I’ve been following Bridget’s blog since I began blogging on WordPress. This is one of the posts that are too good not to share. Thank you Bridget!!
Most and foremost, don’t ever write about religion, because good lord almighty you might rattle the boat. It’s almost as bad as writing about politics! Which is -if you live in the United (divided) States of America, perhaps the biggest blogging offense you can commit.
View original post 648 more words
“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” —Dr. Seuss
Image from Pixabay
********************
With each passing year I find myself withdrawing from all the ratcheting up to the holiday season. I think it’s partly due to my surrendering to the December years of my life. It’s also because I find some of the noise and chatter to be superficial. The true meaning of Thanksgiving through Christmas seems to settle into my life no matter how many carols I listen to, no matter how many ‘Merry Christmases’ I say and no matter how many parties I attend. Each year I see more and more people realizing this and choosing not to frantically hustle to get things accomplished within that one month. So, when I read this wonderful essay on the Becoming Minimalist blog I decided to re-post it here.
Last year was My First Reflection on how my views have changed. I think the politicizing of Christmas intruded into my yearning for what I’ve experienced down through the years. There is no ‘War on Christmas’. It happens in our hearts no matter what’s going on in governments. When we get caught up in the political aspects of the Season we lose sight of the spiritual gifts we all receive no matter how we believe or woship. The Gifts of Faith, Hope, Love, Peace and Joy are given to each of us no matter where we are in life. It’s a time of good will toward all men and women. It’s at times like these that I’ve experienced what the real meaning of Grace is. It’s at times like these that I’ve learned that Christmas can happen every day when we’re open to it. ~ Me in the Middle of Feeling Christmas Spirit.
*********************
Image from Pixabay
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Allison Vesterfelt of AllisonVesterfelt.com.
“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.” —Bob Hope
I believe it is possible to do less, buy less, cook less, work less and even decorate less and still have a full, happy, satisfying, beautiful holiday season. But in order to get there, and stay there, we’re going to have to focus on a few changes of mindset.
Or, at least I am.
The other day my husband and I were driving to an event together and, out of nowhere, he asked, “Hey, do you realize we’ve never bought each other Christmas presents?”
Honestly, when he asked that question, my heart leapt a little. I knew it was true, but it sounded so harsh to say it outright like that. In fact, I found myself feeling a little embarrassed, thinking of a million excuses for why this was the case…
“We’ve only been married for two Christmases…”
“We’ve been trying to get out of debt…”
“The first Christmas we were together, we were busy planning a wedding…”
But just as I started to let my thoughts get away from me, my husband spoke up again. “Honestly, it doesn’t bother me if it doesn’t bother you.”
The truth is it doesn’t really bother me. But I find myself thinking it does. I find myself worrying what people will think, or what they’ll say if they find out. I find myself thinking about what others are doing for the holidays that I’m not doing; and feeling pressure to make my holiday season look and feel a certain way.
But our decision to forgo Christmas presents (which was mostly out of necessity at the time we made it) has actually opened space for us to have a lighter, simpler, more beautiful Christmas. I’m not against celebrating, or against buying presents. In fact, my husband and I may buy each other presents one day.
But I do believe the common maxim “less is more” applies to the holidays more than it does to just about anything else. And I think each of us will discover a more satisfying holiday if we’ll focus on the following changes in mindset.
1. Don’t get too stuck on “the way you’ve done it before.”
If you grew up in a family or neighborhood (like I did) that went all out for Christmas, maybe scaling back for your own holiday celebration makes you feel a little bit like I felt when my husband reminded me we have never bought each other presents—like a failure. Or, like you’re doing it wrong.
I have good news. There is no wrong way to do it!
Try not to get too stuck on the way you’ve always done it before. Instead, focus on the values you want to cultivate in your family or community or home this year, and experiment with creative ways to promote those values. Also, if you’re entering a new season of life (newly independent, newly married, have young children, or have a newly empty nest), what better time to start fresh with a brand new “way?”
