I love to deck the halls. I love Christmas music and the sappy Christmas movies. I do resist the temptation to decorate before Thanksgiving. However, winter type decorations such as snowflakes do start to make an appearance mid November.
Holiday baking shows make me dream of being a better baker and reminiscent of times making cookies with Mom and my kiddos. My heart always has more ambition to bake than my actual energy level. I usually manage one day of baking the simplest recipes I have.
Mixed in with all the holiday joy is grief. I miss loved ones who have passed on. I grieve changing holiday traditions that no longer include big family gatherings. The longings of what was linger and mix in with the Christmas spirit that still propels me to deck the halls.
Many of us experience an emotional mix during this season. Some of us struggle to find the joy. The grief is too big. This simple little reminder helps me when the lows start to creep in.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always! This brings gratitude for the memories and a desire to build new traditions along with holding onto the ones I can. So, I deck the halls. I decorate for me as it warms my heart, and reminds me to value all that I do have. It also allows me to reminisce with joy.
Do you deck the halls? Do you wrestle with joy and grief during the season? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.