I've never thought of myself as a "conformist",
but this year - possibly more than any other - I am not conforming!
As I commented on another person's post about keeping Christmas simple: "Learning not to take my "Christmas cues" from blogland or what others
are doing - not comparing/competing.....Refusing to try to do it all.
Resting in the Lord; letting Him set the pace..."
Decorations in our home this year are minimal; activities basically confined to
"Christmas versions" of regular events such as our no-longer-Red-Hats monthly meeting,
a carry-in brunch at church during Sunday School hour,
decorating the church this morning with our Ladies' Bible Study group that always meets on Fridays,
a dinner last night at the facility where my mother is a resident,
a holiday housewalk tomorrow (if it's not too cold),
and lunches with friends in front of the fireplace at Cracker Barrel peppered throughout the month.
There are just TOO many ideas out there;
too many events; too much noise for THIS woman to handle
in addition to what's already on my plate.
I will cherish quiet, candlelit evenings
with Christmas music playing in the background,
thank you!
Sounds just right!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
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ReplyDeleteNot conforming to the world's view on how to celebrate, should be our aim throughout our lives. I applaud you sweet lady.
DeleteGood for you dear Rebecca. I'm doing simpler too this year. Christmas is certainly not the same as when my dear husband was here. I have always enjoyed decorating, etc. losing him took some of the joy out of the holiday, this is my 3rd Christmas without him. I just need peace and quiet simplicity this year. We always enjoyed our quiet holidays, for me now though, they are quieter still. He's having Christmas with Jesus, and that has to be GRAND.
ReplyDeleteMay your holidays be filled with love, joy and peace. Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady
I wish much peace and quiet simplicity for you, FlowerLady.
DeleteThank you for this post this evening. I sat down while DH is watching news. We are bone tired, but getting at the 75% done part of this house. We won't be throughly done until about Dec 15 and I hold that this year there will be no tree, no outside lights, no decor. As I see a few pieces begin to move back into the dining room, I feel myself relenting a little to an angel or Santa or two maybe. When I sat down at the computer and read your post tears came to my eyes. Yes, I thought, you have put things in the right light. I have made the holiday much simpler these past years but still there is the feeling of bustle we pick up from others. Madeleine L' Engle spoke often of how we should learn to just BE in all seasons. I try but I need to try harder to get that job done. Sorry for the long rant...just reading your post made me want to slip out the back door and come over to your place for a cup of quiet tea.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I wish you COULD come over - though you'd have to bring your own tea. I have no confidence in my tea-making ability :)
DeleteBless your heart! With all going on in your house, I'm sure you ARE bone tired!
Rebecca, you are wise to do what is right in this season. There is so much angst by trying to conform and doing what others expect...or sometimes even meeting the standards we are placing on ourselves! Different seasons call for different activities, roles, busyness (or not), don't you think?
ReplyDelete:) Yes! I DO think!
DeleteSounds wonderful to me. We are keeping it simple this season too. Put up the tree and added a few decorations but not the usual amount inside or out.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love ~
Perfect ♥
ReplyDeleteI love your JOY pictured here! I have loved and embraced Christmas craziness for many, many years....and this year find myself struggling to walk it all out. Learning in the midst of it all and looking ahead to "be still" in the midst of it all in the future. Simplicity continues to draw me. How I desire to dwell in the season and not be hurried... Thank you for sharing! I needed to hear this; even today.
ReplyDelete