For most, the celebrations are over and decorations are quickly finding their way back into storage tubs. Not for us.
Having lived in a Swedish community for several years where Christmas decorations were not removed until January 13th on King Knut’s Day, we adopted a later set-strike for the Christmas decor. I want to savor it for as long as I can.
Espeically this year.
This Christmas season I made some poor choices until it was nearly too late. I chose to become preoccupied for the first time in …well, forever.
I’ve never understood those who speak of wildy-busy holidays that they find totally overwhelming. I’ve always enjoyed everything about Christmastime. But this year, things were different.
This year, I lost my focus.
The realization of that lost focus was a major contributor to me posting my 2009 Review and taking off for a while. I needed to figure out what had happened and how to get back the focus I had lost.
I know I said “until next year”, but all it took was a couple of days to reach an understanding. And what I realized needed to be shared here.
I lost my balance. Not the kind that causes you to fall off the balance beam in 4th grade gym class, but the kind that leaves you clinging to the sides of life petrified that the white-knuckled grip you hold won’t last long.
I was “getting by” and things were still getting done, but I wasn’t really enjoying any of it. I was beginning to feel as if lots of other things “owned” me and my time, but all I really wanted to do was sit still and soak in the season.
This Christmas was spent at home. On purpose.
We were snowed in to boot. Perfect timing.
The blog was on auto-pilot and I had nowhere to be and nothing to do but enjoy my husband and children and RE-focus on my Savior’s birth.
So, I leave you with a few pics from the quiver. I pray your Christmas was blessed…
Heart2Heart says
Amy,
I think quite a few people took some time off blogging to just enjoy the time with family and friends or scaled it back quite a bit. The best part is that we all did what we needed to do for us and nothing is wrong with that at all.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
I am blessed! says
I know what you mean. I took a few days off from blogging, too and loved it. I thought I might actually move on to my next obsession, but while I was taking some time off I read some great books. Now I have more to say. Ha! It’s nice to have somewhere to record my thoughts! I haven’t put up my decorations, either and I like that Swedish excuse! I think I’m going to claim that one from now on 🙂
Susan says
Great pictures. I have been just sitting back and enjoying my kids a lot lately. Since I lost our baby in October God has shown me how to just relax and ejoy the blessings in my life. We were snowed in also which has always been a dream of mine. I think the lord knew I needed that.
Kristy says
I feel the same way. I have lost my focus on a few things lately. I too want to savor this time as much as I can – linger with the decorations a while longer. Feel the spirit of it longer…
Young Wife says
How interesting that you leave the decorations up until the 13th of January. I’d never heard of that tradition. The kids look so cute playing in the snow!
Charissa @ MiMi's Babies says
I love that you refocused for Christmas. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed by all that we feel that we “should” do and forget those things which are most important.
GapGirl says
I felt the same way and took some time off the last week before Christmas to just enjoy the Season. This month was very hectic. Between vacation and company coming it felt like this Christmas came and went without really soaking in the reason for the season. Next year I already vowed to fill my calendar in the month of December with nothing but our quiet family traditions.
Merry Belated Christmas
XoxoGapGirl
MolleenCarie says
God is so good.