It’s 7:31a.m. and two of my three kids are gone off to school. My husband is on his way to work. My ten year old baby is still snuggled in his bed, and the pup has already had a little snooze on the front path, then left his trail of muddy pawprints across the foyer right over to his dog dish. I’m drinking my coffee while I check emails in front of the Christmas tree.
It’s just a regular day, and I’m feeling so blessed to have it.
Today more than ever, I want my kids to have the nativity set, the sparkling tree, the bell-shaped cookies. I want to find the time to decorate gingerbread houses. I want them to walk in the door from school and feel it – Christmastime in our home – a memory they will take with them into their old age, God willing. Good, fun, warm memories of a childhood in which they felt loved, special, and part of something is what I want for them, what I hope will sustain them when hard times come.
Even when heartache abounds, even when grief and devastation exist, our small efforts to make Christmas cheerful for those we love and strangers alike matter. They do.
I’m not looking for perfection, Normal Rockwell painting meets Leave It To Beaver show. On a daily basis, my kids argue, I lose my temper, my husband is tired, there are seven damp towels on my daughter’s floor, I’m annoyed at my extended family, and the dog is stinky. Real life is messy. But I’m still grateful for each day of it.
Let us make the most of these regular days that we have. Let us pack some good living into our days in honor of those whose life on this earth came to an end too soon. Let us spread some Christmas cheer, love, kindness and fun, for who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Today….there will be gingerbread house making!!!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
beautifully said, lisa. i built 8 graham cracker houses yesterday while the kids were at school- today they have friends coming over to decorate them! i am looking forward to spending the time with friends and spreading some christmas cheer in a small simple way. and like most people, i just can't stop crying. i want to wrap my kids in my arms and keep them there always, but i can't because i also want them to have the chance to be kids. i learned that one of my good friend's cousins daughter was in ms soto's class. she was one of the lucky ones who made it to that man's driveway with 5 of her classmates… that really hit me. it all really hits me though… i know that in 2013 i want to change my blog a little. i am not sure how but i want to focus more on doing good in the world. it's not enough just to be a happy place… i want to make other places happy places, too.
Lobster Meets Peach says
It sounds like you and your children will have a great time today making a Christmas memory that will out last the gingerbread house. Enjoy every moment this afternoon!!!
pam {simple details} says
Oh, Lisa what a wonderful post, you make me cry, smile and laugh ~ those are three lucky kiddos to have you for their mama!
Mandi@TidbitsfromtheTremaynes says
love this, Lisa! Love u!
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
What a perfect post for this time. I need to do gingerbread houses with Weston this year!
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My Crafty Home Life says
Beautifully said, Lisa. My daughter made a gingerbread house the other day. I am looking forward to the winter break with everyone around everyday.
Dana Frieling says
I love your heart.
Kim@Chattafabulous says
My favorite read of the day! Merry Christmas, Lisa!
http://www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com
Jenny says
Well said, Lisa. I have a ginger bread village that is ready to be assembled as part of the Advent calendar. 🙂
Adelina Priddis says
Thank you for this post Lisa. I am going to try and really make Christmas special and all about family this year.
Ange says
I'm feeling the same way friend. 🙂 Love those trees and bushes, what a great idea for the gingerbread houses. We usually do the box kit and sometimes it is a big fat failure. Maybe we need to make our own. Thanks for inspiring!