It feels like anything but a slow season. Everywhere I turn the media is telling me that there is very little time left until Christmas. I must hurry to get the best deal. I must rush and wrap the presents. I must quickly do my holiday baking. I must dash to decorate every square inch of my home. Perfectly. Instead, I want The Slow Season Hope.
I can remember the days when Christmas decorating didn’t begin until the day after Thanksgiving.
Now I feel like the odd gal out because I still choose to wait.
What is the rush?
Isn’t there more happiness in slowly enjoying the delights of the season?
The first day of Christmas begins on December 25th and ends with the 12th day of Christmas, the Epiphany, on January 6th.
I don’t want to be so sick of Christmas that I’m chomping at the bit to tear my tree down on the 26th.
I want to savor a slow season of seeking the true spirit of Christmas.
A slow season in which I can ponder “What are my hopes and dreams for this Christmas?”
I gently search my heart.
Reflect on the meaning of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.
It becomes clear to truly savor the season I must look outside myself.
Take the time to be the light for someone else.
Are you seeking a slow season?
Laura
The first Sunday of Advent is HOPE: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:12-13
Yes! A slow season. That is a good way to put it!
Right now with moving mine is anything but slow. However I am trying to enjoy it all.
I love this season and I don't want it to go any faster than necessary. That said, there is still much to do and I want to spend my time enjoying doing it, not just making the effort to get it done. And you know what? We will! And it will be wonderful.
A beautiful post. I love the holiday season and enjoy it all. Maybe its because I am getting older now but I have cut out a lot of the things I thought I HAD to do when I was younger. I have simplified and cut back on so many of the extras that I now have time to enjoy the moments that make the season special. I am wishing you peace and joy and time to savour the moments leading up to Christmas so that you can enjoy it as well. {{{hugs}}}
I don't decorate until after Thanksgiving. I want Christmas to slow down so I can enjoy it. Think I'll set up an advent wreath and focus on the real meaning of the season! Beautiful post, Laura!
What a lovely post! As Advent marks the end of Ordinary Time for 2016, it has become my time to make a resolution for the new liturgical year. We were reminded today at Mass that we wait with hope and joy filled hearts. How blessed we are to be encouraged to seek the peace as we await the coming of our Savior! My prayers are with you, Laura, that your Advent is peaceful and hope inspiring! XO Karen
Yes, I can relate. This is why for me, I do rush initially to get everything done by the end of November and it's done. Because we have all of our birthdays in November/December, there is the need to get all of those gifts as well as Christmas gifts. So, for me, the way to take things slow and be as happy as possible during the Christmas season, is preparation in advance. So now that I have everything done, wrapped, up…. I get to just relax through the month of December while others are rushing.
I completely agree with you! Thanksgiving has turned into the gateway to the Christmas season instead of being recognized and respected for being a wonderful celebration of thanks and appreciation.
As far as Christmas décor, baking, gift giving etc. I do what I'm comfortable doing. Creating stress for myself or others is just not what the holiday season should be about.
Marilyn (in Dallas)
I'm trying to savor the season and enjoy each day as it comes. We are reflecting on the advent of Christmas. Thanks for sharing at Monday Social.
Katie