UncategorizedChristmas Cheer December 20, 2012It’s so hard to believe that we are just a few days out from Christmas. Usually by now, I’m overflowing with Christmas cheer. I really, really love this time of year. And this year, I have some, but this year has been a bit different. We have had so much going on. Y’all know that we were in a wreck earlier this month, we’ve searched for and bought a new car and had to deal with all of the aftermath of a wreck (insurance, etc.). Chris has changed jobs, so we’ve had a lot of transition with that. Good transition and changes, but still a lot going on. In the midst of all of that, the house is up for sale. Things on that front seemed to be slowing down for the holidays and we were actually a little bit glad. Of course, we still feel like we’re supposed to sell it, but with all of the other changes, I wasn’t sure we needed anymore. Then, we recently got word that an offer was coming in on our home. All of these aren’t bad changes. In fact, many of them we’ve prayed for long and hard. But when they all come at once, it can get a bit overwhelming. Especially during this season. On top of all of this, our little Gracie had surgery this week and has been under the weather. I’ve been sick too and Gracie has required a lot more attention than normal. So you see? A bit too much going on in our world this week before Christmas. For me, there is so much that I love about Christmas. I love to decorate every square inch of our home to reflect the season. I love drinking hot chocolate, cozying up with a good Christmas movie, and finding just the right gift for those I love. This year, with all of these changes and distractions, there hasn’t been nearly as much time for these normal Christmassy things that I love. We’ve left things “unfinished” in my head when it comes to decorating and that has been stressing me out! We have another tree in our sunroom and this is what it’s looked like for all of December. Just ribbon. No ornaments??? Now y’all know that less is more is not normally a saying that I abide by. I’ve stared at this tree for weeks now and it has driven me crazy each time! But this morning, I was sitting in this room and realized it looks just fine the way it is. Is it perfect? Is it finished? No. And that’s okay. Today, with school behind me, I’m trying to refocus my mind on what really matters this season and as fun as it is, it’s not decorating or even Christmas movies. It’s this. I love our nativity. It makes me so happy each time I look at it and remember that this one thing is why we have this season at all. Just sitting here this morning and looking at our nativity, the advent candles, and even the unfinished tree… …I was reminded that while our Christmas season has been a bit crazy, it’s full of blessings and it’s wonderful. Is it exactly how I pictured it? No. Would I add more decorations? Always. But what we have is just right for us this year. And I’m grateful.
Ashley says December 20, 2012 at 3:23 pm I love your nativity. It’s so pretty! I have felt the same way about Christmas, too. Too much going on and not enough time for the “fun” Christmas stuff. But you are so right. It’s not about any of that, and that’s what I keep having to remind myself. Love you sister! Reply
Sharon w says December 31, 2012 at 6:05 pm I feel the same Christmas blues you do. It would be nice to bottle those sights, sounds, and feelings to enjoy all year-round. Your home is beautiful…you have a lot to show for 2012, thank you for sharing it! Reply