Christmas has been my favorite holiday for as long as I can remember. I like the flurry of excitement, the food, the traditions that are wrapped around the season and tied neatly with a bow. But this year...maybe it's because I'm getting older and some of the magic has faded or the fact that time is simply going too quickly, but that little seed of Christmas cheer that's usually planted in the beginning of December just wasn't there this year. Feelings of excitement and joy were replaced with stress and exhaustion -- and the harder I tried to get that cheer, the less I succeeded.
Until I realized something; those things aren't what this time of year is about. It's not about feeling merry and bright -- it's about the quiet anticipation of the birth of our Savior, who humbled himself to be born of a virgin, who died the death of a criminal on a cross. For us. He who is perfectly holy and perfect hung on a cross, for our sins, so that all who believe in him may live in Heaven eternally.
That's what should be on my heart this Christmas, not lamenting the fact that my enthusiasm is missing. And I found, that once I focused on the true meaning, the excitement for December 25th came with it.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, which brings the eleven pm candlelight service, my absolute favorite of the year. I am excited to spend a weekend of family and food, excited to relish in festivities, and most of all, excited to celebrate the birth of our Lord.
And because I can't bear to go without my favorite Christmas video ever...
Merry, merry Christmas, friends.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletebeautiful, carlotta. you have captured some magic in your photos and that video is really touching. christmas holds a special place in ny heart, too, and i'm glad you've reminded all who visit this blog the true meaning of christmas: to recieve christ in our hearts and to remember the miracle of his birth.
ReplyDeletegod bless and merry christmas, friend.
that video is absolutely precious! my goodness, their accents are the cutest thing ever
ReplyDeleteThe 'Christmas spirit' has not been one hundred percent there for me this year, either. Lack of snow, possibly? Anyways, I sometimes have to remind myself of the true meaning. Thanks for reminding me again today. :)
ReplyDeleteThose photos of Lilly in the window melted my heart, and wherever that first photo was taken: take me there?
xo (have an amazing Christmas, my friend.)
twin sister.
oh my, the photos were gorgeous! (especially that collage of Lily.) And that video? too cute!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! :)
oh my goodness. that video is the cutest thing ever. seriously. <3
ReplyDeleteoh yes: and your wrapping is darling. ♥
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Carlotta. I just recently discovered the true joy of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAw, I love that video. Their little australian accents are too cute. :) Have you seen the facebook one? It cracks me up. :)
Love,
~Bree
That is the darlingest Christmas re-enactments ever! :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Oh Carlotta, you have it so right and you are so awesome.
ReplyDeleteAnd also, I absolutely love the picture with all the random stuff on the floor! LOVE. It's awesome.
oh my gosh, that video <3
ReplyDeletexx
I know how you have been feeling Carlotta. I have noticed that my Christmas excitement has faded slowly as I have grown older. This year, it feels different. But you are totally right saying that at our age we must cast aside the plastic traditions and turn to the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus's birth.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for this, dear. even though our family doesn't do much this season, it's incredibly necessary to not forget Jesus' birth. and this video portrays it so beautifully!
ReplyDeleteearlier today, I lacked inspiration in general, so I went through all your blog posts from the last year, noting photographs that were my favorites. It's amazing to see how far your writing has come! Even though I've never met you, and you have probably just a hazy idea of who I am, I feel like I know you like a sister. I'm on the other side of the country, but your work never ceases to inspire me. I'd love to maybe get to know you better someday.
xoxo
simi
@Bree Holloway: Those accents are actually New Zealand! :) How do I know that? I am Australian and we don't talk exactly like that. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's such a cute video! And you know what? I realized pretty much the same thing this year. :)
ReplyDeleteyou summed up my feelings exactly.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your gift wrapping :) and that first picture! gorgeous.
SO true! Sometimes people forget about the true reason for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAnd oh my word- that video is PRECIOUS!
Merry Christmas!
