1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holidays? What helps you keep your focus when the season's busyness and commercialism start to take over? For years I struggled with this very thing, but I really don't anymore. I know that no matter whether gifts are given/received or not, that the gift itself isn't at all what the holiday is about. To me, Christmas means celebrating the birth of my Savior, Jesus. I celebrate His birth by gathering with the people I love, and while we do exchange gifts, that is second to me. The real gift is Jesus, and a time of gathering with my family and friends. I love the season itself, not the day necessarily. The season is wonderful because people are a little more kind than at any other time of year. It really is a magical time of year, not because of tangible things, but because the spirit of Christmas is everywhere.
When I do start to lose focus, I remember that I need to focus on my loved ones and friends, not the stuff that I buy for them. I don't expect perfection and I've learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I need to remember this more, but I give it my best shot.
2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends? I want to savor this season of everything feeling festive. I want to embrace the joy and beauty that I see all around me! I know I will also want to savor each and every moment I get with my sons while they're all in the same city. I can't wait for this, actually.
Please enjoy the adorable photo I got from Noah this week of Santa with his new pup Rocket. He'll be coming home with Noah in a couple weeks! I can't wait for them to get here.
3. December 9th is National Christmas Card day. Do you still send Christmas cards? How do you feel about this tradition? I'm not including the whole question, because this is something I've never done. I love receiving them, though! I've already gotten two in the mail, and I will usually display them somewhere in my home.
I love these sweet pictures above; I'll always remember the year Dad made nametags for our Christmas eve meal at their house.
4. What's your least favorite holiday related task? What's your favorite? My least favorite is dealing with the leftovers I always seem to have an abundance of. My favorite is definitely making my home appealing when people come over. I clean, I light candles, I put on Christmas music in the background.
5. Let's do a little holiday "this or that". My answers are in the red ink.
shopping or wrapping
baking or decorating
eggnog or wassail
real tree or artificial (I prefer real, but I have an artificial one)
turkey or ham
white lights or colored
ugly sweaters or matching pajamas
peppermint or cinnamon
presents on Christmas eve or presents on Christmas day
5. Insert your own random thought here. I recently discovered the Christmas album by Maverick City Music and love this version of Oh Holy Night. Enjoy!
I can't wait to read your answers to these! Thanks for being here to read my blog today, friends. Love to all!
Jenn ❤️💚
I will listen to the song when the house isn´t so quiet. I love almost any rendition of O Holy Night so I´m sure I will like this one! I agree with you on question one a lot. It´s somewhat what I tried to articulate. That picture of Noah´s dog with Santa is so good! Girl, you don´t like leftovers? A fridge full of leftovers makes my heart happy. All I see is one or two less meals to have to cook!! Have a great day!
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