I grappled with writing a Christmas blog this year, not because ideas weren’t flowing, but because I had way too many distractions. Include that with other creative projects, followed by all the unexpected interruptions. Everything pranced in and out, as if competing for a Christmas pageant. Perhaps I needed to chill out, light a few candles, and listen to some ambient music. To just allow myself the luxury of slipping into the spirit of the season, where I’m more attentive to the subtle nuances and simple pleasures. It’s here, I focus on what matters most while embracing the true meaning of the season.
It’s not like me to just wrap everything up in a nice package, donning it with ribbons and bows, to just call it a day. No-no-no. It’s about getting it right, even if we get somewhat lost in the pre-planning stage. And this had me dawdling until everything came into total clarity. The festive season has a way of keeping everyone extra busy, pulling us in multiple directions. Which, in my case, led to many happy diversions. With too many things vying for my attention, it left me feeling somewhat… scattered (but in a good way).
There were too many cookbooks open, too many Christmas tunes to choose from, perhaps even a little too much glitter overtaking the abode. Plus… there was an enormous box of my favorite chocolates just sitting open on the counter. Here, too much of a good thing is a great thing, and this is how I view Christmas.
SIMPLE PLEASURES
Christmas is a beautiful time of year, a season we surround ourselves with what we love, and for me it’s inclusive of the most precious gift ever gifted. Life. With boundless opportunities, we can make dreams come true, having the potential to manifest every wish. The thing is, we have to believe we have what it takes to do all that we can. It’s up to us to decide whether to walk in confidence or to shy away from everything that means anything. How will you live your best life if you hold on to what isn’t meaningful to you? This implies that you have to just let some things go.
Perhaps we just need a gentle reminder now and then to keep what’s best and to just forget the rest. This is no different when planning for Christmas. Control what you can and let go of those things that you have no control over. To put it another way, we can keep it simple. I know. Easier said than done. Sometimes we just want to go all out. I get that. But there is something to be said for simplicity.
RECIPE FOR LIVING
Now back to the greatest gift ever gifted… life, and the way we live it. We have instructions for prepping our favorite dishes. Why not a recipe for living life? For me, a tried-and-true recipe is enjoying the simple pleasures. Something as simple as a lavender scented bubble bath at the end of a hectic day. Holding that cup of coffee first thing in the morning, and the simple pleasure of a walk. Or just indulging in a moment, watching as the wind whips up the freshly fallen snow.
It’s taking care of oneself – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s doing what you love and loving what you do. With the celebratory season to look forward to, there is so much to do, places to go, people to see. Or not. We choose to do or not to do. We will always place our hearts in the things that matter most, in that something special that ushers in meaning, that gives us joy, that presents us with renewed hope.
INTO THE SPIRIT OF SEASON
I treasure what the spirit of Christmas holds. With another year drawing to a close, I needed a moment to catch my breath, to review the year that was. Each experience had me pondering the supernatural along with the miracles of life. We can get caught up in fleeting moments where we can take too much for granted, including our time.
Every memory, thought, feeling, and experience adds to the beauty of life, at times, leaving us somewhat breathless. Every day, a tapestry of mystical moments fills our hearts with joy, leaving us attentive to the gifts in life and the gifts of love. Most importantly, Christmas has a special way of pointing out the precious gift of life itself.
CHRISTMAS ENLIGHTENMENT
Relishing every single facet of Christmas, we bask in each magical moment, delighting in the aroma of baked goodies and scented candles, enchanted by the sparkling lights and Christmas music. We take pleasure in every aspect of what this season holds. This is really the only time of year where we may throw caution to the wind. Where we’re a tad bolder, where we take creativity to a whole new level when decorating our homes. Just so we can create a special ambiance for those we love. This is where everything gets spiced up a notch, with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg twirling in the air, filling our homes with the fragrance of the season. From lights to ornaments, sounds and images, all delivering a delightful experience. The tangible elements are mesmerizing, yet, it’s the intangible aspects of the spirit of the season that can stir emotion while uplifting spirits.
And just like that – something extra special takes precedence once again, rising to the top as a reminder that miracles do indeed exist. It’s in the spirit of the season where we perceive it the most. This season is unique in its ability to evoke feelings of being wrapped in love. The love we receive, whether from our pets, from our loved ones, or from God’s infinite affection for everything He’s created. Evidence of love exists beyond measure. Just take a moment to look around you and step into the blessings. Or go back in time and take in the biblical account:
Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love.
THE JOURNEY OF LOVE BEGINS ONCE WE SETTLE INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
And so, we not only reflect on the blessings of the festivities, but in a quiet moment, we can also take stock of the spirit of the season. All we can do to acknowledge God’s favor is to live our best lives and to offer gratitude for what He’s blessed us with. We welcome each precious moment every season brings, but it’s during this time when we see everything in a magical light.
May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.
Perhaps the spirit of the season asks that we take a little time for ourselves. To gaze out on a clear night sky, believing we too may spot one glittering star reminiscent of the one that guided the wise men. As it was on one starry night, where three wise men payed homage to a miraculous tiny bundle of love. This was a witnessed moment, where believers can attest to the radiance of God’s love that will forever stand the test of time.
THREE WISE MEN
It occurred to me. We are all on a journey where everyone experiences something different. But what we all have in common is we will always discover something. Is it possible we wish to experience something supernatural? Perhaps we hope to come across a mystical moment. Where we can catch sight of something symbolic, similar to the star that appeared in full splendor, similar to the love born into the world. The profound birth of Christ. A heavenly presence forever changing the way we live, and the way we view life.
WELCOMING CHRISTMAS AND THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
Seasons come and go, but this season is by far the only time of year that delivers renewed hope, joy, and love. And if you take but a moment, you will even experience peace. By embracing the spirit of Christmas, we grasp its true meaning. We can delight in opportune moments, taking joy in every twinkle and sparkle, creating a memorable time to enjoy and to cherish. Content with where we are, surrounded by what we love, we welcome Christmas in its beauty and in its richness, appreciating everything the season ushers in.
You have the freedom and the right to choose how you want to experience each season. You can create magical moments throughout a lifetime. During times of uncertainty, all you need to do is seek divine guidance and God will launch you on an extraordinary adventure with blessings only He can gift.
He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.
And there I was… distracted by the sheer beauty of nature, looking out on a wintery, snowy night. The street lamp illuminating the trees with the wind whirling through their branches. Another year closing out as a new year swiftly approaches. Perhaps the simplicity of the changing seasons provides a time for reflection and quiet introspection. Reminiscing the past, embracing each moment of the present, releasing what was, and being open to the beauty of what has yet to unfold.
Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it – you feel it, you know it, you believe it.
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Warmest Wishes for a Merry Christmas. May the spirit of the season be with you through the holidays and throughout the new year.
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