Makay
www.thebirdssay.blogspot.com
I know exactly how you have been feeling. I was probably thinking that it's because I'm older now, but you're right...it's because we haven't been completely focusing on Christ's birth, the true meaning!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the reminder.
with love,
Grace
come stop for tea @ gracesgardenwalk.blogspot.com
i absolutely love the first shot!♥ the tunnel is beautiful :D
ReplyDeleteThe first picture is, just wow, breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas from,
Janelle
Ooooh that first picture is really pretty. And yes, so true about the meaning of Christmas. I almost forgot about the true meaning until I read your post. Thanks for the reminder. Have a truly very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThat video was the sweetest thing ever. Oh. so. cute.
ReplyDeleteSame here--about the Christmas spirit that is. I seem to have been more excited for Christmas in November than I am now, two days away. But you're so, so right. We often forget to put things in perspective, and it's important to never forget the gift of our Savior, especially at this time when it seems so easy, even though He's what it's all about anyway.
ReplyDeleteOh, and that video? Well, it may have just made my day.
I feel the exact same way this year! That video is adorable! Oh my goodness so much cutness! :)
ReplyDeleteI've had the same feelings this year as well. There just doesn't seem to be as much cheer as there used to be. Lovely post, dear. And lily is adorable, as always.
ReplyDeletethese christmas light photos are totally a.m.a.z.i.n.g. you have much talent : )
ReplyDeleteand that video is definitely my favourite christmas video too! i remember seeing last you year when you posted it on your blog, and now again for all the new readers to enjoy : D
um, the first photo? can you say WOW? because that's what i said.
ReplyDeletei think that no matter what, i'll still have the same excitement i had as a kid. the tingle of anticipation before opening your presents, the remorse when it's all over... i haven't had much of a lack of Christmas spirit, but that one thing called "growing up" has taken its toll, too. i know what you mean.
beautiful post, m'dear. and your presents are gorgeous! my wrappings this year didn't go so very well, but still, i like them all the same. :))
-jocee <3
Merry Christmas, Carlotta! Love this post. :)
ReplyDeletethank you thank you thank you for that Carlotta. I think that a slight lack of enthusiasm must come with growing up, I've felt kind of the same. I'm also been learning how to celebrate Christmas in a different culture this year, Christmas markets and live nativities in the streets... My heart's been on quite an adventure. Have you ever spent a Christmas in Germany? I'd love to hear about it sometime. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Christmas dear! Much love.
Merry Christmas! I hope you have a blessed holiday with your family!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis was such an awesome post! I agree with each and every word you said. In our culture, everyone gets so tied up Christmas being about gifts, treats, music, etc. that they miss the entire point. I am guilty of that too.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written.
Merry Christmas!
Oh and thanks for reminding us all that Christmas is about the birth of Christ! We can all know in the back of our minds that it is about Him, but it is nice to see it written as a friendly reminder. :-]
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful reminder, Carlotta. I think we go around saying "Jesus is the Reason for the season" so much that we forget what we're really saying. You told this simple truth in a way that was easy to understand, without losing an ounce of its meaning. Thank you for that. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas!
Love and Blessings,
Elizabeth Rose
It's so awesome that you got excited after remembering what it's all about!!! Thanks for the reminder and a merry, merry, Christmas to you and your family!! :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. And beautiful gift wrapping, by the way. :)
P.P.S. That first picture is amazing.
@ Katie: Ah, thank you for that correction. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, cutest video ever!! :)
ReplyDeleteOnce again your photos are awesome. A Merry, Merry Christmas to you too. :)
abbie-xoxo
totally in love with the first picture :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you! :)
That really is what Christmas is all about:)
ReplyDeleteI love how you wrapped your gifts. So cute.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you have a very merry Christmas!
Merry, merry Christmas, Carlotta!
ReplyDeleteLots of love sent to you and your family from my family in England. :)
XO
Too cute...:)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas !!!
I love that first picture! Where is that?
ReplyDeleteMerry belated Christmas!
Wow, this really does put Christmas into perspective. Christmas is pretty well-known to be a stressful time of the year. And what for? Jesus has already given us the best gift possible.
ReplyDeleteAs always your pictures were lovely. And the video made my eyes tear up; it was so precious. I hope you had a very merry Christmas!
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kisses!!!