Dear Readers,
I've had to let go of a lot of my expectations for what I want Christmas to look like this year. It will be a much better month for everyone if I don't fret over it and just accept it. ~smile~ I made my big old Christmas Bucket List, but I already know I won't do even half of it. It's okay. It was fun to make the list.
Part of growing older is accepting the changes in the way we celebrate. Perhaps the kids aren't little anymore, or someone moves away, someone is is ill, or a job is lost, or you're living in a hotel over Christmas because the sellers won't move out of the house you bought! Yep, that happened to us with a baby, two toddlers, and a ten year old. Fun Christmas that was, watching the Food Network and Home and Garden channel and not being able to bake a single cookie or decorate a tree.
It was also the year that I started new traditions that have become precious to my younger kids who are now teens. It was all in my attitude. Candles burn in hotel rooms, and Christmas music plays from the CD player there, too. Most wonderful of all, I bought The Advent Book by Jack and Kathy Stockman. It's become a part of every December night until Christmas.
So, maybe this is a year when you need to let go of some of your Christmas expectations. God is able to reshape the year in a beautiful way when your primary focus is on Him. Go ahead, give it a try. I think you'll be glad you did.
Happy Christmas Season,
Laura, what a lovely post. .and oh so true...
ReplyDeleteEach year is different.. Some times I get alot of the list done, and start early [very rare.ha]..and some years , it just doesnt happen.. and its ok.. As you said, enjoying the wonderful Holiday and remembering The Reason for the Season, is most important..
Hugs and I hope you and your family have a blessed and Merry Christmas..
Lovely! Change is hard for me.
ReplyDeleteThe kids getting older...hard.
But some traditions like you mentioned...carry on! : )
Have a blessed season!
This is so true Laura, every Christmas brings new changes with new beginnings as life is full of change. It most definitely is in the attitude as we face them. With God's love may we embrace each chapter of our lives moving forward during this holiday season being grateful through each step. God Bless you & your family.
ReplyDeleteWarm wishes,
Ruth
Oh Laura, what a precious post. I greatly appreciate the last paragraph and will take your words of wisdom to hear. Sweet hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteIt is only ever the two of us for Christmas so I suppose it is nice to do as we please!
ReplyDeleteWe had a Christmas that just did not work one year. Things happened that we could not control and time evaporated. I was determined to have a tree anyway, so I got a huge tree put every single light I could find on it and a huge bow on the top. We called it our "art" tree. I had no time to get down decorations or hunt for any of the other Christmas doo dads, but that year we had the brightest tree around
ReplyDeleteGood morning Laura,
ReplyDeleteYour post is very powerful - such a good example you gave of making the best of a less than perfect situation. When it is from real life experience, it speaks volumes. And to think, your hardship actually produce new treasures you could keep for years.
Have a blessed Sunday,
♥Hope
Hi Laura, I am heading over to read your list for this year. But I am happy about your positive attitude towards it without feeling the pressure to accomplish all.
ReplyDeleteSweet Blessings friend
Anne,
ReplyDeleteIt's all in our attitudes sometimes, isn't it, Anne. I wish mine were better sometimes.
Stephanie,
You always encourage me with your comments. Thanks Stephanie!
Hi Judy,
It's been hard to accept the changes, Judy. I guess I'm finally getting old enough that I realize that I must accept them.
God is so good to give us many ages and stages.
Good morning, Hope. I assume you'll probably read this Monday. I really appreciate your response. I've had a lot of struggles over the years. I hope that being somewhat transparent can encourage others.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week!
Blessings to you!
Laura Lane
Change is hard for me, too. Billie Jo. It's all part of continuing to grow up... until we're 93 or 94!
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura for the reminder that things never stay the same except the Lord Jesus! He is the reason we are able to celebrate and we should never lose sight of that! Have a blessed week, Lynn
ReplyDeleteLaura, what wonderful words you have shared. I know that this year, this season will be precious because I have let go of any expectations I may have had and instead I'm enjoying this time with my family. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI agree...I think the depression is a result of wanting a perfect picture of the holidays...I am more laid back these days....I think our holidays change a lot when our parents go home to heaven and our children leave home........this year my grandchildren that live the nearest will have to celebrate without their father as he went home in February. I'm thinking of ways to ease that a little.
ReplyDeleteSome things can be done wherever you are and some can't. Now where is my Santa's Elf....there are two tubs in the guest room closet and I need to see if they have anything worth keeping.....I've not opened them to decorate last year or this one....
Mama Bear
Very true, Laura. Our Christmases are changing, too, kids get older, family moves leaving some traditions impossible to carry on. We are trying to embrace the change and enjoy the season for what it is, making new traditions along the way. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteWe've been such a close family, it's hard to imagine what it will be like when someone moves away. I hope we'll find ways to stay close.
Have a wonderful Christmas season,
Laura
May God comfort the children and the entire family this Christmas and may the sweet memories linger and new memories be made.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you Mama Sami.