‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

I feel pretty jolly, over all. Not because everything is going smoothly, but because there is an inherent joy within the Christmas season for me. The only explanation is the spiritual significance and infusion of the holiday. The days are holy!

It does add to the overall atmosphere of joy and peace that the lights, decorations, and abundance of good food is part of the observation. So let me describe the celebratory atmosphere….

The Christmas Tree Fiasco

We decorated early. I cleaned early. And that gave a little wiggle room when we had a few “snafus”. Like the cut Christmas tree that stopped drinking water. Rather than take our chances… my husband and daughter took all the ornaments off, hauled the tree outside, recut the trunk with a fresh slice, and brought it back in.

We let it drink , to show it could, and then redecorated. It was a task.

But it really ended up well in the end. Mainly because I had been watching some Christmas decorating videos, went the decor store sales, and bought some extra supplies. Garland! Christmas floral picks!  Not a huge amount, but enough that when the tree was re-done, it actually looked better than before. with a berried and sparkle garland gracing the tree, and sprigs of the floral picks in an edited placement throughout; it looks far more special than in recent years.

I also bought a short, natural looking garland with lights that now encircles the entry mirror. Just fa-la-la everywhere.

The Magic of Fairy Lights

I had some strands of fairy lights. Those extra teeny, battery powered ones on fishing wire strands.  I had them from years before and had used one, out of the three that I had. Anyway, one went on the mantel, one lit up a small artificial tree in the sunroom, and another went into the glass base of a lamp.

They really do look entrancing.

Pretty Poinsettias are Almost Too Much

But not really. So here is the story on that:

I found gigantic-sized poinsettia plants at Costco for a very good price. ( BTW, they also had a super great price on Christmas trees, but we had already bought ours elsewhere). So I got one!  I am very glad I didn’t buy two, since my daughter was given one by her friend. So we have two very bushy and beautiful red Poinsettias by a large window.

I set one on a plaster pillar to give it contrasting height, and the other is in a brazier stand.

I just feel so blessed to have the festive decor at this time of year. It seems frivolous in many ways, but unexplainably gives me joy. I am not really a decorator, but this year it was very edifying to prepare the setting for whatever family memories we are able to make this year.

The Rest of the Story

I could tell you how busy I am ( it’s true, making up for ten years neglect of my writing and online endeavors….). Or I could tell you about the challenges in life, or commiserate about any number of things, but in light of how good God has been, how very many prayers have been answered, all the many blessings that surround me… I just feel grateful and satisfied with my portion.

I hope for this for all my readers, and for those in my life. Gratefulness, peace, the light of joy. Jesus is truly the light of the world and the light of this season.

Merry Christmas!