Christmas Vs. NYC 

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Doesn’t matter who I’ve talked to recently — Christian baby boomers, non-religious 20-somethings, an 8-year-old girl, my friends, the cute guy sitting behind me at church, the cashier at the grocery store — everyone’s in agreement about one thing:

It doesn’t feel like Christmas.

I don’t know if it’s the lack of snow, or all the negativity in the media, or the fact that LED twinkle lights are officially taking over as the norm, but one thing’s for sure…it’s December 12, and people are not in the Christmas spirit.


Living in NYC is so special…especially around the holidays. There really is nothing comparable. The lights, the shopping, the smell of roasting chestnuts, the Christmas displays, the holiday markets, the ice skating…it’s something you’ve got to experience in person to truly appreciate.



But I dunno…this year, it just hasn’t been quite the same.

I’m not seeing quite as many decorations up. I’m not hearing hardly any Christmas music. There just isn’t that cheer that has been such a mainstay around this time of year.

I was thinking about this the other night. I had a free evening, so I went to the candlelight Christmas concert at my church. And it was truly as beautiful as it sounds. A cappella music; that breathtaking, non-LED, amber glow from real candles; and a stunning church to boot – complete with holly accents.

And it was in that moment that I had one of those, stomach-dropping moments.

I asked myself, “Is Christmas dead?”

Sure, maybe inside my church walls, it’s alive and well…but walk outside these red doors and it’s a different story. A somber thought indeed.

The next morning, I was at brunch with my friends and we were all talking about our holiday travel plans. Who was visiting the houses of a significant other for the first time, who was going to be in town for New Year’s Eve…you know…the worries and preoccupations of a typical 20-something.

But the conversation suddenly found itself in a discussion about the meaning of Christmas. And all the questions were directed at the resident-Christian…me.

What’s the big deal between ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays?’ Why can’t everybody just say, “Merry Christmas?” Because to many of my friends…Christmas was just a time of year. It was that “feel good” time with family and friends, and Christmas trees, snowmen and Santa Claus. What’s the big deal if a Jewish person says “Merry Christmas?” Why would they even care– Christmas is just a cultural, seasonal holiday anyway? Can’t we all just be in agreement about “Merry Christmas?” 

And I suddenly found myself trying to articulate the difference between Judiasim and Christianity.

And I was explaining to one of my non-Christian, non-anything friends how Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. And that, unlike Jewish people, Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah – the “Bringer” of our Salvation. And so, in essence, Christmas is the celebration of the point of our faith. We’re celebrating the birth of Jesus.

I cited how at my house, we make a gingerbread house with my niece one day, and then the next day, we make a birthday cake for Jesus.

And he took this all in. And we ended the conversation by coming to the agreement that Christmas, in actuality, is a deeply personal time of year. Because contrary to what culture dictates, whether it’s “CHRISTmas” or just another cultural celebration, a la, Thanksgiving, it actually means something. And to the people who say ‘Merry Christmas’ because of the birth of Jesus, it means something much deeper than just the season of White Peppermint Mochas and tidings of good cheer.

And maybe it was the 2 Mimosas I was currently processing on an empty stomach, but hearing those words coming out of my mouth, as I was explaining the point of Christmas to a non-believer…it dawned on me…

Something that I’m not proud to admit.

So far this year, I’m guilty of experiencing a Jesus-less Christmas.

Which sounds horrible. I know. It’s not like I’m denying my Savior, but admittedly, He hasn’t been the focus of this time of year just yet.

This year, I don’t know, I guess I have just been so wrapped up in the busyness of Christmas, rather than the miracle.

And hearing myself explain, in “kid english” what Christmas was all about, I realized….that’s what was missing.

I had forgotten about Jesus.

After all, isn’t that the real point of Christmas?

