How College Football Changed Our Christmas

Our plan for Christmas this year was to stay put in Virginia.  We did this last year, and it was special to be at home and have our own white Christmas.  We absolutely love being with our families, but it can be tough to travel around the holidays.

A few weeks ago the college football bowl games were announced, and I found out that Baylor would be playing in the Alamo Bowl on the 29th.  Baylor has had such a great season (NOT TO MENTION A HEISMAN WINNER!) and I've desperately wanted to be at one of their games this year.  Suddenly we began thinking of what it would be like to spend Christmas with family in San Antonio.  We couldn't get our minds off the idea to fly back to Texas, and I began pricing flights that same evening.  Our generous families offered to help with the travel expenses, and we booked our flights the same evening they had made the bowl announcements. :)

We originally hoped to surprise some of our families, but over the past few weeks the news has leaked. :)  I am truly excited to spend the holidays back in Texas (especially since snow is nowhere in sight up here)!  We will fly into San Antonio on Christmas Eve and fly home after New Year's.   And yes, we'll be going to the Alamo Bowl to cheer on my Baylor Bears!!!!  I am thrilled to get to see RG3 in action!!

It's funny how our plans can completely change from one minute to the next.  We are grateful for this unexpected time to be with family.  Living so far away makes these times together extra special.  When our plans changed, so did a few other things.  We decided to forgo cutting down our own tree up here to save on costs and hassle.  Another thing I've somehow neglected is our Christmas cards.  I haven't made the time to do our cards this year, and I'm learning it's okay to let go.  I love tradition, but change is okay too.  It's okay to do things differently around the holidays and adapt to each new season in life.

I feel so blessed this year.  In many ways it's been a difficult year for Mathis and I, but our God is so good.  He is loving, and He is faithful.  I am grateful for my marriage, and I'm so thankful for the life Mathis and I have here in Virginia.  We have no idea where we might be spending next Christmas, but I know that God will lead the way.  And right now I am so content with our lives.  I am healthy, happy and blessed beyond measure.