Here we are, the eve of Christmas Eve, and here are my random 5 for the season:
1 ) Christmas in my hometown looked like this when I was a kid .. with more snow. Oh how we’d look forward to our annual trip to admire the lights and do our shopping. Of course we man-handled the toy displays that were set out especially for Christmas ~ our town didn’t have a “toy store,” but several of the “home goods” stores created a toy aisle for the Holiday (sometimes in the basement or upper level of the store, so cool!) We’d pick out our gift for that special someone on our list (a cousin, a sibling) and 5 more for ourselves, chatting animatedly about each and every feature we admired and desired. At the end of the outing we’d stop at the local Cafe for Chinese food or maybe a grilled cheese and Vico (Chocolate Milk) before heading home, singing Christmas carols all the way. ~Magical!
70s Christmas
2 ) My work world/life has been so chaotic, stressful and busy that I completely missed the fact we are approaching a new decade in just 8 days. I haven’t done any goal setting yet, but hearing that fact inspired me to ~ so much has changed in the past 10 years that I want to be intentional about the next 10. Rise up, indeed!
Rise Up!
3 ) Speaking of changes, we welcomed a new little love into our world – Grandson Soren. He’s beautiful and perfectly made and big sister (and all of us) are in love. Soren is a family name; my great Uncle Soren was my Grandpa’s brother and their family hails from Sweden. ❤
baby and big sissy ~ An Emjayandthem(C) photo
4 ) I recently had an opportunity to meet with the Governor and other dignitaries – like I do for any and all special occasions, I wore one of Mom’s rings (Peridot – her birthstone) so she could come along, too.
– It was her ring on my right hand when I shook the hand of Governor and others.
– It was her necklace and another one of her rings that I wore to meet baby Soren.
This is my way of sharing my excitement & delight with her ~ She – the 100lb dynamo – who during one rainy election, rode a tractor with Dad a muddy country mile to the highway so they could catch a ride into town to VOTE, would ❤ that moment. She – the woman who fought bureaucrats to keep polling stations located in small/rural areas so everyone could participate – she’d be pressing me for details, and grinning .. just as I am now.
Mom’s ring ~ an Emjayandthem(C) photo
4) I attended little one’s Christmas party but wasn’t responsible for the snack list this year ~ this made me laugh so hard because I can totally see it happening. oh Mylanta!
5 ) All silliness aside – it’s a joy to celebrate the reason for the season~
Luke 2:10-11 ESV: And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
- Care to share memories from your childhood Christmases?
- With a new decade approaching, are you setting goals or making any changes?
- Wishing you peace at Christmas and always.
Those cookies are hysterical. I hadn’t thought about it being a new decade. My goal is to live it fully!
Amen to that! ~MJ
This year should we say: “…and a Happy New Decade.”?
yes we should 🙂
~ MJ
Thankyou for sharing your Christmas joy. It is a lovely post and a grand tribute to your Mom.
Lots to be thankful for; I know it can be a sad time of year for many, but I’m leaning in to the smiles and gratefulness.
Merry Christmas, Dor
~ MJ
Merry Christmas, Emjay
and same to you and Bonnie, Butch Dean!
~ MJ
I love the street photo. Reminds me of our downtown and the fact that I need to get down there and snap a photo. We have a massive lighted tree smack in the middle of one of the intersections for the holidays. Congratulations on the birth of your newest beautiful grand! And I love your story about your mom and her jewelry. How special! Those cookies are too funny.
I’ve been so self absorbed lately (Kundalini Awakenings will do that) that I didn’t even realize about the new decade thing. Holy cow what a decade it was. Hoping the next one isn’t quite so full of major disruptive changes in my life. Merry Christmas to you and yours. And may you have a new year filled with peace and love.
Please do take a photo and post it for us to see!
I hear you on the being “busy with other things” thoughts – holy smokes I had no idea … I remember 2000 happening, I don’t remember much from 2010 coming in — that’s a lesson right there.
Peace and love right back to you, Susan!
Cheers! MJ
I so love your random fives MJ. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
thank you, DK. Merry Christmas! I just woke from a long winter’s nap … ahhh vacation! 🙂 MJ
David I just read your post, about the passing of your brother. Weeping. I’m so sorry!! Prayers for peace for him and comfort for you. I know you’ll miss him so very much .. MJ
Thank you MJ
Wonderful random 5 thoughts you shared. I loved the photo of your hometown – the lights make it all so festive. And keeping your mom near you while you were meeting the governor – what a way to keep her close~ Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Thank you ~ It’s a stock photo, but my hometown looked a lot like that at Christmas. I always miss my Mom so its fun to find a way to include her in spirit ~ Merry Christmas ! ~MJ