Detaching From My Decorations is Tugging at my Heart

One of my favorite activities of the year is to decorate for Christmas, and my least favorite is to take down the decorations.  It is hard to let go of the warm glow Christmas brings, along with the memories of being connected to friends and family with that special glow of love that happens during the holidays.

Having a strong sentimental attachments to many of the ornaments makes it an especially bitter sweet thing as I put them away until next year.  Sometimes I cheat and leave certain decorations hanging around for months, or some make it through the whole year.  The Christmas Spirit doesn't have to end, but it somehow slowly fades away with the ending of the festivities, the beautiful music, the bright lights, and the red and green and silver and gold . . . sniff.  (Also, seeing Valentine stuff already in the stores is a real downer!)

Here's an ornament a dear friend in England made for us in 2011 (it has lots of love in it):

Another darling ornament I cherish was purchased at the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Garden in Georgia by my youngest daughter.  All three of my daughters enjoyed that event with us while we were serving a military relations mission there.

Made out of a sea shell

The one below was given to me by my oldest daughter this year, who understands I fell in love with hedgehogs while on our mission in England.

Well, you get the idea.  I am super attached to the ornaments given to me by loved ones.  What it all boils down to is, it isn't the ornament itself as much as the thoughtful love behind the giving of it.  Sure, I feel love all year round, but somehow putting away those precious ornament gifts brings a mixture of smiles and tears every year.

Boxing up the nativity until next year is also difficult.  It was made by Mrs. Shiozowa, a teacher at Valley Elementary School, way back in the eighties.  She could see I wasn't having much luck completing my ceramic nativity.  I'm just not good at those things.  She sent her nativity home with my middle daughter as a gift and it has been giving every year since.

Unselfish love, generosity, and thoughtful caring are what make Christmas.  I shall never really put away the Nativity that resides in my heart because of all I have been given and continually receive from those around me.  That is what Jesus Christ's coming has inspired.  

I vow NOT to put Him away only to be remembered at Christmas.

A little angel my oldest daughter made many years ago.

Christmas Tree Symbolism

The pure green color of the pine tree remains green all year round.  This stands for the everlasting hope of mankind.

All needles point toward heaven, making it a symbol of every one's thoughts turning toward heaven.

The evergreen tree has been the best friend of humans and animals alike--providing shelter, warmth, and beauty since the world was created. 

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I am thankful for all types of trees, especially this time of year in snow country.  The shapes of the branches are revealed in all their glory as they become laden with snow.  It is beautiful art!  At Christmastime, the trees with lights glowing out from the snow add an extra special effect for this season of celebration of Jesus Christ being sent to the earth to be our Savior.  He is the light to warms our souls.

Christmas Music--24-hours!

Oh how I love Christmas music!  I worked with a woman who listened to it all year long.  I love it mostly during the Christmas season, starting the day after Thanksgiving and into the first couple days of the new year.

Here is a link to listen to Christmas music around the clock.  Enjoy!

http://www.mormonchannel.org/music

Because He came to the earth . . .

The following are some things President Monson said in the 2011 Christmas devotional:

"When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit.  It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow.  As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year.  It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life."

Watch Bible Video--Nativity here:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S42szZFGmZw

A Christmas Poem--The Stranger

The Stranger

At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place,

as people rushed about him at a hurried pace.

He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere,

the shopping center Santa Claus, with children gathered near.

The mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro,

some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go.

They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way

to fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.

The music from the stereo was playing loud and clear

of Santa Claus, and snowmen, and funny-nosed reindeer.

He heard the people talk about the good times on the way,

of parties, fun and food galore, and gifts exchanged that day.

“I’d like to know what’s going on,” the man was heard to say.

“There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way.

And would you tell me who this is, all dress in red and white,

and why are children asking him about a special night?”

The answer came in disbelief.  “I can’t believe my ears!

I can’t believe you do not know that Christmas time is here—

the time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys.

When they’re asleep on Christmas Eve, he leaves them books and toys.

The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus so sly.

The children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye.

His gift-packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer,

as he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there.

The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small.

When Christmas comes, he is the most important one of all!”

The stranger hung his head in shame; he closed a nail-pierced hand.

His body shook in disbelief; he did not understand.

A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low but clear,

“After all these years, they still don’t know,” and Jesus shed a tear.

-Author Unknown-

http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-nativity?lang=eng

The Best Christmas Gift

Note:  This is a blog post I wrote for Christmas in 2011 on our mission blog.  I hope it is worth repeating as a reminder how simple it is to follow Jesus Christ’s example by giving a priceless gift that is within everyone’s capabilities—your love.

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Reflecting on past holiday seasons, and all the years gone by, I am more aware of the truths the Savior taught concerning his wish that each of us cherish and love one another.

The worth of your soul is great in the sight of God.  “Ah,” you might say in all humility, “I am nothing.”  Oh, but you are something!  You are loving as you are living and thus you are able to bestow the greatest gift to others.  This helps other people to know the truth of their own great worth.

The innate goodness and caring, the warmth extended from one human being to another, is something to be cherished above all things in this world because it brings what is needed most by human beings.

May you and your loved ones feel an inner peaceful fulfillment knowing that you are giving the most, the ultimate best there is to give to others as you love, serve, and reach out in whatever way you can.

May you have a deep abiding respect for the fact that the love you give is enough.  No costly presents or showy, elaborate performances are necessary when someone else knows how much he or she is loved. Value who you are, along with all other living things.  No one has to be rich or famous to be “someone.”  Know that you are famously fulfilling your purpose on this earth when you are loving others.  Celebrate life and love!

May you have enlightenment in seeing, comfort in feeling, sweet ecstasy in breathing, joy in hearing, and the wonderful taste of happiness in purely living life the best you can.

May you have time to find and experience the treasures all around you in people, places, and things.

May you experience even more of an abundance of love throughout the coming New Year.  Simply love with all you have.  Love is the one thing that can bring peace in the world, triumph over adversity, lend abiding hope, and heal lonely or sorrowing hearts.