I’ve never been one to really fall into the “War-On-Christmas”-camp, but I do think that there’s some truth to the de-Jesus-ing of Christmas. We want to celebrate Christmas, and have our red-and-green, and Santa hats, and say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays,” which is all well and good…but where is Jesus in all of that?

I have this visual in my head of the manger scene, but instead of an amber-lit, peaceful scene of Baby Jesus’ humble beginnings, His manger is buried under Macy’s boxes, Starbucks cups, Hatchimals, and competitively-lit Christmas light displays.

So, realistically, what can we do about this?

Because honestly….it’s tough. There are still going to be parties to attend and travel plans to make. And even with the help of Amazon, those gift’s ain’t gonna buy themselves.

I think at the end of the day, it’s gotta come back to Jesus.

If there’s one Christmas decoration to put up this year…(besides the tree)…it’s the manger scene.

Because just like literally everything else in life…Jesus isn’t going to boisterously shove His presence into our lives. He’s going to just be there, quietly, not seeking attention, as that Little Baby, softly cooing and being peaceful. He’s always there, available, just waiting for us to come in and keel beside the manger. But we’ve got to decide to do so.

So maybe that’s what I need to do more of.

Take a breather, and go back to the manger. Look in and see the Christ Child in His infancy, knowing full well the magnitude and significance His birth brings to our salvation.

Because without that perspective, Christmas is just an empty holiday. Filled with “feel-good” traditions, patrolling elves on shelves, and unhealthy doses of materialism.


Maybe I should take to heart that soliloquy I uttered at brunch yesterday, while waiting for my pancakes to arrive.

Really, what does Christmas mean?

It’s time to go back to the manger.

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310 thoughts on “Christmas Vs. NYC ”

  2. I agree with you. This year’s Christmas season definitely has a different vibe to it. I think it’s more of people quietly winding down the end of the year than celebrating. And there are a number of reasons to want to do that as you mentioned. It’s a shame but it’s the reality, however, it doesn’t have to be YOUR reality. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much for this. you’re right — a lot of people are feeling different emotions than usual this year, and its kind of seeping into the “celebration” of it all. Thanks for your encouragement:) hugs xox

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  4. Good job again. You are always transparent with what you post a good trait. I find most people have pretty made up their minds about what Christmas is or is not and are pretty unmovable. You took advantage of a chance to witness the result is in God’s hands. A bigger witness is your own admission of something missing. I stay impressed with your writing skill and personal approach to topics. Stay with it you have it right. Thanks for sharing. John

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thanks so much, John 🙂 I appreciate your encouraging words. You’re right – people are pretty much “set” in what they believe about christmas. Still, it was a good convo, and I’m grateful that my friends wanted to chat about such things! thanks for the reflection! big hugs xox

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  7. Great post! For years, I tried to fight the “retail Christmas” , as I was convinced Christmas had been hijacked by corporate barons in penthouse suites. It really is up to us! I see the Inn as symbolic of our hearts…will we make room for Jesus? Important conversation with your friends! I wish I could have gone to your church service with you. Thank you for sharing your walk of faith!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. So, I couldn’t help but notice your use of “Jewish person” and “Jewish people.” It’s okay to say Jew or Jews. I’m not sure why so many people don’t–it’s definitely a common thing–but it really is okay. I’m a Jew. When I’m in synagogue or making a Seder, I’m with a bunch of Jews.

    Think about it this way: most of us don’t say Christian people or Muslim people or Hindu people. We say Christians, Muslims or Hindus. By the same token, go ahead and say Jews.

    Okay, got that off my chest!

    As for the rest–I’m not offended if someone wishes me a Merry Christmas. Heck, a lot of Christmas seems to involve non-Jews sending cards to each other with pictures of a nice Jewish couple with a newborn. Why should I complain about that? 😉

    Plus, my family is a mixture of Jews and Christians. We actually celebrate Christmakkah.

