Fall is in the air. Smells of apple cider and pine trees are dancing in my head. I love this season. Even though Fall is completely wonderful in its own right, it is nearly impossible for my thoughts to not drift to Thanksgiving and ultimately, Christmas. I am a Christmas junkie. 
Last Christmas was good. but it was bombarded with all kinds of emotions. Just two weeks before Christmas, my dad passed away. Just two days after, John and I moved to a new city with whatever we could stuff in our cars. I loved Christmas as always, but my heart was heavy. It was as if I was sitting under a cloud and although i could see sunshine around me, it wasn't warming me. I was numb.I think that might be why Christmas this year feels so hopeful. I carry my dad with me, but I'm not numb. I'm not depressed, but am I not blissfully happy either. I am full. I'm thankful for the last 10 months, but I'm even more thankful they are over. I miss my dad every day. and yet, the sun is still shining.
So, Christmas. Why do I love it? Family. Food. Traditions. Smells. Laughter. Celebrating Jesus. The sheer anticipation of it is almost as fun as the actual celebrations themselves. Somehow, though, by December 23rd, I end up being rushed, way too concerned because I didn't get a nice enough present for someone, or feeling buyer's remorse because I spent more than our budget will allow. And then I think to myself, "it's not supposed to feel this way". and then I keep on doing it. Every year, I am scrambling to get back to real reason FOR Christmas and the reasons I love it so much. This video resonates in my spirit and I want it to be true in my life, this Christmas. Lord, help me.
Briana,
ReplyDeleteLove the post. I LOVE christmas also and have been listening to Christmas music off and on to lighten the spirit occasionally. I also Love the video! It is amazing! I miss you!
I'm a Christmas Junkie too. :) Loved this post and the pretty pictures, so nice! If we end up getting Michigan we'll have to meet up with you guys! John was very helpful the other day on the video conference! We felt cool to "know" one of the people on the big screen. :) And congratulations on your pregnancy!!! I don't think I ever knew til I read the post below! Blessings, Brittany Kendall
ReplyDeleteBri,
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas as well! One thing I have found that has helped me "slow" down is putting a limit on the amount of the gifts. My family and I did this a few years ago. The max amount spent is $25 for each person. We just felt that as adults, we have everything we need and almost everything we want. Of course this made shopping even more difficult! So we just put an end to the madness!!! But because my Mom and I love to shop and we are both Christmas junkies, we have adopted a family for the past two years. So we still get our fix of buying the perfect presents, just for a family in need!
And just think, this Christmas is just the beginning of our new families. . .next Christmas will be so amazing because we will have out little ones with us and start our own family traditions. I just fills me with excitement!
I love Christmas too for all the same reasons. Last year was such a blur, as we had just lost Will's dad in August and it was our first Christmas without him. We had also just moved into our new house and had no real time to decorate. It felt like we were just walking through the motions of Christmas and I am so hopeful for this year! I love that you shared this and I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season this year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. Thanks for sharing. Love the video too.
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas and one of the best ways I've/we've found to not let ourselves get stressed out about the whole commercial aspect and still give gifts (and simplify our lives BIG time) was to begin supporting a charity organization (heifer international in particular) on behalf of our family/friends in lieu of gifts. We do get small things (usually food/candy treats) for family and then purchase our animals through Heifer. It has been the best thing to happen to my holidays and it helps me keep Jesus more at the forefront I think.
ReplyDelete