This Christmas season is quickly approaching, and what better time to think back and reflect on some Christmas memories.
It has been the best of times…
We got married during Christmas break, while we were attending college. It was a bit of a whirlwind affair (sorry mom). Miraculously, things came together for a lovely event (well, thanks to a ton of work and stress by my parents). We are looking forward to our 43rd anniversary this year!
Our last child (Number 6) was born a few days before Christmas. Rocking a brand new tiny baby by the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree was a poignant reminder of the birth of our Savior. (Feeling a lot of gratitude for an efficient hospital staff and modern conveniences, compared to the humble setting of a crowded, animal stable!)
There are so many happy memories of sharing the excitement of Christmas mornings with our children and families. During the really lean years a lot of work went in to creating a “respectable” Santa delivery. (Why do we let ourselves feel that pressure?) Some years, finishing sewing and other projects went right down to the wire, even well into the Christmas Eve. I think the rewards for making gifts is much more satisfying, don’t you? (Although I’m relieved I don’t have to do all that work anymore.)
It was the worst of times…
There are a few memories that come with a bittersweet reminder.
My sweet parents passed away just before and just after Christmas, one month apart, following their three month sudden illnesses. They both had unrelated cancers diagnosed at the same time. That year we put on happy faces for our young children, but our hearts were hurting deeply. Thoughtful family, friends, and neighbors helped so much by supplying little treats and surprises. We’d come home from long, depressing days at the hospital to find goodies, meals, and surprises on our front porch. This gave our children excitement and joy, which we didn’t have the energy to provide.
Thank you to our secret angels!
If you would like to read a story I wrote about that Christmas you can click here.
So there you have it.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, despite those tough experiences we sometimes go through.
It is a time for giving and receiving love and service.
Both are equally important.
May this Christmas season find you and your loved ones enjoying the sweetness and excitement that our perfect Savior, Jesus Christ provided for us.
Merry Christmas!
JoAnn
6 comments:
So pretty! I love your mantel with those neat starlights.
I noticed that the decorations look so pretty with your soft green walls. Oh how I wish all of our walls weren't beige. Why do builders do that?
We do have to put on a smile during the holidays sometimes even if we don't feel it. Things happen, emotions surface...it's not always easy.
Your home and tree look just wonderful.
Congratulations on your long happy marriage. Wishing you many more.
xo bj
This is a beautiful blog, JoAnn. Your "click through" story of your Mother giving little gifts to the hospital staff was so touching. Even in her last days you helped her bring joy to others! It is so hard to lose our parents but we can be comforted by the knowledge they are
with the Lord.
This is a quieter Christmas season for me this year, although I am doing well a little over a week after my eye surgery. I will have the other eye done at the end of this month and hopefully I will have much better vision when I'm all healed. Much to be thankful for!
That story still makes me cry! But I must say, I'm grateful that sweet little baby nymber6 of yours was born!
What a very lovely post. Christmas and memories. This year I got a real tree and every time I pass it it reminds me of my childhood. Blessing to you and a very Merry Christmas.
You shared some very solemn events in your life...similiar to ours. It's always hard to see our parents move on, but we just pick up from where they left on and hand it back to our own future generations. Looks like you know how to celebrate the real cause of Christmas in your heart.
Post a Comment