On Wednesday we received a package from home that had our very own Christmas tree enclosed. We were delighted to unwrap a craft paper tree with all the ornaments and a star for the top. The package also contained a garland with pictures of our 9 grandchildren. That very evening we decorated our tree with the help of a young elder from our mission.
This delightful young elder is recovering from an illness and is unable to go out to work with his companions during the day. Until he recovers, he must spend his day in the mission office and go home each evening with one of the senior couples for dinner and rest. When the evening is over his companions collect him from the senior couple and he goes home for the night. This talented young missionary helped us decorate our Christmas tree. Both he and we enjoyed the evening together.
The weather in New Zealand (the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere) doesn't seem at all like the Christmas season we are used to. The spring-like weather just doesn't feel like Christmas will be here in less than two weeks, but we are enjoying the beautiful Pohutukawa trees (the New Zealand Christmas Tree) which is famous in this part of the world.
When we first arrived in Auckland, the Pohutukawa trees across the street from our apartment looked like ordinary green-leafed trees.
But as the spring weather warmed, the trees started to blossom and began to decorate themselves.
But the best part is when you get up close and look at the blossoms. They look like Christmas tree ornaments with their own tinsel. Now that is something that helps to get all of us in the Christmas Spirit!
"Christmas is what we make of it. Despite all the distractions, we can see to it that Christ is at the center of our celebrations. If we have not already done so, we can establish Christmas traditions for ourselves and for our families which will help us capture and keep the spirit of Christmas."
Thomas S. Monson
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