Hi, friends. Do you feel a bit of magic in the air this time of year? The joy of the holidays is almost palpable. That sense of wonder is magnified by seasonal decorations like Christmas trees set up in stores, string lights adorning houses, etc.
Many of us look back on childhood memories as the best holiday experiences. Those who are celebrating the holidays with their own children right now are creating perhaps even better memories.
A theory I once heard is that things are more special to children because they haven’t experienced them many times. A ten-year-old hasn’t experienced Christmas many times (especially years they actually remember). At age 25, I’ve been through a few. I can only imagine how I’ll feel in 25 more years.
Years and memories run together as we age; time seems to flee. But I recently realized a way I could recapture some of the magic of holidays I felt as a child.
In elementary school, the classrooms and hallways were adorned with seasonal decorations. We made arts and crafts to commemorate the times–turkeys for Thanksgiving, snowmen in December. Red, orange, and brown leaves outlined the bulletin board in fall, and those were replaced by snowflakes in winter. The environment around us shifted with the seasons.
I have neglected to celebrate holidays in this way as an adult. I’ve been using blankets with snowflakes all year. I didn’t visit a pumpkin patch this fall. My room looks the same year round. I hardly indulge in holiday decor.
I should quit being lazy and put more effort into celebrating the seasons. It’s probably my own fault that “it doesn’t feel like Christmas” some years. If figurine Santas smiled at me from tabletop surfaces, or snowflake streamers sagged from my ceiling, or I built gingerbread houses with loved ones, perhaps the holidays would feel more distinctly special.
Time moves fast enough. Let’s make some small efforts to help us appreciate the seasons of life. Stop and smell the roses–or, in this case, the pumpkin spice. That’s self-care.
Time for a dollar store run!
Thanks for reading, and Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for all of you who support my blog this year. β₯
The Holiday is in your heart π
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True! I just have to stop and savor it.
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Exactly, stop and smell the roses π
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I haven’t celebrated holidays much as an adult. I’ve told myself it’s because I don’t have children, but after reading this, I’ve changed my mind. It doesn’t matter that I don’t have children; other people do! I never thought about how my decorating can comfort and cheer those around me who will see them. Regardless of how I celebrate or not, I certainly want to spread good feelings to those around me. Your post has motivated me to do just that. Thanks, Lily! ππ
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That’s awesome, Alison. We could all spread some holiday cheer. β₯
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I love all things related to the holiday season — the family gatherings, the food, the festive music — all of EXCEPT what I call “temporary decorating.” Drives me crazy, actually. I will lay claim to the laziness, but my goodness does it seem a good bit of time wasted to set up decorations only to pull them back down a few weeks later.
Alas, I do it anyway (mostly to be loving to my wonderful wife). And it looks nice and does add to the festive feel. So, bring it on!
Happy Thanksgiving Lily! Peace.
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Happy Thanksgiving, Tim! It’s sweet that you do that for her. π
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I love this post. Time does move fast and celebrating Christmas is so much fun. I’m glad you were doing a dollar store run to go get some decorations!
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Thank you!
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I have to get the wreath on the door and some lights strung around. The Moravian star has fallen apart but maybe I can use some glue. Lets make cookies just like we did a few years ago. Flour everywhere but so what, it was fun and the aroma of spices was in the air.I am ready to start when you are. You pick the kitchen and let me know! I love you and always enjoy your blogs.Proud to claim you. Grandma
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Hope you find some extra special decorations!
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Thanks, me too!
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As someone who has battled holiday depression for nearly 20 years, the last few years have been different. I think the practice of Advent and incorporating my own holiday traditions have been key to my healing to this much better place of anticipation and joy. Happy Thanksgiving, Lilly. Thank you for your insightful and beautiful writing. Wishing you a happy, joyful, holiday season.
Allison
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Thanks for sharing. Creating some new, special holiday traditions is a great idea! Happy Thanksgiving, Allison!
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Happy Thanksgiving, Lily and God bless you!
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Happy Thanksgiving, and blessings to you!
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Good reminder.
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Thanks!
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Lily. You share and celebrate the most important feature and that is your personality and thoughts and feelings. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the holidays as I know you will.
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Thank you, Tom. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! π
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Lily
Your About Me page God smaked me!!!!! Your positive yet very realistic nature is the foundation of your success. I stopped using my walker and thought my cane was enough. My husband drives me to appointments since I have no balance and haven’t driven in six years. A bit of agoraphobia has set in. I love the positive feel of your blogs, it’s easy to get down and stay there, it’s very easy. Getting up and giving part of our ego up moves us forward to make the decision of what you want your life to look like next.
You’re amazing and so glad we follow each other.
Melinda π
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I’m thankful for you Lily such in inspiration. and my family and our church family.. We should all slow down and smell the roses, life is too short to rush it..
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Love this so much!!! You’re so right about creating a magical environment that celebrates the holiday at hand and awakens our inner child…it really helps! Have fun at the Dollar Store; that’s where I bought my decorations, just the other day! I’ve also found that wearing holiday attire is another fun way to bring out the Christmas cheer in oneself and others as well. π
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The little things count so much π when I visited family I set up some Christmas lights in my mom’s kitchen window and part of the kitchen. It was something she used to do when we were kids. Put Christmas lights around doorframes.
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Loved this post!! Happy holidays! β€π
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