Christmas is a time we remember everything we have ever loved in our life. In some way, many of you have touched me in some way, and however small, I am changed by it. I pray that the coming year will find you blessed with health and contentment, enlightened by wisdom that comes with age and filled with the energy to nurture the relationships you have established with those you love.
This year was one of playing catch up on things that were put off from everything being shut down, only to open, only to shut once again. I have lost people to COVID and when I think of that, it moves me to cut out all the meaningless nonsense about possessions and accomplishments and just write from the heart, letting people know how much they mean to me.
Yes. I love my little angel made by one of my kids. Handmade Christmas is my favorite. Happiness is homemade. Truly.
Some people have told me that Christmas just is not the same as when they grew up. You think the spirit of Christmas has died a slow death? No, never! It is only your perceived expectations. You should keep Christmas safe for the next generation and the next. It's not about the gifts, but, the spirit of Christmas. It is affordable.
I say that some good old seasonal voluntary work or helping out in a homeless shelter, maybe getting involved with one of the numerous Santa Runs is in order. I can feel the warm and fuzzy of this joyful season - and maybe it can also help somebody else recapture the magic of Christmas. It's heartfelt.
The Christmas countdown is making good time. Officially, there are 2 days, 23 hours, 16 minutes, and 12 seconds. I give you the Christmas countdown and one Christmas photo.
Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around.
"Love Actually"
Christmas brings the musing out in me. So many beautiful memories. A lifetime of happiness and joy in my world. And as is always, there must be a flower to color my world. And just like that, this post is done! Come back tomorrow and we will do it again!
All I have are my words, armed in my mind, written in pen, stand by stand. Oh, yes. Still by hand. It has a different feel. Altered not by keys, backspace, and delete, I write, erase, tear it to pieces and start all over again. And again.
It’s my way. I walk out to the deep end of the page and dive right in.
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed,
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature’s changing course untrimmed:
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st,
Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st,
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
Shakespeare
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There was so much wonder, joy and excitement during Christmas when I was growing up, that it has lingered in my heart all these years later.
I know it is not the same for everyone and I'm sorry about that.
It does make you extra aware of those that may not have all that they need, even if it is just a deficit of attention and makes you determined to add a smile or two for them for the holidays. It warms my heart to do or see it so much, that I feel selfish, like I got more out of it than the recipient does.
The nutcracker ornies remind me that I don't think I have seen the painted Christma buckets this year. Did you post them in a post I missed ?
I DO wish good news made for big sales. It is true there is still SO much good going on, but you can't tell that so much from what you hear and read. The news now is so full of negativity, I barely watch it anymore. Negative things should NOT be the focus of our lives or our society. I guess down troddened people are easier to manipulate and fool.
Merry Christmas ! It is Vaca Wednesday over here and the first day of my week off for Christmas. Just had a grocery delivery, Christmas music is playing all over the house (tell Lexa to play Christmas music by the Boston Pops !).....and I'm about to .... do something.....LOL.... I don't know what is next, but something is.
Woo-hoo! Vaca Wednesday! I haven't had time to respond! I am still writing more Christmas cards and baking cookies. But, it has been a fun day in all. I'm listening to the Boston Pops as I do it~ :)
Christmas was always so special, and in many ways, it is just as special now as it was then. More so, watching my young nieces and nephew and little cousins... It is all so new to them. I got the triplets a Roll-Up Flexible Electronic Piano Keyboard. I can hardly wait to see their faces when they see that. They are five now, so they are a lot of fun and mischief!
I have shown off the nutcracker cans (is that what you mean?) in several posts but, I will put one in tonight for you, along with some of the outside Christmas lights.
Re: the news. I don't watch it. Not if I can help it. Not lately. Negative Nelly lives in my TV. Oh, I cannot stand it anymore. I want to send the head of broadcasting a happy pill or two. An heir and a spare.
Happy Happy Wednesday to you!
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Losing people makes you question everything and realize that our journey is not about material stuff at all .
Love is all around. Love heals. Love feels good. And I think that we should carry this feeling with us every day, regardless if it is Christmas or not.
Your happy posts are a joy to read Denise! I wish you a very happy Xmas as the countdown tells us how close we are.
The handmade angel....precious! I hope you will keep it as a memory
Love is all around, all you have to do is look. I agree. I carry it with me every day... because a day can be a little bit better with it, always.
I wish you a Merry Christmas too. You are such a warm and giving soul! I was wondering if you got a plant for your bathroom yet and if you did, which one? I am so remiss on here of late. It is so busy, I post and answer my comments. That seems the extend of my visits!
Sorry, if I missed it. Things should get better after the Holiday!
That handmade angel is one of my favorites. I have so many handmade ornaments. I got another one this year. They are made with ❤️!!
Thanks for stopping by @creativemary !
Thank you Denise! I haven't got it yet and you will be the first one I will inform when I will plantify my bathroom
Hugs and have some wonderful days with the family🤗
A time to embrace and shake away the doubts, dread, fears being spread.
Level head, taking right precautions hopefully many will share time with loved ones this year. Who knows how many will fill the table, who cares so long as all present have good tidings and cheer.
Many have passed on over the last couple of years, some from covid many not, extremely large number each will be missed.
Letters and decorations from when children were young, always extra special place in the home.
I cannot for the life me me remember where I found this artists work, always depicts Africa in a light frame of mind, so here is to Christmas Cheer!
Additional search I have managed to find the Artist! James Durno
Santa never looked sexier🤣🤣
Doesn't he just!
LOL You are such a hoot! :)
Who doesn't love a little Santa? :) Haha! @creativemary has it right! Santa never looked sexier!
Oh, baby!
