Christmas doesn't end until the morning I have to get up, get dressed and go back to work, right? So by these standards, Christmas isn't officially over until Tuesday morning and this holiday hangover means I'm milking tonight for all that it's worth.
Phil and I had a wonderful weekend together, putting life on "pause" and celebrating the holiday steeped in our own traditions. We spent Christmas Eve at home, feasting like royalty and watching our Christmas-Eve-Movie for the ninth year in a row (it never gets old) and the morning of Christmas had us lounging at home listening to Christmas music while Phil cooked a Russian breakfast. Bliss.
In years past, there is that window of time beginning on Christmas Day, long after the presents have been unwrapped and the excitement has whittled down, when I find myself feeling a little sad that the build-up has reached it's peak and all that's left to do is wallow in the wake of torn wrapping paper and fragrant candles that have burned themselves out. I think about those family members who've been laid to rest or those I didn't get to see over the holidays and if I am not careful, it's easy to start feeling sad about it. But this year I promised myself I wouldn't give in; I told myself I'd live in The Present and savor every moment of the holiday. I was gonna Choose Joy and mean it.
So I did. I stayed off the computer all weekend (save for our Skype calls with family) and spent a lot of time in prayer. And it felt good.
I still have a couple of hours left in today; it's just after 10:30pm, so technically, I've still got time on my side. So I'm going to sign off and finish this holiday celebration properly. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.
(Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read and comment about my Farfar. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, things are looking worse, but we are filled with gratitude and love for having him with us as long as we have.)
Ang - Sounds like a lovely holiday weekend. So sorry to hear about your grandfather. : ( Thinking of you and sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteChristmas officially ended for me today too. I'm so sorry to hear about your farfar - your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou write beautifully Angie... and I am inspired by your outlook and honesty. Sounds like you are striving to make healthy choices for yourself. I know the challenge in that... Happy New Year and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying the "now" and your holiday was lovely! Happy New Year and I'm thinking of you and FarFar
ReplyDeleteStill praying for your Farfar. My grandma fell ill over Christmas and our hearts have been heavy for her. I am sending you lots of good thoughts and love!
ReplyDeleteLiving in the present is something I've tried to do more of in the last few months. It feels good. :)
praying for your farfar, and sending you love and christmas wishes across the miles, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteChoosing joy-I really like that wording. I did the same thing this Christmas and had a wonderful time with family and talked to friends. I stayed off the computer off and on during the past week. Glad you guys had a great Christmas Angie!
ReplyDeleteYum! I haven't got one of these yet this season. I <3 Starbucks!!
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