Christmas Eve

We will be changing our Christmas Eve routine this year. My daughter is coming from Australia and part of her tradition is to have a Christmas meal with friends and family on Christmas Eve. The reason is simple, it is very hot on Christmas day where she lives and so it is easier to cook a big meal in the evening. So, she asked us to have our big family meal on Christmas Eve and we agreed.

When I was younger Christmas Eve was a day and evening for anticipating Santa and for mom and dad to visit with friends or have friends over. When we married, Christmas Eve was a time for visiting with friends, and family. When our children were young it was a time for last-minute ornaments on the tree, getting the children to bed and finally wrapping presents.

Christmas Eve is still a time when families gather, eat good food, and wait for Santa. It’s a yearly rerun of heartwarming memories and festive shenanigans. For those of us over 65, it brings back or creates more cherished memories even more than Christmas presents!

The holidays have a way of bringing families together. Friends and family gather ‘round on Christmas Eve. The laughter, the love, and oh yes, the occasional tiff are all part of the grand tapestry that makes this evening unforgettable.

Now, during the holidays, we all become a bit more willing to put our differences on hold and embrace the spirit of togetherness. We declare a truce during the holidays and are all ready to enjoy the spirit of togetherness. Those old grudges can take a back seat for a while, and we get to focus on the good stuff–joy, love, and being together with the people we hold dear.

Reconnecting with friends during the holiday season is a gift. It’s like rediscovering a long-lost treasure chest of memories and inside jokes. And boy, do those memories make for some embarrassing stories and nostalgic “remember when” moments? You’ll be laughing so hard that your stomach will ache–worth it!

Spending quality time with friends on Christmas Eve is like wrapping your soul in a cozy blanket. It’s heartwarming, comforting, and it melts away any feelings of loneliness. Plus, nothing beats reminiscing about the good old days while sipping on some hot rum or hot cocoa.

So, make the most of this wonderful time of year. Reach out to your friends, plan a get-together, and let the merry memories flow. Embrace the genuine gifts of the season–your friends! Share stories, create recent memories, and strengthen those bonds like never before. 

Remember, it’s not about the number of hours spent together; it’s about the quality of those hours. So, go ahead, cherish every moment with your loved ones, and let the laughter and love fill the air! We will be doing this as it is the first time in about 5 years that our whole family will be together for the holiday as we enjoy our new tradition of Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve.

Christmas memories

As December unfolds and the holiday season approaches, the air becomes imbued with a special kind of magic, marking the arrival of Christmas. It's a time when the world transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats. The spirit of Christmas envelops us, infusing our hearts with a profound sense of wonder, joy, and a delightful childlike excitement.

As we explore the world of Christmas memories, my hope is that you embark on a journey through time and space, revisiting cherished moments that have shaped your experiences. Each family and personal tradition carries its own unique story, etched into the fabric of your heart. Whether it's gathering around the fireplace, trimming the tree with ornaments collected over the years, or engaging in friendly snowball fights, these traditions unite families and loved ones, creating bonds that grow stronger with each passing year.

The essence of Christmas lies in the celebration of togetherness. It's a season that encourages us to slow down, pause the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and savour the joyous moments with the people we hold dear. In a world often marked by busyness and distractions, Christmas provides a gentle reminder to prioritize the connections that truly matter.

The spirit of giving is a hallmark of Christmas, and the art of choosing the perfect gift for a loved one is an experience filled with anticipation and love. The joy of seeing the delight on their faces as they unwrap their presents is a precious memory that lingers in your mind and warms your heart even in the coldest of winters.

Yet, amidst the merriment and cheer, Christmas holds a deeper meaning—a time of reflection and gratitude. It prompts us to count our blessings and appreciate the simple joys in life. As I explore my memories, I hope that you are reminded of the beauty of spreading kindness and love, not just within your immediate circle but also to those less fortunate, making the season truly magical for all.

As the days inch closer to Christmas, the anticipation grows, and the child within us awakens. The twinkling lights, the cheerful carols, and the act of decorating the house become acts of joy rather than mere chores. The holiday spirit permeates every aspect of life, inspiring kindness, generosity, and compassion.