If you’ve always been extravagant in the past, you don’t have to “live up” to that version of yourself, or to anyone else. Take a deep breath. You’re not a failure.
2. Focus on experiences over possessions.
One of the reasons my husband and I have never bought Christmas presents for each other is that we are always traveling for the holidays. We live far from all of our extended family, and in order to spend time with family (without breaking the bank) we have had to choose between plane tickets and Christmas presents.
We’ve agreed together that, when it comes buying habits, we will always (not just at Christmas) value experiences over possessions. Possessions are nice, but they rust, rot, get stolen and burn in fires. Experiences can’t be taken from us. They have eternal value.
Consider how you cultivate experiences this year, rather than just buying gifts which will likely end up in the Goodwill pile in a few months or years.
3. Do the best you can with what you have.
This is advice a mentor of mine once gave me about a totally different subject, but I think it applies here, as well. When I was getting ready to go on a date, she would advise me not to go buy brand new clothes, or to feel like I needed to lose 10 pounds before the date, but simply to, “Do the best you can with what you have.”
In other words: be the best version of yourself.
I would give really similar advice when it comes to Christmas. Do the best you can with what you have. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy presents, or that having a Christmas tree is a waste. It simply means don’t go into debt over presents or trees. It means decide what you’re going to spend on Christmas—and it doesn’t have to be extravagant—and then do the best you can with what you have.
4. Turn off the TV (or find other ways to avoid being swayed by advertisements).
You’d be surprised how influenced you are by advertisements. Suddenly you begin thinking that everyone has a better Christmas planned than you do. Everyone’s Christmas tree belongs in a department store, and everyone’s husband is buying them diamond earrings, and everyone else is buying their kids new computers.
That’s simply not true, no matter how convincing the ads make it look.
The other thing that’s not true is that families who have these things are automatically happier (like they are in the commercials) than your family, or other families who go without. Presents are nice. But they can’t make you happy.
If you want a truly happy holiday season, you’ll have to find ways to cultivate happiness from the inside.
What tips do you have for creating a lighter, more beautiful life?
***
Allison Vesterfelt blogs at AllisonVesterfelt.com where she inspires and encourages others to live with less. Her book, Packing Light: Thoughts on Living Life with Less Baggage is helpful and compelling. I highly recommend it to you. She is also worth following on Twitter. becoming minimalist@gmail.com
********************
********************
US: https://amzn.to/35xQn1W
A small town, New Jersey Catholic girl grows up in the 1940s and 50s following all the rules. Until she doesn’t. Married with five children, her husband casually tells her one day that he’s leaving. Through marriage, desertion, solo parenting, and creating financial security for her children and herself, within the almost constant context of the Church, its rules, and its own significant failings, this is an American woman’s life, through some of the most significant decades of the United States. Against a backdrop of the Fifties and McCarthyism, the Sixties with the Kennedy brothers and Dr Martin Luther King Jr, through to 9/11 and Ground Zero, here is the voice of one woman, who wants to be heard.
(c) mlq
************
She stood beside the doorway softly weeping,
without the slightest gift for the newly born
who lay within a manger, peaceful, sleeping.
Three travelers, all richly dressed, but worn,
brought royal treasures for him in their keeping ~
the shepherd maiden wept unseen, forlorn.
In the chill of winter, she had found no rose
nor blossom; ‘midst the rocky hills none grows.
An angel saw her sorrow; understanding
at once the reason, swept away the snow,
revealing there some Christmas Roses. Handing
these white and waxen flowers to her, “Go –
an offering so pure is right,” commanding
with gentleness that only angels know.
The gift was made – beneath the angel’s wink,
the petals blushed from white to palest pink.
© Margaret I. Gibson
************
Some of the best memories I have of past Christmas holidays were when I let go of expectations and just let it happen.