    Meanwhile, my greeting of choice is Happy Holidays when I don’t know what religion the person is or I know they don’t practice anything. If I know they’re Christian, I’ll use Merry Christmas, if I know they’re Wiccan, I’ll wish them a Happy Yule–you know, whatever’s appropriate to their heritage/beliefs/faith/culture.

    All that said, it doesn’t matter to me if we have a difference of opinion on the identity of the Messiah (and the definition of Messiah to begin with, and different views of human nature, etc.) God seems to reach out to you through Christ, so I wish you a Christ-centered Christmas and many, many blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Jenn! Thank you so much for this! That’s so good to know about the term Jews. Thank you! I didn’t know if it was an insensitive term so thank you for clearing that up:) you’re right-I tend to do the same when wishing people H.H/M.C. — if I know a person’s faith, I’ll wish them accordingly. It was just an interesting convo over brunch. Definitely unexpected! Thanks for stopping by! Big hugs xox

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      1. I guess so many people are afraid that it’s insensitive because some people use the term “Jew” as a negative adjective. (As in “that Jew lawyer.”) But, used properly–as in, “I’m a Jew, she’s a Christian, he’s a Muslim,” it’s completely fine.

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  11. Found this post really interesting. I am way over the other side of the pond and for me and many that I have spoken to Christmas seems to have come earlier than usual. It has been a turbulent year all around the world, but for us it seems, Christmas has served as a reminder of the goodness that we must always seek out. Your faith is much stronger than mine, but for me the message of compassion and understanding seems to be what is reigning strong and I think that is something all people of sound mind can understand, regardless of faith. May this message seek you and your friends and a Merry Christmas xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Emma. I really appreciate your kind words. Yeah, it is definitely falling during a time when a lot of people’s emotions are raw, that’s for sure. But you’re right — there is definitely goodness to be found. thanks for stopping by. hugs xox

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  12. Thank you for yet another very meaningful post. I don’t know how to add a photo here, but on Instagram (where I’m known as maineyankee) I’ve posted this photo of my favorite Christmas tree ornament. The link below may work, but if it doesn’t, it’s a figurine of Santa Claus kneeling, hat removed, before the manger of the baby Jesus. We have three nativity sets around the house as well, and one lit up in the snowy front yard as well. While the world secularizes even the word, Christmas, we just keep it quietly before us. https://www.instagram.com/p/BNaP1dth_yJ/?taken-by=maineyankee&hl=en

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi David! Thank you so much for your kind words! Oh awesome! I’ll definitely head over there and check it out. Sounds like a powerful image. You’re right-gotta remember that Jesus is the reason for the season! Hugs xox

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  13. Strip away all of the glitz and tinsel and even the angels and shepherds and the heart of Christmas will be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Mary, a young virgin who loved God above all things. Joseph, a just man who sought to obey God in all things. And Jesus, Mary’s newborn son and the Son of God who came to obey His Father’s will and open the gates of Heaven.

    And that is what Christmas is all about. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Great post as usual I love your writing style, so honest and free flowing. Is Christmas losing Jesus? I would say only to those who aren’t looking for Him. I am cooped up in my house due to cancer treatments this Christmas, so have not had a chance to see any lights, or shopping, or any of that stuff. But I have drawn closer to Jesus this year. If I was out running around, perhaps my attention would be distracted from Jesus to all those other trappings of Christmas. Maybe I’m fortunate to be cooped up!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Pete. I really appreciate your kind words. You’re right–for those who seek Him in the season, He’s there. I’m so glad you’ve had such a fruitful year with Christ. I’m so happy for you. 🙂 big hugs to you friend xox

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Love your post. I must admit that have always wanted to go to NYC. It’s in my bucket list. I will, one day. I think Christmas time would be especially magical. And, on a side note…I say “Merry Christmas” to everyone! And, every person I say it to, says it back, as well. 🎁🎅🏻🐴🎄

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  17. Sometimes we overthink things! Wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the holiday. It is the Spirit of the season not the lights and things that make it meaningful! Do something special for someone who least expects it!
    Dwight