It has been another year, Joan and I am looking towards 2022 with great hopes and many prayers for all of us.
Thank you for being such a star here on the blockchain! Mwah! Much love and Merriest of Holidays!
Mid-flight stop for a beer and sunshine, love his ('Dutchman', as we call it) tan when you end up with dark and light stripes on the arms.
Hope change takes place in 2022 to get the human race back on both feet.
Happy holidays and festivities, enjoy everything, love concurs all!
Absolutely! Thank you, Joan! You too! ❤
That angel made by your kids is so special Love it
Like you I have lost friends and colleagues to Covid and it does make one step back and think about what is truly important in life and to appreciate those things more
I think some of your friends may be right in previous years the spirit of Christmas did not seem to be as strong as it had been in my memories, but I think that had changed this year and the spirit of christmas seems even stronger than ever from what I see
I have to agree with you there. I think that we are leaning into tradition and things that once were but seem to have faded. Is it because we are getting older or is it because the state of the world?
Or perhaps a little bit of both. I think it makes me cling to things that felt good, safe and heartfelt.
I think it could be a bit of both
3 cheers for next year being a better year. Have a great Christmas.
From your lips to God's ears. We need it! Hi, @enjar!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
It is always a good day when I see you! :)
Merry Christmas!
And home is where the heart is. Merry Christmas.
Have a nice day. All the best. Greetings and much love from Hungary.
Thank you! I agree! Home is where the heart is.
I am looking forward to the next few days and I know you are too! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas soon to come. It's coming quickly and is almost here. Volunteering around this time of year is a really good idea. I should do something like that.
I have done it with the kids. It gives them a different perspective instead of it being all about them. It reminds them to open up their heart to others.
I think it is a great time to do it, personally. Merry almost Christmas!
Merry Christmas, @dswigle!
Nah, Christmas will always be here.
Christmas is not the same for others because they somehow have allowed their hearts to be cold, and they have not found the true meaning of Christmas.
It is not in the Christmas Trees or the lights or the toys or santa claus...
.... it is in the giving of ourselves to others in ways that He has given Himself to us.
I'm finishing up with my second Nativity Scene!!!
He is always the reason for the season! 💖
Losing Christmas as in losing the families holiday traditions, an important part to buildinga string bond between family. They give us a sense of belinging, connecting us to a part of our history and generations of our family.
I do agree that some of the magic is gone as we get older but I am guessing it is just replaced with other magic. For me it is something I feel less internally, but see more externally in the joy in my nieces and nephews eyes when they open their presents etc. Stuff like that. It's still there, just in a different form.
Exactly!! I have to agree! Although I still feel the joy leading up to the moment, all season long, when it comes to the day, my joy takes on the other form, that of receiving the joy through others.
What a great way of putting it, @bozz! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your words!
In this whole world and the people living here need lots and lots of love...that is what is required to be...in every heart ...every mind...every thought and every soul!
There is no room for hatred and greed...absolutely!!!
Let the Christmas... Spread the message of ❤Love and peace!!!
Best :)
Truth! I am all about keeping the love in the world intact! If you fill your heart with love, there will be no room for hate.
Hi, @amitsharma!
Thanks, @wesphilbin !
Hmm. I learnt a new thing here. We must keep the Christmas safe for the next generation. Can I get more explanation on this
I should have said to keep the Spirit of Christmas as it should be...Holiday traditions are an important part of building a strong bond between family, and our community. They give us a sense of belonging and a way to express what is important to us. They connect us to our history and help us celebrate generations of family.
Keeping it safe from fading away.
Hmmm. This is so deep now my brain can relate well with what you said
Nice 👍
Thank you very much!
Great job done boss
Thanks.
aw what a beautiful post!
Thank you so much!
Merry Christmas!
Now that’s a Christmas Tree 🎄 😃
“Some people have told me that Christmas just is not the same as when they grew up. You think the spirit of Christmas has died a slow death? No, never! It is only your perceived expectations. You should keep Christmas safe for the next generation and the next. It's not about the gifts, but, the spirit of Christmas. It is affordable.“
⬆️ I have been guilty of saying that kinda thing about it not being the same. I agree with you though! The Christmas Spirit is certainly alive 🙌. Unfortunately this year was off because literally half my family got Covid last week. Most just feel like they have a cold so that’s a blessing this new strain looks mild. That said it messed up all the plans so me and Ashlee (my mysterious Texas Lady ) stopped by my moms for Christmas Eve and again next day but my sister who hosts these holiday events is sick in bed along with all but one of my mothers siblings. Just crazy timing like everyone at once. Vaccinated or not like more family and friends have it this week then I knew of all year in terms of people I know really well. Just one of those odd things. That said we had a good day and after the visit to moms spent it solo watching twilight zone , It’s a Wonderful Life and finished off with Coming To America. Oh and eating Ashlees Taco’s (her moms recipe and so good!) Will be making plans to see my sisters family among others who are sick for the second or so weekend in Jan. Was just a lol weird not seeing everyone but it made my mom so happy we came by for dinner Christmas Eve and stopped by Christmas morning. She went to a church friends home in afternoon. I definitely felt the Christmas spirit and it is alive indeed. Just bummed so many are sick at once but obviously just happy most are not really really sick needing emergency care. That is a blessing indeed. My best friends wife has asthma and is probably worst case outta the bunch so say a prayer for her 🙏. She’s not go to hospital level but it’s really uncomfortable and her chest and breathing effected. She’ll be ok but it’s effecting her more then the rest.
You are amazing @Dswigle 🙏 and I’m blessed to know ya!
@pixresteemer(2/10) gave you
Thanks for the LUV!
Thanks for the repost @pixresteemer Much appreciated!