Ba Humbled!

Well, after my rant yesterday I came across this, and this.
To say the least I felt terrible about the perspective I allowed myself to take in regard to baking cookies with my kids, decorating my home, and even the weather.
I have so much to be thankful for. I read some where recently if we all tossed our troubles into a pile, we'd be quick to take back our own. I shouldn't complain about messes, when my children are healthy and whole. I shouldn't complain about broken decorations when I have the abundance to buy fragile little doo dads. I shouldn't complain about the cold weather when I have a warm home, warm clothes and reliable heated transportation. So what if ski pants get wet, I have a washing machine and dryer. It's a cinch, it's a snap, it means serving others without grumping - that is the hard part.
I don't know where the idea came from that I'm entitled to a perfect, magazine Christmas with out having to lift a finger to create that ideal atmosphere and cozy memories. I need to be thankful for the work involved because it is humbling. It stops me from worshiping the traditions and helps me to call on the strength of the Lord. He was and is the best example of a humble servant, whose 1st Christmas was anything but Hallmark! Without him and his humble life and death there would be no traditions to celebrate, no reason for the season as they say.