Did you see all the Christmas house tours this week? Completely glorious! Utterly enchanting! I think I may have even worn out my “Pin It” button. But somehow it was not enough to motivate me any further in terms of decorating my own home. I needed Something More Sundays Week 3.
Something More Sundays Week 3
You see truthfully, I’ve felt about as broken as this ornament.
I was so excited to have a REAL tree this year. We went as a family to go select it, we set it up and the smell was amazing! I went to go open the first box of ornaments and as you know we moved and well, things get broken when you move. I lost a lovely chalet from my original 1977 Dept. 56 Snow Village and a special blue ornament that had belonged to my parents on their first Christmas tree. I tried another box and right on top was a Santa that Grandma Jingles had made me as a child.
I just….couldn’t go any further.
So I closed the lid and walked away. The tree sat unadorned for three days and then Mr. Décor strung some lights onto it.
Three more days passed by and the Fashionista began opening up the ornament boxes. Two days later Sweet Guy finished the job.
It might be the best tree ever.
Charming Imperfections
There is something so right about the crooked star, uneven garland and millions of pine needles on the floor. I can so identify with the charming imperfections.
Because life is full of imperfections and imperfect days.
Thursday just about did me in. My dad’s cousin passed away. He had been really close to my Grandmother and no doubt took her recent passing really hard. Later that afternoon I learned from my cousin in law Sweet T. that my cousin E’s dad, Uncle B., had been ill for quite some time and had finally gone to the doctor. He had immediately been admitted to the hospital for intense chemo treatment for a diagnosis of lymphoma. My dear cousin, an only child, was preparing to get on a plane. I just wanted to cry and scream until somebody put me to bed. But nobody was there and so much “Christmas” still needed to be done. Bah Humbug!
What do you do when your Fa La La La La walks out the door?
In my case, I put on my red shoes and ran after it by texting a few people and asking them to pray for me.
I read the response messages loud and clear. I was loved.
Later that night the tree seemed to sparkle a little bit brighter.
JOY
Joy was there all along. It was just hard to see amongst all the trappings the crooners sing about, that Hallmark promotes and every retailer makes us believe we must buy.
Because true joy does not come wrapped up in shiny Santa ribbons.
Joy is ours to unwrap every day be it a smile, good deed or a kind word.
Joy is free for everyone to give and receive.
May you find true joy this Christmas.
Laura
It is fitting that the third Advent candle, to be lit this evening, represents JOY.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you the good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”~ Luke 2:10
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” ~ James 1:2
This post is dedicated to my mother, Nadine.
As we celebrate your birthday today we remember the joy you brought to many. You are missed.
“Ann” was given to me as a child by my mother.
Such a precious and loving post showing your love for family and their love for you. God Bless, you are a dear friend and loved very much. You always bring Joy to my heart.
It's so hard to lose treasures along the way. But it is a very hard time for so many and I'm praying for those that are suffering at this time. JOY is one of my favorite words! Happy holidays my friend! I hope your day is merry! Hugs, Diane
Laura, these life events are so difficult and even more so at the holidays. In spite of your losses, the tree looks gorgeous and has many memories still for your family to enjoy!
xoxo
Karena
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I loved your post. I get all teary decorating the tree, remember my parents and traditions they shared with us growing up. I lose a few treasured ornements at times too! I have been looking for a particular santa face ornament for my brother, we lost his in a house fire. I've come close but none matches. I will keep looking! Thanks you for sharing with us. Di@Cottage-wishes
What a heartwarming post,,, and one that is honest about how hard the holiday season can be at times,,,,times when it is not at all like the Hallmark movies! So glad that your family helped with decorating the tree and that you found JOY, even in the hard times. I love all your vintage style ornaments! Merry Christmas
<3
Hi Laura, I wish you a wonderful and Merry Christmas in your new home. I love yiur Christmas tree it's so pretty. We have a real one up too this year and it's amazing them smell. Take care.
Julie
I am touched by your words about joy. My mother died form an accident on this day 14 years ago. Christmas that year was particularly difficult and is now always tinged with sadness, especially as there is an empty seat at our Christmas table. But is is also a time of celebration – not only religious, but also for the joy my mother bought others and for the legacy she left us. She was an advocate for love, forgiveness, compassion and giving unconditionally to others. As well as our very large family, round her Christmas table were always addition people who did not have a family with whom they could share Christmas. Now we have 2 empty seats for Christmas, but my parents are still with us in spirit.
It is extremely difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when you have lost people you love, but there is also much about their lives to celebrate. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Laura. Elizabeth XXX
Thoughtful inspiration. I love the way the tree turned out! I also love that pillow wrapped like a present. so unique… xoxo
I always appreciate your honesty and ability to have faith under difficult circumstances. I was also finding this Christmas season difficult, but I've decided to find Joy (or what I sometimes call “fake it 'til you make it”) ;). Thanks for thinking of me and my mom earlier, you're sweet and it means a lot to me! May your mother's light shine brightly in you!
Thinking of you Laura
Thinking of you and saying a prayer, Laura. It's not easy losing people we love and I think Christmas time makes it even harder.
Hugs to you dear Laura, but your right about Joy, it is everywhere and I can see it in how your family decorated that beautiful tree of yours. YOUR real JOY truly surrounds you in your immediate family right now. May you feel more comfort as the days go on dear…. 🙂
Beautifully written Laura…your tree looks gorgeous! xo
I'm so sorry for your loss, Laura. The death of a loved one is never easy, but does always seem more compounded when it happens around a holiday. I think your tree looks perfect and most especially because your entire family was part of it.
Laura, your heartfelt words on joy ring true! I'm sad to read about more loss for your family. I know how painful it is, especially during the holidays.
I think your tree is absolutely lovely. Kudos to your sweet children!