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Nothing happening on this earth can change what God did through the coming of the baby Jesus in the manger! God’s Grace is greater than our mood swings!! (<:

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  18. Another reason this Christmas seems so un-Christmas-like is the elephant in the room: our nation next month will be blissfully handed over to a TV “reality” show personality who acts like a Ritalin-deprived tween who’s spent his entire life being coddled and doesn’t know how to behave like a human being because no one ever cared enough to teach him, and his gang of far right thugs that make the worst of the Bush-Cheney years look like the rank amateur fascists they were, by a far right Democrat regime that has wasted eight years coddling Republicans instead of making good on all the progressive-sounding promises it made to get elected to the presidency in 2008. We are facing extinction by the end of the century of not sooner, because we now have climate-change-deniers hell bent on ensuring that there won’t even be the pretense of doing anything about it (Obama the faker only made the barest of pretenses even as he handed our public spaces over to the fossil fuel and nuclear industries). We are facing a major war that could easily go nuclear because the neocons are back in full control—although, to be honest, they never fully left after 2008 and were instead welcomed by Obama—and a nuclear war would end all life on the planet, including microbes, from nuclear winter. More and more Black and brown people will be brutalized, imprisoned, and murdered by out-of-control police. More and more violent sociopaths will lash out with guns at anyone and everyone the incoming fuhrer tells them they can lash out at, and our national gun death toll will continue to rise unabated. What few rights LGBTQ persons have managed to win for themselves over the past eight years in spite of obstruction from Obama and his fellow far right Democrats will be terminated with extreme prejudice by Drumpf and his far right Republicans. And what remains of our tattered social safety net will be eliminated without so much as a peep from Democrats, who’ve wanted since the 1970s to do away with the New Deal and return to their southern dixiecrat roots.

    What in God’s name is there to feel cheerful about this holiday season? Sorry about the extended political rant, but really, although I can and certainly do lament how much Christ has been removed from the holiday bearing his title (by people so obsessed with their true god, the almighty dollar, that they’ve marginalized his teachings or eliminated them altogether), there is so much dread right now it fills the air. There’s the knowledge that as bad as things have been these last thirty-sixe years, they’re about to get so much more brutal now, and we’re merely at the threshold of a nightmare that may only end when humanity does, and that is likely to come sooner than anyone cares to realize.

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  20. Oh yes. Away from all the commercialization, and get back to the Manger, looking forward to the Cross, the Resurrection, and the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
    God’s Blessings.

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  21. Hello BBB,

    Things are changing, for sure. Maybe this is a blessing to get back to a simpler celebration. I prayed that the Lord would create the right atmosphere for his Holy Spirit to work and for heart to open. Maybe it is a door of disillusion that is opening.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Gary

    On Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 3:59 PM, BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: “Doesn’t matter who I’ve talked to recently — > Christian baby boomers, non-religious 20-somethings, an 8-year-old girl, my > friends, the cute guy sitting behind me at church, the cashier at the > grocery store — everyone’s in agreement about one thing: It d” >

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I did something similar in Denver arguing with a screenwriter about the crucifixion. Mostly, the importance and meaning of it. After talking, I realized without faith it is hard to comprehend. It seems like a no win answer but I feel as we mature our faith also matures. I usually skip Christmas. I just keep working it’s my tradition.

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      1. Ah, I like atheists I like to start with the argument without us there’s no you. I guess, that could also be used for the grander celebration of the birth of Jesus than his death. Now, I’m surprised you attempted so much in one post even including Judaism. Do you believe traditional items displayed increase the value of Christmas?

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      3. I think I did too, once. It’s just gotten so crazy the past few years like a ride at Disney. My favorite Christmases were when I went with my grandma to church. She said, if I could sit down the whole time I’d get a cookie. We were pretty poor back then so I don’t remember much presents past the cookie.

