Having a very Married Christmas

By Amanda Conklin
Contributing Writer

Let’s face it; everyone’s family drives them a little nuts around the holidays. Newlyweds look forward to their first holidays as a new family

It’s humorous to think back to Christmas breaks of years past in high school and college where I wanted nothing more than to hang out with my friends until I was practically so bored that I wanted to go back to school.
This year, as I celebrate my first Christmas season as a wife, I find myself wishing I had treasured those quirky times I had home with family a little more.

It’s been almost two months since I’ve become Mrs. Seth Conklin and while becoming adjusted to the fact that I have an extension to my family now, the holiday season couldn’t feel more special.

Something that has stood out in my mind since our wedding day was when someone shared that we should always remember to ask for the graces given to us on that day throughout our marriage.

As I prepared to have my family over for my first Thanksgiving dinner, believe me, I invoked those graces daily.
I know that no matter how much I prepare, how nice all of my new appliances look and how perfect the centerpiece matches my table runner that something will inevitably go awry. But that’s OK. After all, our very Savior’s birth and the events leading up to it weren’t “perfect” by human standards. Mary wasn’t expecting an angel to come to her and tell her that she was carrying the Son of God in her womb.

I’m sure that it would have been easy for Saint Joseph to sneak out the back door after the angel revealed the unexpected news to him.

And if you get a little upset because your children broke out the Christmas toys all over the living room 15 minutes before for the in-laws arrive, think of how irritated Mary and Joseph could have been when she was forced to give birth in a manger.

So whether you’re married or single, whether you’re hosting or attending, remember this Advent season how sometimes the little unplanned things can lead to the most beautiful gifts of all.

**Photo by Paul Hameline
Seth and Amanda Conklin were married Oct. 1 at St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid and are celebrating their first holidays together as husband and wife.