Merry Christmas?

Okay I know I'm behind on my Christmas post, but here goes anyways.

PS. Don't you love this sweet kermit-the-frog-green brazilian couch?

It's a brazilian classic. haha. (not mine, don't worry)

This Christmas was definitely quite different than all the others.  I know Christmas is about the birth of our savior and the rememberance of this special event. But Christmas is also about tradition and family. This year for me,  there was no snow, no coldness, no familiar christmas carols, no pumpkin pie or sugar cookies, no 6ft christmas tree or house decorations, no service given to others, no charity, no Santa Clause, no gift exchange, no reading about the Savior's birth, or that holiday magic feeling. None of the usual american traditions of christmas were present this year for me. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that christmas was even coming at all. BUT, the one thing this year had that all of my other christmas's never had before... The love of my life by my side. :)  This one thing makes up for all that lacked on Christmas. And as long as he is here, I'd take a million more just like it....  awwwwww... how cute! hahaaaaaaaaa.. just kidding, well, sort of. To be honest, I hope I never have another meaningless christmas like this again, ever. Because that is just what it was, meaningless.

  *** HOWEVER, our goal is to be HOME for good next year for Jorge to experience a REAL magical american Christmas***

Brazil is a very religious country in the catholic religion. But I was surprised to see the lack of religious activity during Christmas, among catholics and mormons alike. No one talked of Jesus Christ, or his birth or his life... not even in church, there was no christmas program, hymns, nothing!!  I discovered that Christmas in this country is for the rich to buy presents for their kids, for the poor to go on a drinking rave, and for everyone to get a day or two off of work. Christmas traditions here are WEAK if not non-existant. Christmas Eve was spent with Jorge's family who the majority aren't members of the church, but who ARE heavy drinkers love to listen to LOUD music and love to dance. hahaha...  I tried to be happy with the fact that this is a new experience, that I was with my new family whom I love dearly...but, without that special magic, the family traditions, that feeling in your heart and light of Christ... Christmas this year was a big thumb's down. 

But on the bright side, my eyes were opened and I am excited to start new traditions with my own family in the future. Traditions that are based around Christ and love, charity, giving of ourselves, service to others, family togetherness, understanding, fun, laughter and memories. These are the fruits and feelings that contribute to the magic of Christmas. I am so thankful for a husband that also understands the meaning of the season and also looks forward to starting special traditions together.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!!

Love you all!!

Love, 

The Andrade's

PS. I tried to download a video that Jorge and I made for my family on Christmas Eve, but it is not wanting to download here. If you want to see it go to Youtube search and type in AndradeHotties, and you should see a few videos from us. haha...they are sort of retarded, but hey, they are us.