All is Calm

Sad to say.....Christmas usually freaks me out. All the hustle & bustle, all the DRAMA ~ people fighting over cheap merchandise in the stores, families fighting over who-will-spend-Christmas-where. Frantic people stressing out about how they are going to buy gifts for loved ones when they have so  little money and have no idea what the gift receivers need or want. I especially hate the fight about whether you should say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays".....can't we all just share a little love & respect for each other & be inclusive of ALL the holidays/beliefs celebrated at this time of year?!? WWJD? Wouldn't he reach out with open arms to embrace & minister to all? 

My poor Darling Husband. For years I have moped around the house at Christmas time sputtering "I HATE Christmas" under my breath. Little or no decorations, no holiday baking, no parties, last minute present shopping, no Christmas Eve service. I'm not sure when it was I started hating Christmas. I think I have just been rebelling about the total commercialization of it all...and all the WORK/STRESS.

So.....this year I am trying to embrace Christmas.  I am decorating my home in lovely shades of cream, white, sepia, silver & gold ~ using handmade & "thrifted" items. Actually, I find I am enjoying the process and yes, all is calm. The more I decorate, the calmer I become. I am finding the BEAUTY of the season.  I hear stories about those helping people in need like the "Secret Santa" in Kansas City or "Operation Christmas" right here in my area...and my heart is blessed...and I am inspired to seek out my own way to help others (anonymously) before the end of the year. We have invited friends over for a Christmas Eve supper & trip to church.

One thing though.....It's more fun/meaningful if there are children around ~ their sparkling eyes and wonderment of the season is contagious. I have not had Christmas with my children or grandchildren or Dad or brother in many, many years since we all live so far away from each other. I have decided that I am going to leave my Christmas decorations up until we can all get together AT MY HOUSE for Christmas. So yes, if you come to see me in August, you will think I am crazy!

I want to thank Nellie Wortman for the GORGEOUS fabric collage that has inspired me this Christmas. "All is calm"...

 

Purchased from Nellie Wortman's Etsy shop

Silent night! holy night!
All is calm all is bright.
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild .
Sleep in heavenly peace!