This year

we have the privilege of being able to replace our old christmas tree. A bitter sweet thing to do, as our original tree was given to us the year we were married by Jeremy’s grandparents who decided they were done having a big tree. Along with their decade old or more tree they gave us a bunch of vintage ornaments they wouldn’t be using anymore. His grandparents passed away within the past two years. It’s been a heavy and fast loss in that area of our lives but this year we have seen the inheritance and blessings from his grandparents in many areas, especially this one. Hanging those beautiful vintage ornaments is a soft reminder of Grammie and her creative touch.

a night decorating the tree.

I think this is what Christmas, a true and grounded christmas attempts to do every year.

It seeks to remind us of the dearest, most highest and important things on this earth.

To be reminded of that, breaks us open a little bit and gives us insight into what we can’t put words around.

This christmas,

I have decided to do what I am going to call

The December Dailys.

A handful of things I will do daily. A bit like a benediction, prayer, meditation or ritual.
To remind myself of the glory of Christmas and the peaceful preparation it can bring

• Read advent cards with Zoe

• Light the Advent candle

• Read Ann Voskamps advent book

• Play christmas songs on the piano
  

This week & weekend marks the beginning of our Christmas Preparation.

A combination of wanting to be decorated for hosting, knowing that the next bit of time will fly by and realizing that as Advent approaches we want to get our ‘busy’ activities behind us so that we can truly take in the process of Christmas.

This year I was able to find an Advent candle which we have never had before.

Knowing that we will be daily burning this candle, is an exciting and also mindful choice.

While the candle burns:

I will be mindfully taking in the day.

I will be reflecting on what the advent week is : Hope, Faith, Joy, & Peace

I will be considering what parts of my year, life and baggage need to be set down for the coming ‘year’.

As we ready for Christmas,

a time of year we spend with others, consciously give and take in the treats of the season may we also mindfully consider how our hearts can be made new and seek ways in which to find that stillness no matter what time of year it may be.