Ever since I was a little girl I’ve felt that Christmas was meant for all people of good will. It never dawned on me that Christmas would belong to just one religion. I knew it was the birth of Jesus ~ the tiny infant who was born in a humble stable ~ who came to love the world and the message he brought to us was to love one another.
My early memories of Christmas were more of the feeling of togetherness, belonging and acceptance. There was a feeling of magic in the air. There weren’t many gifts under the tree ~ yet it was my favorite time of the year. There was something infectious about the outpouring of Good Will as you went about the day meeting people along the way.
When my children were growing up it was fun taking on the passing along of this tradition. Seeing their eyes brighten with anticipation as the day grew nearer, and gathering them around the Nativity Scene to impress upon them that it was this humble birth we were celebrating.
Then there were the times when I was weary and burdened with worries and stresses. When I didn’t have enough money to get them gifts or a tree. When I watched the hustle and bustle of every one caught up in the season and felt isolated from it. I thought it was all going to pass us by. Surprisingly, these were the times I remember the most because it’s at times like these that even the smallest gift and the smallest gestures of kindness and love mean the most. It was at times like these that I experienced what the real meaning of Grace is. It was at times like these that I learned that Christmas happens every day when we’re open to it.
That humble birth of that one small child speaks to all of us about the simplicity of Love ~ A Gift that shouts out at a World that desperately needs it. It’s not a gift that belongs to any specific religion. It’s a gift that belongs to all of us!
************
“Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10).
Original Post on December 2015
For the cup of hot coffee I’m holding in hand while I ponder about this year and how quickly it’s flown by. Grateful for still being here!
For the ability to distance myself from the noise and drama of this year’s political events.
For the hope that still swells up in my heart with a belief in the goodness and kindness of most people.
For a safe dwelling and a supportive community that recognizes the needs of those of us who are aging. I’m grateful to those who have filled a need for me this past year. ❤
For my ‘young-at-heart’ mind that continues to love being creative in my retirement years. Here’s to more watercolor sketching and creative writing.
For our ‘genius’ system of government which continues to weather through all sorts of abuses yet, hopefully, continues to survive and thrive. “The presidency is bigger than one man.” ~ President G. W Bush
For the knowledge that my life on this earth is drawing to a close and I’m leaving behind five children, and their families, who strive to make this a better world.
For a stronger sense of resilience and knowledge that I have it within me to face anything that comes my way with strength and grace. No one is going to rescue me.
For lessons learned this past year about myself, about where some people deserve to be in my life and setting healthy boundaries.
For the present moment because it is truly a precious gift. Be aware! Know what works for you in keeping you grounded and seeking the middle ground.
For the higher power, whatever each person sees that to be, that holds me in unconditional Love through it all. “You’ve always had the power, my dear.” ~ Glinda (Wizard of Oz)
For the courage I’ve found this year to hold on to my convictions and faith within a very complex culture and society. Trust your intuition. You’re the best friend you’ll ever have.
Watercolor sketch © Mary Lou
Thoughts on my life... by Donald B. Wilson
Striving for accuracy in history, economics, geography, education, politics and a little science
with a passion for Italy.
Life is a journey
Loving One Another
Demystifying conservation one post at a time. . .
Environment | Minimalism | Life
One writer's experiences, and battles with words
Poetry for Finding Meaning in the Madness
Salty like hot dogs (and tears). Sweet like marmalade (and life).
Young Catholics, An Ancient Faith, A New Century
by Sam Allen
“Have a sense of gratitude to everything, even difficult emotions, because of their potential to wake you up….” - Pema
A blog about midlife, travel, adventure - and all things in between
Cherishing the Past while Celebrating the Present
envisioning & implementing life's next stage
My family and friends living with me.....and chronic illness
Sharing practical observations of life and money in a 21-st century world
Understanding ourselves and the world we live in.
a beginning, a middle, and an end…but not necessarily in that order