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      5. Ha. I was in the shower, thinking. A culture can have single religions and shared beliefs missionaries encountered this in Central America. Beliefs are important for social glue in a community. Maybe, for your part of the apple you are experiencing a loss of that community, also.

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      6. Hmmmm interesting thought. 🤔🤔🤔🤔 Perhaps. Because you’re right-back in Ohio, it was very homogenous in culture and belief. And well, NYC is a melting pot to say the least!! 🙂

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      7. That’s true. My friend runs a children’s hospital in Cincinnati. All her friends, kind of look and do the same thing, haha. Maybe, you just miss home?

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      11. Wow. Haha. Yeah, I was um repossessing cars and equipment in the area. She helped me with my first triathlon.

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      13. Thanks. I, got bored so I tried it. That’s how I ended up in your Ohio area. Tons of farm roads and hilly paths. I’m alone a lot so it was cheap to take my bike with me on flights. You do yoga stuff? I should do that I got pretty beat up over the years.

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      15. Yes! Bikram was awesome! The one time I tried it, haha. I haven’t been back to Tucson in a while. It’s hard to be a regular anywhere I’m always leaving. Do you go on tour?

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      16. haha yeah, I’ve only done hot yoga one time as well. i loved it! but the guy in front of me kept dripping sweat on my mat and I got kinda grossed out 🙂 haha It was after that experience that I decided I like solo yoga…or at least not in a manhattan yoga studio where the mats are less than 2 inches apart!! 🙂

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      1. Me too! Some time ago I went to a woman in my family known for her wisdom and faith. After confessing my confusion and my failings, she just smiled and said, “He knows.” And reminded me that grace is perfect. It was more freedom and peace than I could comprehend.

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  25. I come from a Christian family, but I don’t consider myself particularly religious. I’ve always struggled with the concept of religion, but it is there in the back of my mind once in a while. I can appreciate Christianity, even though I don’t feel connected to it… I think it’s a beautiful religion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this; I think it’s important to take a step back from this glorious, materialistic holiday and remember that we’re celebrating the good! It’s a beautiful time of the year full of family and food and love, and that’s what we should all look forward to when December rolls around each year; being nourished and being loved.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Jillian! Thank you so much for this reflection. You’re right-there is a lot of good to celebrate. And we all have a lot to be thankful for 🙂 being nourished -in every sense of the word -mind/body/soul, and being loved:) glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  28. I took our Christmas tree down after 9 days because my 3 year-old kept tackling the tree. No manger since he would throw a wise man through a window or the TV. No candles in the house because a rouge play toy might knock them on the carpet. And no lights outside because I would NEVER be able to get my son back in the house. He would look at them all night. So as all can see, I have a few reasons to hide my spirit. In an outward fashion anyway. We’ll display some of our beliefs in time Caralyn! – Larry

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  31. Oh, I love this. This time of year is so, so busy and it’s easy to get caught up in that. Sometimes while just walking past our family room, I catch a glimpse of our small wooden nativity scene. I pause to really look at baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the wise men, shepherds, and the little sheep and animals. Helps remind me what this season is all about, and to slow down to enjoy it. Thanks for the beautiful reminder!

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  32. You Echo the sentiments of many Christians around the world. I want to try to respond to you in a nice concise manner. First of all this is the greatest Christmas post I have read from you. Even though admittedly I didn’t read the whole thing I understood what you were trying to say. I often wonder that too has Christmas become too commercial? Who celebrates Christmas? How does one begin to celebrate Christmas? Are you a traditionalist? are you a soccer mom trying to find the latest version of Pokemon characters for your kids on amazon.com? maybe you’re a fan of holiday movies. it is great that you know the real reason Christmas exists and for that I give you a virtual high five. kids Christmas music you’re looking for turn to Chym FM. 96.7 adult contemporary music this time of year they play an overabundance of Christmas music. I warn you though that after listening to the station for a week you might share something in common with the Grinch. if it’s cheesy Christmas soft and sentimental stuff that you want to hear or read I recommend you look up a poem entitled Alfie the Christmas tree by John Denver by the way merry Christmas I love ya and so does God.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it:) all great questions. And I hear ya on the constant Christmas music. I liked it when it could only be played by listening to it on cd’s — now with pandora and Spotify, the constant 24/7 earbud life…it loses its specialness. Will lookup that poem! Hugs and love xox

