In holiday seasons of the past, I have always felt this inane need to make them an extravagant affair.
One of the life lessons cancer has taught me, is that it truly isn’t about the extravagance.
Rather, it is about the little items we love, and those moments that make up an ingrained memory.
Like dancing in the kitchen with the boys.
Kissing sweet boys bald warm head.
Lazy mornings, complete with little boy cuddles.
Watching your husband flourish as a father.
Sunsets.
Bubbles. Bubble baths.
Feeling the wind, and flying kites.
Spying the moon in the sky.
Ocean dipped toes.
Playing ball with dad.
Coffee. Warmth. Comfort.
Being understood. Acceptance.
Swinging.
Learning something new.
Baking cookies.
Moments with pause.
Reading a good novel.
Heartfelt apologies.
Holding hands.
Exceeding expectations.
A good pair of shoes. Filling shoes.
Laughing until you cry.
Love without boundaries.
And so this year our holiday season will be a little different. A little scaled down.
The decorations will be less grand.
The gingerbread house will be smaller.
The presents fewer.
But instead the memories will be extravagant. Abounding.
After all, life it isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses.
You can’t take your material possessions with you when you die.
All that will remain is your legacy, and the memories you created and shared with others in your time here.
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24 comments:
beautifully written. love it! we are on the same page. simplify. more focus on family, traditions and service, less on the material items. may your holiday season be merry and bright.
this is really beautiful and truly was the holidays are all about.
Beautiful sentiment! I cannot agree more! Thank you for sharing this most valuable lesson! I, too, will be remembering this come the holiday season. Love your photos! You, your family, and precious Ezra are in my prayers, always!
Yep, I lost my mom to complications due to cancer in early October. This year, I'm taking your view and making memories instead of trying to buy and bustle. Thanks for the reminder and prayers for your sweet baby and your family. ~Lanie
That is beautiful. I agree with you the memories are more important than possessions. We are scaling down our holiday celebrations this year as well.
Beautifully said:) thanks for this! You have such a lovely family!
I came to this realization last year and was so much happier with a simpler celebration. The time spent, the snuggles, the love and the laughing are what I remember from year to year. They're what my children will remember, too.
- Julia at Midwest Moms
Wonderful reminder, thank you for that.
Beautiful post. Thank you for the reminder.
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in it!
Just beautiful, pure and simple. Happy Hoildays to you and your beautiful family.
This is exactly what it should be. Thank you for the daily reminder of the important things in life!
You are so so right!
Just a lovely, lovely post. Life is about the little things, the moments, the people we share them with.
Thanks for this beautiful post.
You made me cry. It's so, so true, isn't it? Most of us are already stressed out wondering how to get the best deal possible for all the gifts we feel obligated to put under the tree, and here we are, overlooking the best gifts possible - that are free! *sigh* I love this post.
Thanks for this post. For the sweet reminder that it is indeed the little things that matter. That the pomp and circumstance is often a distraction from the heart of it all - from the life and love inherent in small moments. I think we should all scale back and savor the good things, the tiny reminders of good fortune and great love. This post is one of my favorites. Simply stunning.
Beautiful post, Beth!
An awesome reflection! Thank you for sharing this - I know it comes from the heart! Holidays aren't (for the majority) a time of peace and gratitude - there is way too much hoopla and accumulation of crap and all the expectations that produce nothing but frantic stressed-out folks. You have the right recipe! Enjoy every moment!
oh beth.... your words.... your pictures.... it all speaks volumes. and it is all what we need to hear right now. thank you!
Truer words were never spoken. It's about family. Things are meaningless. Love is forever.
Beautiful message! I totally agree with you. This year, since we don't have money to spend on Christmas, I am finding myself looking MORE forward to the season. I hope I can make it extra special for the kids, without the gifts.
What a beautiful reminder. Each year, we try to do a little less rather then a little more and focus on what is really important.
Loved this. Hugs to you!
Wow, what am absolutely BEAUTIFUL post. You've really nailed what the holidays *should* be all about!
~Elizabeth
http://confessionsfromaworkingmom.blogspot.com
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