We're halfway through the month of December and the holiday season. If you enjoy the holidays, this month flies by in a blur. And if you don't enjoy the holidays, well, you're probably not reading this blog anyway.
I don't know about you, but I'm vulnerable to sentiment and nostalgia. I used to fight it because I would feel sad that things were no longer the same. And then I realized that twenty years from now these were the very days I would be feeling nostalgic for, and I was spending them struggling with not feeling sad over the past. Do you see what I'm saying? It's okay to be nostalgic, sentimental...it's a good part of what makes this season such an emotional time of year. But don't forget to enjoy all the happy moments of here and now.
Boy, this hits home with me today. I just finished a post for a group I'm in about Christmas's past and how I'd give anything to go back. But, truth be told, while I would love to back to see my family, and parents that are gone (who wouldn't), I am pretty darn content with where I am right now. I hope my friends and family know, that they are what makes my season merry and bright.
ReplyDeleteI love the holidays - now. There was a period where I hated them. I was in full celebration mode here and with a gift I am off to Germany. Too hectic. But I will love spending the holidays with them and I won't make them all cry this time.
ReplyDelete-Andy Slayde
Thanks for this post because it's making me stop and think. Once upon a time I used to enjoy Christmas and I don't anymore and I just don't know how to get the joy back. So that's something I need to work on because I don't want to look back years from now with regret.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty powerful thought when you stop to and really think about it. Sometimes we're so caught up in focusing on memories past that we miss out on making new memories.
ReplyDeleteSince tradition is a major part of the holidays, it seems that sentiment and nostalgia are, well, inevitable. And in my opinion, very welcome. Remember the good times.
ReplyDeleteWell, fudgesicles! I woke this morning crying. It took me a moment to wonder why. Didn't take long to figure out I was missing hubby. I longed to have him wrap his arms around me and tell me he loved me. I miss him like crazy, but he was in too much pain to linger on this plane of existence. Doing my best to move on and appreciate the new and varied life experiences. My grief is manageable and each day is a new beginning. But at times sorrow blindsides me. I don't know if I'll always be maudlin at Christmas, probably not, but it's too fresh and painful. This Christmas, like last, will be a quiet affair. Hoping the new year will bring more healing.
ReplyDelete--Judy S
Such true words, these. A timely reminder, too. Your observation made me pause to think, not only about Holiday season, but life in general. And I can honestly say that I'm happy exactly where I am right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this soothing thought, Josh. Enjoy making joyful memories during the first Christmas time in your new home. Those will twine beautifully with the more nostalgic memories.
Hear, hear! :-) And speaking of moments from the past, the picture reminded me of my great aunt. She was sort of weird and eccentric and i loved her very much. It's so good to stop for a moment and remember.
ReplyDelete