The day after Thanksgiving I mailed out 97 Christmas cards complete with a charming holiday newsletter and family photo. It was like Winning the Holidays.
Every single room at Storybook Cottage was decorated by the first week of December and photographed for not I, not II but III holiday home tours.
All gifts were purchased, wrapped and, if necessary, shipped to friends and relatives far and wide by the second week of December.
Cookies were baked and shared with the neighbors.
A holiday party was hosted.
The Christmas Eve/Day menu has been planned and 98% of the ingredients have been purchased. The remaining 2% will be selected tomorrow so that they will be “fresh”.
Yes my friends, according to what we are being told by the media, I have “Won the Holidays!”
Photo by Hospitable Pursuits.
Winning the Holidays
But none of those things really made me feel like a winner.
Truthfully I just felt…tired… from all the “fluff” I had accomplished.
This week my goals were/are:
Drive the kids and dogs around to see the Christmas lights~ check!
Catch up on the pile of magazines that I have been hoarding since September~ check!
Go to the movies~ check!
Eat cookies for breakfast~ check!
Watch a Hallmark Christmas movie at least once a day~ who else needs to vent about “The Bridge”?
Binge watch all 8 Harry Potter films with the kids~ can you believe I’ve never seen any of them?
Not get dressed before noon. (So far, I am once again WINNING! 🙂
But even so, none of these things will give me a Christmas heart that threatens to grow three sizes.
Today my family and I will go to the home of another family, who lost their husband and father in an accident recently, for a day of remembrance.
This occasion will neither be Merry nor Bright. Indeed it will be the exact opposite.
But to show up for a family in need, during the hustle and bustle of Christmas, to show we care…
That my friends, to me, is WINNING CHRISTMAS.
In this season of love and giving, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has supported the 2015 fundraising efforts of Decor To Adore. Because of your generous purchases and donations, you have helped countless animals, children, and a family in need.
Those who give from the heart will always WIN THE HOLIDAYS!
Perhaps because they know this secret:
I’m taking a few day off until next Monday so that I can give my family the gift of being present.
Merry Christmas and God Bless Us, Everyone!
Laura
Merry Christmas and Blessings. Your genuine caring and friendship make Christmas special for so many.
Merry Christmas to the whole family! Ann
Great post! Thanks for the reminder of what the season is truly about. Merry Christmas Laura!
My heart goes out to all the families who loose a loved one before Christmas. We lost my Granny two weeks before Christmas in 2010, and got her card in the mail after her funeral. It brought us closer together.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.
It's good to remember that Christmas is about more than “fluff”. I love the message you are sending and living!
Great thoughts on what really matters during this season….sharing God's love to a hurting world isn't easy at times, but may you be blessed for sharing abit of yourself with others who need it. Merry Merry Christmas!
Merry
CHRISTmas!
*hugs*
Kelley~
I love Hallmark movies. I watched about 7 of them this week. You have won the holiday, Laura. Have a blessed Christmas!
I'm so sorry about the loss of your scout master. I hope you can give them just a glimmer of comfort during a dark time.
Merry Christmas, Sweet Friend!
Sounds like you are winning to me! 🙂
~Liz
Beautifully said Laura. The encouragement and support of my blog friends of my India Hicks Style Ambassador position has allowed me to give checks to three different children's charities! What a great feeling!! Happy HOlidays my friend to you and yours!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The Reason for the Season!
Merry Christmas Eve, Laura. You look adorable in your green satin skirt.
Take care and enjoy being with your family.
Merry Christmas! I am having a ball with my family and am just checking in as Ash and Eric are in Jefferson City with his parents and Bob has band practice tonight. If you can, stop by my Christmas card blog! bobandterrichristmas2015.blogspot.com
You were a busy wee soul this holiday season. I think sometimes we go a little crazy making sure we do all the things we think we have to do at Christmas just to keep our minds busy. We are missing someone or there is another stress in our lives we can't control. The year my mother passed away I went above and beyond trying to make sure Christmas was special for everyone but somehow left myself out of the people I needed to care for.
I hope you had a great Christmas and the New Year ahead is one of peace and joy and contentment for you and all your family. {{{hugs}}}
Yes, you did win Christmas. And I love your pretty Christmas skirt!
You did win at Christmas Laura! After all you accomplished it was good to take a break and do some fun stuff! I did watch The Bridge. Am I right in hearing that the sequel will be out next year? That was a bit of a disappointment . I know your friends were so glad for your friendship in their hour of need. That is what Christmas is all about.
My husband and I both watch Hallmark movies. The Bridge –kind of a let down. Now we have to wait a whole year.
Hoping that your Christmas was beautiful and enjoyable.