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  33. Winter festivals, pass over celebrations and likewise have existed far before ‘Christmas’ every became cultural norm. Christmas has also been mixed with many pagan traditions like bringing greenery indoors for the winter celebration.

    There is so much about the history of Christmas and Winter Celebrations that many don’t know because they’ve never taken the time to research it! It doesn’t even state in the bible when Jesus’ birthday truly is. If you go back you will see that most believe Saturnalia the Roman tradition was then converted to what we know now as Christmas celebration at the end of December.

    So I think it’s really interesting to see what people truly know about this day and season. I don’t think there is any war on Christmas, I know many people whom are non-christian that celebrate! I of course know and love many christian’s who do.

    God bless ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Holly! Thank you so much for this reflection! How interesting. You’re right, even though December 25 may not technically be the actual birthday of Jesus, I do appreciate having a universal celebration of that special event. How interesting about the greenery — I know the history of the poinsettias, but that’s new to me! thanks for sharing! big hugs to you 🙂 xox

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  34. If you think about it the birth of Christ can actually take place within our hearts once we realise our living connection to every soul around us. This is the kind of experience I had today sitting in my local shopping centre having a cup of coffee. Really it should be a celebration of love, of our connection and life. The reason I think so many people suffer at this time is they can feel the deep loss of disconnection, which is so sad and painful. These are just some of my thoughts. Its about so much more than presents thought these can be an expression of love. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. wow so powerful! You’re right, everyday we can celebrate the birth of Jesus! What a beautiful perspective. Yes — it really pains me to think that people feel alone and forgotten this time of year. We should all be on the lookout for ways to express that love 🙂 hugs xox

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  35. I I haven’t been to New York ever but the picture I have in my mind of Christmas celebration is that what I get from Home Alone Movie and it was amazing but today as you have brought the message, there is a ?

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    1. Hi there! Oh, I hope you can make the trip to NYC! It truly is magical this time of year. I just watched Home Alone over Thanksgiving and it’s actually pretty accurate — minus the whole booby-trapped brownstone/burglers thing! haha I was absolutely cracking up at that movie. so good. thanks for stopping by! hugs xox

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      1. NYC,featured in Home Alone 2 clearly depicts what Christmas is all about. Cheers! Merry Christmas to you and all

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  36. Thank You for the reminder. We get so busy working, buying and doing that we often forget the “reason for the season”. Reading your post brought Jesus a little closer to me this year in my heart and head. May GOD bless you and Merry Christmas.

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  37. Great point. Thank you for writing this.

    Over here in Japan they play all the Christmas songs. One thing my father never liked is how the radio and places only play the “santa” songs. You hardly ever hear “silent night”, but you get tongs of “Jingle Bells” and “Grandma got run over by a reindeer”.

    But over here they play everything (not because they’re Christian). I think they just choose anything that is a Christmas song. They also put up Nativity scenes. They just like anything that is “christmas”. Ironically, over here in Japan that has hardly any Christians, I find better Christmas celebrations than I often do in the West.

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    1. thank you so much! How interesting! I’ve never been to Japan, but would love to one day! Yeah, I was talking with the little kids I nanny for, and they had never heard Silent Night before! safe to say, I was flabbergasted! Thanks for sharing this perspective! Truly fascinating! big hugs xox

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  39. You know what..you say what people around the world seem to feel. However, the challenges seem to over shadow the message and consumer festivities, and maybe that’s no bad. I had to look within to understand that the HOPE which came from Jesus birth is HERE, in my HEART. Beyond measure we are all blessed and no one will take that JOY from us. Thanks for sharing and helping to keep our focus.

