It always amazes me how quickly the year goes by. When I worked as a teacher, I always felt the year was close to an end as soon as the school year started. Since I taught drama, I had to get an early start on the Christmas production. There were often outreaches to be considered as well. Now that I’m no longer in the field of education, I still think of the year as coming to a close when school starts. I guess old habits die hard.
Speaking of old habits, I’m one of those people who, though she dearly itches to, refuses to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving has passed. I have no problem with those who want to decorate early, but since Thanksgiving is squeezed so tightly between Halloween and Christmas, I like to honor the day.
Now that the Christmas season is upon us, it’s ready…. set… go!
I love Christmas. I love time with family. Though my sisters and I are separated by distance, and can’t be together during this time, we’re able to communicate by telephone or through social media. I miss my mother and my in-laws, but remember and cherish the wonderful times we spent enjoying each other while unwrapping presents, laughing, eating, and praying together. We’re a small group now, but that doesn’t lessen our joy.
Putting out the Christmas trees and reindeer I’ve collected over the years makes me happy, and decorating the trees (I have two) with lights, ornaments and special reminders of my children when they were young blesses me. My nativity sets (two again) help remind me not only of the birth of the Christ Child, but that He came willingly, knowing His ultimate fate.
So, with all the hustle and bustle of the season, I urge you to stop and remember what Christmas really means. Enjoy your family, food, and gifts, but take time to be thankful for the greatest gift of all.
I don’t decorate before Thanksgiving, either. I miss decorating at my grandmother’s house. We always made such a big real out of it. Stuff was everywhere. Maybe some day we’ll live in a place big enough to do all that again.
And I always try to remember the Reason for the season. Now we have the opportunity to teach our boys. 🙂
I love that you have memories of decorating with your grandmother. My maternal grandmother died when my mother was young, and my paternal grandmother–one sweet, sassy, classy lady–never lived in a place big enough to decorate. Christmas was usually at our house when I was young.
I have so many memories of past Christmases that I treasure. We always stop on Christmas Eve and read the story from Luke and sing Christmas carols. I have done that with my girls since they were little.
That’s lovely, Ann. We don’t do a lot of singing at our house. My daughter and I can carry a tune, my husband and son–not so much. 🙂
I love Christmastime, not only for the presents, but it’s wonderful family time and remembering what the season is all about.
I totally agree, Michele!
I love Christmas!!!!!! However I don’t decorate before Thanksgiving! Christmas was always special at our house growing up. My favorite memory is when Santa called me and asked me if I liked my ironing board and iron. I was around 6. When I was 50, called him and told him to come and get them that I didn’t like to iron anymore! I love your Santa at the manger!
Lol! I’m with you when it comes to ironing. Thank you. My Santa at the manger was a gift from my husband early in our marriage. If I could only put out one decoration, that would be it.