A few days before Christmas I shared with BW, in a very Lew-like style, the reasons why I love Christmas so much. We grew up in very opposite ways when it comes to Christmas. He had a hard time understanding why Christmas was so exciting, which was hard for me to comprehend. Though, once given the reason as to why, I can understand. But still - we are very different in that way. Pretty much anyone who knows me knows that I turn into a little elf this time of year. I've got my child-like tendencies anyways, but it all just sort of bursts forth come December. So, to help him understand why it is that I love this season so much, and to dig a little deeper and be able to put it into words for myself, I took him on a short Christmas date, which pretty much just consisted of him opening little handmade envelopes and reading letters explaining my love for different elements of the season. That, and taking him to the "Pepsi-Cola" light display that our town does every year. Anyways, I've decided to share with you all what I shared with him. And so here you are : the reasons why I love Christmas so much. ![]() Mmm . . .the tree. The tree holds much fondness for me. My daddy and I go out and pick it out together every year, and each time we do we end up talking with the cheeky old man who runs the place, along with his tree finding dog - former years being Ed, but he died this year :( So now I have a new Christmas tree finding dog buddy: Flip :) They're an enjoyable pair, Earl snd Flip. Earl's wife died not too msny years ago, so it's nice to spend a little bit of time with him, giving him someone to talk and laugh with. Anyways, that's picking out the tree. I'm fond of the memories that I have with my dad picking it out, but also for the memories that my mum and I have shared through it. It's the one thing each year that we both always decorate together (usually watching White Christmas or Star Wars). We pull out old familiar ornaments, I wear the red bell ornaments as earrings and twirl around in the tree skirt for a bit, we make sure the colors of the ornaments all go together, quarrel over little things, find compromises, find new ways to do things, and just spend time together. And once the tree has been fully decorated with fond memories, ornaments, and lights, I place the star on top - all the while wearing the mandatory footie pajamas/onesie. Not only does the tradition of the Christmas tree hold many fond memories with my parents, but also with just solutary time spent with it. Staying up late by the fire with the tree, in all of its simple beauty, towering over me... It's a simple joy that comes but one season out of the year. Soaking up the memories, the colors, the lights, the smells... Oh, the smells! I always make sure to pick a Christmas tree that's wonderfully potent. There's something so splendid about how a Christmas tree smells. It's just lovely - and happens to be one of my favorite smells. Probably out of association for the season, but still. It counts. All of these things (and probably more) are what make up the Christmas tree for me, and why I'm so very fond of it. ![]() This is one of my favorite parts. As you know, one of my primary love languages to express is gift giving. Here's a little insight into the mind of a gift giver (at least this one): Christmas isn't a time to find things for people because the holiday obligates you to. But rather, it's an excuse to go a little crazy and express that love in a fun and festive way. Everyone is different regard. But for me, I find things all year round and save them up for Christmas and birthdays, or if I just feel like giving a gift to them spontaneously. The reason I save most of my gifts up for Christmas instead of giving them to people as I get them? There are a couple of reasons. It's more cost effective that way, since I don't have an unlimited amount of money. And also tradition. It's part of a widespread tradition. I love having a special time full of giving. I could give random gifts to people throughout the year - and I do sometimes. But I would much rather save them up and enjoy them all at once (like candy, or shopping, or vacation days). Saving them up and being able to give them during the Christmas season just adds to the joy of the season for me. When I'm giving you a gift - even though it's not one of your main love languages - you're blessing me and allowing me to express myself naturally. When I give a gift, I'm expressing my personal love, support, and encouragement. I don't give out of obligation. Giving brings me joy. Not just the act of giving itself, although there's that too. But to give meaningful, personal gifts. It makes my heart happy. ![]() Lights. This one's pretty simple: I think they're pretty. There's something special about not one bright light outshining the night, but many little lights softly dimming the darkness. You get the calm and beauty of the dark without the fear or concern of what may be lurking in it. They make things feel cozy; they make things feel safe. ![]() Christmas music is one of my favorites. It's something I limit myself to once a year, and it just sets a warm atmosphere. It's cozy; it's warm; it's rarely crude (the good stuff isn't at least); it's clean; it emphasizes tradition, family, and joy, and it's just wonderful. Nothing sets the mood like a little Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. The same goes for Christmas movies. They're almost always clean, with no muck that I don't want to see or hear. They help set the mood for the season (a mood that I love dearly). And a lot of them feel like home; movies that I've watched over & over growing up that I now watch yearly. White Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life, Little Women, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Home Alone, Elf, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, etc. Plus then you've got all of the cheesy Hallmark films, which are just great in and of themselves. It's just delightful. The fireplace in the morning and evenings, my Christmas blanket, hot chocolate, cozy music, wrapping presents . . . They're all little things, but little things are my thing. And all of them add to this season to make it as special as it is for me. Also, I just really, really love wrapping gifts. It's just fun, and it keeps me out of mischief. Basically, Christmas is childhood, family, safety, and warmth. And oh so much joy and giddiness ^.^ ![]() While it's more in the background, this is quite possibly my favorite part of the entire season. The worldwide celebration of Christ's birth. Even though Christ wasn't born this time of the year, and I recognize and praise Him for what He's done all year round, it's still special for me to have a time set aside every year to really focus in on His birth. Cause even though there are many prophecies throughout the bible telling of Christ's birth and mission prior to the event, to me, this is where it all began. It's the beginning of salvation; the birth of our Savior. I so wish I could put into words how much this time means to me, with all of its reminders. But then, perhaps it's best that I can't. It's like a sweet little treasure that only God and I can share. But I'll give you a wee thought and insight into its value : this time of year, as we celebrate Christ's birth, I'm reminded of my life 7-8 years ago. I'm reminded of the depression, the suicidal tendencies, the anxiety, the isolation, the hopelessness. I'm reminded of the overwhelming feelings and lies of worthlessness and fear that Satan drowned me in. I'm reminded of the times that I came so close to popping a handful of pills or wishfully entertaining thoughts of cutting my neck with a knife. I'm reminded of that one afternoon I was in the shower, curled up in the fetal position, sobbing, overwhelmed with helplessness, weight, and no escape. And I'm reminded of that desperate, last ditch effort attempt of escape by looking to God once more, and the peace that came after. The words that come to mind for me this season are JOY and LIFE. The incredible joy that God has taught me to have in the past 7-8 years, and the abundant life that I've been able to live. Real life. He's taken a scared, insecure, helpless little girl, and shaped her into a passionate, joyous, lively little lady (I say that last part loosely) with a heart to grow, speak truth, encourage, and be vulnerable. I've still got my fears, I've still got my walls, I've still got my insecurities. But the distance that He has brought me from where I used to be is something beautiful. It's something that, for me, is proof of His existence and character. I love looking back over the years, including the last 12 months, and seeing and remembering all that He has done in my life. It is one of the sweetest times for me, sitting with Him, admiring His beautiful craftsmanship. I'm alive and living today because of being able to come to Him that day in the shower. I was able to come to Him that day in the shower because the veil was torn when Christ died on the cross. Christ died on the cross as a part of His mission. His mission began that day in the stable. I celebrate and treasure this time of the year because it's a reminder for me that I am alive in and through Him, and it all started on that day. Still my favorite Christmas song. Also, as a side note, I'm pretty stoked about this gift that I got to make this year.
Thank you, Pinterest, for all of your brilliant ideas :)
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