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    1. Hi there! Thank you so much for this encouragement. 🙂 Truly, it means so much! Yes — there is definitely hope during this season — it’s in our hearts and smiles and warmth between friends. And it all stems from Him 🙂 Thanks for reminding me of that Joy!! Joy to the world!!! 🙂 hugs xox

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  40. So true dear. However, focus is the key. The miracle in Bethelehem so long ago brings my heart and mind back to the “reason for the season.” I refuse to let anyone water down what the Savior of the world, Emmanuel – God with us did. God bless you as you share on this blog. Oh yes, I love reading the first chapter of Luke over and over again, all 80 verses. It causes my spirit to rejoice.

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    1. Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. you’re right – we’ve got to remember the miracle that is our Savior’s birth at “100 Proof!” Thanks for stopping by! I’ll definitely join you in reading that chapter of Luke 🙂 hugs to you xox

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  43. Reblogged this on Seeking the Narrow Gate and commented:
    Sharing this insightful post from another blogger who also is having trouble feeling the Christmas spirit this year. On the plus side, the Christmas season in the Church doesn’t actually start until the Nativity of the Lord on December 25th, so there is a chance that I can get in the proper Christmas spirit after all the nonsense with gifts and terrible pop music and overspending is done and dusted.

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  44. Great Post. I have to agree that I feel the same way, this year Jesus has honestly taken a backseat in the busyness of life and Christmas preparations and hasn’t been the focus of a celebration about him and honestly it is just under 2 weeks to Christmas and it really doesn’t feel like it.
    I think you are right, we need to take a break from the busyness of life and stop and remember Jesus and his birth and exactly why we celebrate this holiday.
    Thank you for a great post.

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    1. Thank you so much C&tC! 🙂 Yeah, I can definitely relate — busyness is the great stealer of time and focus during this beautiful time of year! Yes, I’ll join you in that and try to take a break today and every day to see the truth in the season 🙂 hugs xox

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  45. So perfect a conversation for Gaudete Sunday. As Catholics we’re celebrating the Waiting for Jesus’ birth. So in a sense it’s good it doesn’t feel like Christmas time yet. I’ll agree though, there is a lot less joy, a lot less hope.
    Sharing with your friends is a moment of hope. Sharing on your blog is a moment of hope. Like the candles in the Church, a moment lighting the way for the next person, a shared prayer, a lifted burden. Just like your continued story is a moment of hope for others. Telling the story of faith is that important. It’s hard sharing that story, it’s hard sharing the story of your healing. And you do both well.

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    1. Hi Teri! Thank you so much! Yes — waiting g for Jesus’ birth — a joyful anticipation indeed. Oh gosh, you are seriously so kind. i can’t tell you how much that means 🙂 And to be completely honest, I’m stuck in bed today with a fever of 102, so your words have so uplifted me. i’m very grateful. hugs xox

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  46. Reblogged this on Frick Writes: A Mind Body Soul Journey and commented:
    I match be taking a break from my personal blogging but this is a fabulous posting that must be shared and considered by all!

    What are you feeling this Christmas?
    Is Jesus in the picture and forefront of your plans? Or has he become an after thought or worse not even a speck of a thought?
    Sit with that….ponder on it…pray about it!
    Many blessings always my dear readers….family….friends…
    Kelly 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  47. Isn’t it funny how sometimes we have to preach to ourselves in “kid english” to finally grasp what we claim to believe? The meaning of Christmas is hitting me in the face right now as I read an Advent reading plan with my eight month old.

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  48. I know the feeling. It always takes me a while to get into the Christmas spirit, because for me December has always been full of work, getting report cards done and the like. Not to mention I’m just terrible at shopping for gifts as it is. Good insights, and good for you that you got to share the true meaning of Christmas.

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