11.17.2008

Christmas Spirit

I complain every year about Christmas being forced up on us earlier and earlier by a secular, sales-driven retail economy. I get all Scrooge-y by Thanksgiving because of the Christmas decorating that we do for my job.

I figured this year would be no exception, and yes, I did have my momentary rant. But honestly, I'm actually excited about the whole season this year. Maybe it's because Thanksgiving's a bit later. Maybe the economy and my quest to go "Christmas Frugal" has kind of gotten me really pondering the whole "true meaning of giving". At any rate, I found myself humming along to the Christmas tunes last night at Wal-Mart.

And wanting to hear more.

And buying my first Christmas decorations.

And finally getting around to deciding what to do about our rapidly-dwindling Nativity Scene.

And then I decided, while it's a bit annoying to see Christmas decorations up before Halloween, isn't it nice to start focusing on the birth of our Lord even that much earlier?

And how bad can something be if it makes us really focus on celebrating the season that precedes Christmas--Advent. A time of preparation, preparing our hearts and homes for the arrival of the Infant Saviour.

It's all about your perspective. And mine is from that of a wounded, broken heart, eagerly anticipating the arrival of a Saviour, Gift to All Humanity.

Enthusiastically preparing...

16 comments:

Cloggsy said...

I couldn't wait to decorate this year (I always wait until after Thanksgiving) so I put my tree up this past weekend. Now i'm just hoping for some snow!

Unknown said...

I forgot to mention that as I was out last night, it was snowing! Of course, it didn't stick around, but still, it was there!

heather said...

Did you just become British? OR perhaps Canadian?

Unknown said...

Very funny. I just happen to like that spelling better! :)

sassy stephanie said...

Man, it does seem to creep up sooner and sooner every year. I try so hard to teach my kids about the true meaning of the season.

Thanks for sharing in my SITS day with me!

meili_lo said...

hi there.

i tagged you in my blog. hope you can visit.

http://lifeworthremembering.blogspot.com/

thanks!

EmmaP said...

i love this post. i am not really into the Christmas "mood" yet as far as the lights and decor goes. but I couldn't agree more as far as celebrating our savior!

Liz Harrell said...

I love decorating, but X-mas has become so much more enjoyable since our families decided to draw names. So MUCH less stressful.

Grafted Branch said...

Me too. And my girls. Their enthusiasm for all things "cozy" is infectious.

And may I be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Aunt Julie said...

Haven't quite gotten into the Christmas Spirit yet. Still trying to get thru Turkey Day! Hey there! I'm visiting from SITS. Gotta Great Giveaway Goin' over at My Place. Please stop by when ya can!

Katie said...

I was shocked to see Christmas decor out before halloween. Though I do love the Christmas season....so cozy. Thanks for stopping by!

Stephanie said...

I am excited this year too...I usually am not, but there is a bug going around and I must have caught it!

jori-o said...

I, too have been frustrated with the way-too-soon Christmas decorations and whatnot, but am finding myself chomping at the bit to officially start the Christmas season. Thanks for stopping by!

... said...

great post. things are going to be different around my house this year because of the economy and the fact that we'll be in california for the holidays. i'm hoping that these factors help me be more aware of the reason for the season and not more stressed out.

thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments.

Kimmie said...

What a lovely blog you have...love your header!

We normally don't begin thinking of Christmas this early, but this year with the adoption of another to our family and it falling so near Christmas...we are keeping it very simple, but embracing the days now.

Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted

Lesley said...

it is with great enthusiasm that I bestow a bloggy goodness award to you...come by and grab it....