In the end, Christmas memories are like shimmering stars in the night sky, guiding us through the darkness and reminding us of the warmth of love and the beauty of shared experiences. They provide a sense of belonging, connecting us to the people we love, both near and far, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

So, as we venture into the world of Christmas memories, cherish each moment, and let the spirit of the season infuse your heart with joy and gratitude. Embrace the past, relish the present, and look forward to creating even more enchanting memories in the years to come. Christmas is not just a day on the calendar; it's a feeling—a feeling that lives within us, reminding us of the true magic that lies in the power of love and togetherness. Christmas is a truly enchanting time, filled with wonder, joy, and heartfelt connections. It is a season that unites families and loved ones, forging moments that are treasured for a lifetime. The memories we create during Christmas hold a special place in our hearts, evoking a sense of nostalgia that reminds us of the laughter, warmth, and traditions that make this holiday truly magical.

Join me as I traverse the winding lanes of memory, celebrating the glorious past while embracing the vibrant present, and uncovering the sheer beauty that lies within the realm of Christmas memories. Throughout December to keep me in the holiday spirit, I will explore the world of Christmas memories, looking at family and personal traditions, celebrations, decorations, gifts, culinary delights, and the precious moments that have shaped my experiences. These memories continue to foster a sense of belonging and joy, allowing us to celebrate the past while embracing the present and discovering the true beauty of Christmas.

Yesterday, I shared a post about the enchanting appeal of Christmas trees. Tomorrow, I will explore the topic of Christmas meals and how this cherished tradition has evolved over time for my family and, undoubtedly, for many others as well. The Christmas meal remains a cornerstone of togetherness in my family, symbolizing unity, and love.

The holidays are a time to remember and celebrate

 Over this month I will be focusing on my remembrances of Christmas and I hope you enjoy the journey. This year with all the chaos around us, it appears to me that we need Xmas or at least the spirit of Xmas sooner not later. 

Outdoor Xmas lights in my community were up on November 12. Diving into the Chaos of the Holidays throws us a lifeline of sanity amidst the economic and social crises facing us. In the midst of gift-wrapping mayhem and tangled tinsel, take time to remind yourself that pondering life is as essential as untangling Christmas lights.

While the holidays might be all about jingle bells and gingerbread, we need to take time to remember those who won't be joining the party this year. In between sips of eggnog, appreciating the good stuff and giving a nod to personal growth, take a breath and remember the good times and the people who cannot join us.

So, as we wrestle with the wrapping paper and try not to burn the yule log, take a moment to reflect on the year's triumphs, fiascos, and questionable fashion choices. Let us look on the positive, it is not just about surviving the economic and social chaos it is about enjoying the holiday chaos; it's about conquering it with a reflective grin and maybe a dash of glitter thrown in to help Santa find your home.

 

Positive thoughts count down to xmas 1

As this is the last day of my Xmas week’s celebrations, I’m going to share a secret with you.

Actually, I should have shared it with you ages ago, but most “people” aren’t ready for this kind of secret. It’s the secret to getting anything, absolutely anything, you want. To magnetize into your life the things, emotions, and circumstances you dream of. It explains how masters become masters. Ready? 

Practice. 

Because just a little practice goes further than you could ever imagine. There is a caveat: practice without training and advice from experts is worth nothing. As you learn, learn from the best, listen to what the experts in your field say, watch what they do and keep asking questions that help you refine your skill. 

There is a myth floating about that to become an expert, one must spend 10,000 hours working at your craft. This is only true if you have learned the basics and practiced them with expert guidance. 10,000 hours of working at your craft, without the benefit of expert knowledge along the way, will hone your skill, but will not make you an expert.

Now fight the temptation to nod and shrug it off. Do something! Visualize just a little. Act with faith just a little. Explore your beliefs just a little. Manifest a little something; a phone call, a compliment, a flower, whatever. Expect a little miracle. Expect a little help. Expect it to be easy. 

And as you celebrate this special day, we wish you a 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 

May this day be filled with family, friends, joy and laughter. 

May the spirit be with you all the year.

Merry Xmas

 From my family to yours have a happy and wonderful day, surrounded by Friends, Family and other loved ones.