe as you pixie your family. Details.
• The Las Vegas Temple will be closing for 2 weeks beginning December 30th. It will reopen on January 15th. 
• Write the Missionaries. It's a great Sunday activity and they love hearing from us, especially during the holidays. See the back of the Ward program on Sunday for addresses.
• Playgroup is meeting every Thursday at Hollywood Park.  This will be a weekly Playgroup from 10:45 a.m. until 12 noon.
• See our "Calendar of Events (to the right) for other important dates to remember.  Also see http://www.lds.org

Pixie Week

Christmas Pixie Week - Monday, December 17 through Friday, December 21st. If you sign up you will be committing you and your family to deliver an inexpensive gift or treat to another family in the ward each night during the week. Be sneaky and  don't get caught, the children get really excited and will spy to catch you in the act! On Friday you can reveal yourself or not as the Christmas Spirit moves you. Pixie Week is always a lot of fun for the family leaving the gifts/treats and for the family receiving. 

If you would like to sign up email Naomi at neioma@yahoo.com by Sunday, December 9th. She will match you up with a family that you will pixie and one to pixie you. She will send you the name of your family during the following week. Then the fun begins!

It's December!

• Sign up for your Tithing Settlement appointment NOW. Bishop has set aside December 5th, 9th and 12th for this purpose. Sign ups are on the Bishop's door. Click here for more information on why we have Tithing Settlement.
• Come join us on Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30 pm for our Relief Society Meeting. We will be meeting in the Treeline Building Cultural Hall for a delicious dinner and relaxing evening.
• Mark your calendars for the Annual Vegas Valley Ward Christmas Breakfast. The Breakfast will be served from 9:00-10:00 am at the TEMPLEVIEW Chapel (next to the Temple). Following breakfast we will have a special visitor that the kids won't want to miss! 
• If any of you would like to participate in the Christmas Pixie exchange please email Naomi S. at Neioma@yahoo.com by Sunday, December 9th. She will match you up with another participating family and then send you the name of the family you will pixie. Pixie week is December 17th thru the 21st. If you're not sure how the Pixie week works click here for an overview. Please do not sign up to Pixie if you will not be able to participate.
• The Vegas Valley Ward Angel Tree is now in the foyer. Check out this post for details.
• The Las Vegas Temple will be closing for 2 weeks beginning December 30th. It will reopen on January 15th. 
• Write the Missionaries. It's a great Sunday activity and they love hearing from us, especially during the holidays. See the back of the Ward program on Sunday for addresses.
• Playgroup is meeting every Thursday at Hollywood Park.  This will be a weekly Playgroup from 10:45 a.m. until 12 noon.
• See our "Calendar of Events (to the right) for other important dates to remember.  Also see http://www.lds.org