I have always loved Christmas, but it has also become a very difficult time for me. I acutely miss friends and those few good family members who are no longer here, and there is an overlay of grief on my too-quiet Christmas Days. This Christmas Eve, as I saw I was sinking down into a very sad heap, I changed my emphasis from wishing to have "joy" in the present and peace about the past, to the contemplation of Christ's birth.
It may seem drastic, but down went the indoor decorations, with only a small creche left out. I left the outdoor lights up, and just sat and thought about the first Christmas by the glow of those lights through the windows. And I thought about how we do have a friend in Jesus, one who will never hurt us or abandon us. Of course, this led to some joy in the present and more peace about the past!
On Christmas, I went to that little botanical park I love, on the hunt for more winter roses, and I found some! I was able to make it to two Masses, and the day passed quietly.
We had such fair and mild weather that I wore pedal-pushers, sandals, and a sleeveless blouse on Christmas! And I noticed some tiny tips of tulips and narcissus pushing up through the soil in the courtyard!
I hope you all had, if not a joyful Christmas Day, at least a peaceful one. And now, forward to 2022! Are you one who makes New Year's Resolutions?
Kind regards,
Olde Dame Holly
Yes and forward on we go. Let's hope 2022 is a better year. Janice
ReplyDeleteI fervently pray the COVID will cease. That a miracle will be wrought, and people become sweet, gentle, and mild, following our Savior intently as best we can!
DeleteMy wish for you is joy and peace in your heart, and like you did in Christmas day, it has to come from yourself. the world is not a joyful place right now, but joy can be found like you did
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful wish! Thank you. And wise observations.
DeleteYou did the best thing to bring joy into what looked like a pitiful day. The evil spirit is always trying to drive us into despair but you found joy when you contemplated the birth of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThe world is not even thinking of their Savior who came in humility, so small and dependant and poor and yet this is the miracle of Christmas. A Savior is born.
Peace and Joy for 2022.
Hugs, Julia
The world thinks too much on worldly things...myself included, unfortunately. I hope you have a very happy New Year!
DeleteOh, some of the roses are still going strong at the botanical park. So nice that you got to visit there on Christmas. I was surprised to hear you wearing sandals and a sleeveless blouse, as my clothes attire is flannels and sweaters. It's so cold here, and more snow on the way. That first red rose is so pretty, and started my week smiling. I'm glad you found some peace on Christmas. And I usually take down my decorations right after Christmas also. And no resolutions do I make - just try to be the best me I can be.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your friendship and especially for the beautiful Rosary, Holly. It means so much to me.
~Sheri
Thank you, Sheri. Your beautiful blog and wise living always cheer me up. I bet it is so cold in your snowy mountain home! But cozy, too, and your house is so pretty.
DeleteHolly, I wondered what those ridges on the bottom of the cookie pans were for. These cookie sheets are new to me, but when I made cookies, they turned out great. I wonder if they help with sticking to the pan also? Thanks for letting me know about the ridges. I was in complete wonder about that haha.
DeleteDear Holly,
ReplyDeleteI am happy that you were able to find joy and peace reflecting on the birth of our Savior. I so admire your faith.
Funny...you are showing your age (and I am older than you!). I haven't heard the term "pedal pushers" in many, many years.
New Year's resolutions? I have occasionally made them and failed miserably...lol!
May you find continued peace and joy in 2022.
xoxo
Here's a New Year's resolution for us both: Wear more pedal pushers! *smile*
DeleteI forgot to mention that on Ohio's north coast, the daffodils have been peaking out of the ground for at least 10 days. They are in for a very rude awakening.
ReplyDeletePoor brave daffodils! Wish they could tuck their heads back in like a plant turtle!
DeleteDespite your sadness, you have given us an uplifting post, Holly. Your roses are gorgeous and it's great you made it to 2 masses. I hope 2022 is a far better year, dear.
ReplyDeleteI don't make resolutions. They are too easy to break. But I do make a few commitments that I must live up to by the end of the year.
I am so sorry your day started with sadness. The roses are beautiful. You weather was completely opposite from ours it was icy and cold.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
Cathy
What a lovely way to spend Christmas Day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Last Monday in 2021 Holly....I truly understand that statement about an overlay of grief and too-quiet Christmas. But I did find comfort looking at the stars in the cold night (on the one night we could actually see the stars) and thinking on that first Christmas. Wow..."winter roses"...I have never heard of such a thing...but how beautiful they are! We are in snow season so it is difficult to contemplate. But, pray tell, how do those tulips and narcissus know when it's "time" in such a temperate climate?? As for resolutions...no, I don't typically do them - at least not for "new years"... If there is something that needs fixing within or about me over which I have any control, I do my best to try and start addressing right then. If it can wait until the new year, it isn't that consequential apparently. ~Robin~
ReplyDeleteI just do not get excited by Christmas really. I used to love it when the kids were young and the Grand kids but now we've all got older there isn't the same feeling. Still I enjoyed the nice meal and a few choccies. lol
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
I love that you spent the day at such a lovely garden, and that the roses bloomed for you. Such a perfect gift of God's love to you. I believe that He sends us just what we need at the right time. I've experienced it so many times before. When we are feeling a bit blue, looking to Jesus and His glorious love and beauty found in His creation is always a way out of the doldrums for me. I'm glad it is for you as well. (((hugs))) to you my friend. Praying for a better year ahead. And yes, it has been very warm here too, but we are thankful to live where we don't have to deal with ice and snowstorms. And when I think of the people in KY who lost everything just before Christmas, well, I can't even imagine...but they are so much in our thoughts and prayers, and they help me to count my blessings even more. Yes, God is so kind and merciful...He shows us His love in so many special little ways. You are a blessing to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and so uplifting. You are an amazing person and your faith in God inspires me to be more devout.
ReplyDeleteAbout pedal pushers ( which I well remember) aren't those what they now call Capris?