Good Monday morning! And Happy Christmas Week! Well, here we are, my friends, waiting at the entryway of the most blessed and cozy time of the year. For many of us, arriving at this point has been both tiring and fun. The days of planning, list-making, purchasing, wrapping, baking, decorating, cleaning, and organizing are over. Not to say they are complete. I still have some gifts that won't be here in time. My nails haven't been painted that festive red color I bought when I was ambitious. My laundry pile is overflowing, and the dust bunnies are about ready to celebrate their own holiday. Time has gifted me perspective, though. Those things that would have sent my younger self into a tailspin are but a mere afterthought now. And for that, I am grateful.
I think of what I have done to prepare our home and family for Christmas, and I am content. The work was shared. The expectations have reduced. My family reminded me that what they wanted wasn't a redo of the traditions from past years. They wanted time together as a family. And they all pitched in to help. This Christmas will be the first Christmas of my entire life where I won't hear my beautiful momma say, "Hello, Billie Jo! Merry Christmas!" I won't hear her voice, see her smile, or touch her hand. But I have her strength and joy in my soul. And the peace that comes from believing she has a front-row seat to the celebrations this year.
Christmas always tugs at our hearts. Along with all the fun and joy, it brings with it memories of years past. I am choosing this year to do what I think best honors my dear mom and dad, creating happy, fun, cozy days with my family. And so, as we wait for the moment we walk into these precious few days of Christmas with our families, closing the door on the world outside, I feel happy and content. And ready! Ready for early mornings that look like this.
Afternoons with sights like this...
And evenings that end like this.
Merry Christmas Week, my friends! Enjoy!
Billie Jo
Keeping you in my prayers this holiday season. I lost my dear grandfather on Christmas day and 15 years later my sweet sweet grandmother when to be with him one day later. The holidays are very hard for me. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your family near.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a joy-filled Christmas, Billie Jo!
ReplyDeleteI miss my sweet Mother everyday. She died age 60. This is a thoughtful column. I agree they it is important to have more family time and less of all the other. Merry Christmas to your darling family. Brenda
ReplyDeleteA no stress Christmas is the best! The cake is adorable, and a fun idea. I love the first photo of your pretty mug with the gold sparkles.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThe holidays are bittersweet but you are doing a wonderful thing by keeping your family close, enjoying the season and keeping the outside world closed out. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
ReplyDeleteChristmas is hard without the ones we love. Hugs, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post, Billy Jo! I have missed my mom so much this season. She's been gone for 8 years but this year, it feels especially poignant. Hugs to you for the memories of your mom and missing her. I love how we learn as we get older to downsize expectations and instead concentrate on what is most important - family. Have a Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Week to you, too, Billie Jo!
ReplyDeleteOh my that chocolate cake sure looks good. My Favorite.
ReplyDeleteA happy and Merry Christmas to you and all your beautiful family.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, dear friend!! My goodness, that cake looks SO GOOD!! Wishing you the blessings of a warm heart full of the best memories as we move toward a brand new year ahead. Peace and hugs!!
ReplyDeleteThose first Christmases without those we love are the hardest.
ReplyDeleteSending love and blessings your way, Billie Jo. Xx
Thank you for the reminder to make a birthday dessert for my youngest who will turn 27 on Christmas Day. I'm all for introverting and closing the door on politics for the week - everyone needs a break and focusing on home and the reason for the season is just what the doctor ordered. The news will still be newsing next week.
ReplyDeleteI so understand about not hearing your mothers voice, Billie Jo...keeping you in prayer, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautifully, heart-felt post. I couldn't help but think of my Christmas last year, when I was barely hanging on by a thread. All I felt was loss after loss as the people in my life had changed so drastically. It was probably hardest because of my Dad, who loved Christmas, but everywhere I looked, I was struck with the memories of Christmases past with a loving husband. I feel your pain and emotions, needless to say...but it looks like you're doing the right things by giving yourself lots and lots of grace. Keep doing that, my friend, and I know you will enjoy this very different Christmas. As I kept saying last year, different doesn't mean bad, it just means different. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteMy father is not doing well, so this Christmas season we are going to SLOW it all down. Our son's will be traveling along with us to my families farm to spend some quiet time with my dad.
Enjoy your family. I am saying a Christmas prayer for you now.
Love, Carla
Merry Christmas, Billie Jo. Blessings to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteOh, that chocolate cake looks so moist and Yummy, and decorated so nicely. All these goodies of Christmas I'm savoring. My sister-in-law baked and baked this year, and we got to taste each and every one of them. I love your words on here about spending time with family, and being content with it all. I know you will be missing your dear mama. She gave you so much while she was here on this earth, with her smiles and her character. And also, she raised a beautiful daughter.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, Billie Jo. I am grateful for your blog friendship.
~Sheri
I also understand about not hearing your mom's voice. Thinking of you, Billie Jo. Sending lots of love and hugs your way. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Billie Jo. Wishing you and your sweet family a holiday full of laughter and making memories together. That's what this time is all about...enjoying the abundant life that Jesus has given us. You have an abundance of love and memories - all gifts from God. Many blessings to you as you soak it all in.
ReplyDeleteVery Christmassy wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your mother will be very happy and proud of you Billy Joe!
Have a great time with your lovely family🧡🎁⛄🌲!