I'm kind of sad that it's Christmas Eve and I'm just now doing my first post about this season, because it is my other favorite time of year (along with fall). I know it sounds cheesey but it truly is magical. There are so many elements that just instantly transport me back to my childhood-- I am blessed to have really wonderful memories of Christmas.
Every year I look forward to the day after Thanksgiving, because that is the day the MAGIC starts. You see, I have very strict rules about Christmas-- part of the reason why it remains special is because it is SO different from the rest of the year. There are certain movies we watch, certain albums we listen to, certain clothes we wear-- all of this ONLY during the Christmas season. So the day after Thanksgiving... it's on! All my Christmas music comes out and my mom and I have a marathon of Christmas movies while we put up all the decorations in the house. It is always a full-day occupation. And the best part... the Christmas tree!
I suppose every person would say this, but ours is absolutely my favorite Christmas tree I've ever come across. This big, fake tree has been in the family longer than I have, and it's slightly falling apart, but it's still the best. Plus I just love the decorations we've accumulated over the years. Hardly any of them actually match or go together, but that's what gives it so much meaning and character. Our tree is basically one big scrapbook!
Some ornaments document the places we've been.
Some commemorate special occasions.
Some simply show the time that has passed.
Some are very, very home-made.
And some are quite beat up...
...but that just seems to make them more precious.
When I was little someone made these Christmas bears for all of us-- for both my parents, my brother, my sister, and I. But since then we have added another brother and another sister, three nieces and one nephew. It's incredible to me how our family has grown (from 5 to 11!) The Christmas season is so special in so many ways, and one of the biggest for me is just a reminder of how much I've been blessed. When I open the box filled with ornaments, the memories that all come flooding back to me are all good. Of course, we've had hard times just like everyone else; there are all kinds of memories thrown into the mix. But as a whole, it's impossible not to feel overwhelmed with gratitude.
"O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!"
1 comment:
Yay Jess I love it!
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