Christmas Blog Advent: Day 3 - What Christmas Means To Me

Christmas Blog Advent: Day 3 - What Christmas Means To Me

Christmas means a lot to me. Ever since I was little, I thought it to be the most magical holiday. It was everything. The lights. The atmosphere. The snow. I loved it all. I was in awe of it as a child, and honestly, I still am. There is just something about it. Seeing family and friends, sharing gifts, and eating home-cooked food are precious during this season. In fact, I hold onto the many memories of time passed. I can fondly look back to when I would look at the ornaments on the tree with rapture. The lights glistening. ✨

When I was young, I enjoyed playing with my ornaments. The tree was their home, a different place from ours. In this special world, the ornaments came alive. I couldn't resist playing with them. I was in my own story, but a Christmas one. Christmas is not about things or gifts, I know, but my love language is gifts. It's not just the gifts or things that are nice; I often tie the love and memory behind the gifts I receive. So, the ornaments have a special meaning to me, and still have, as I miss the people who are no longer with us.

Now, that I'm grown, I obviously don't play with the ornaments. I still like to hang them onto the tree and recount the love I feel from them. I often step back and admire the beauty and unity they create on the tree. It becomes a tree of love. I know that as I age, the more people I'll lose. And taking the time to hang ornaments with them is important. I take in the soft music, the sound of the furnace roaring, the sparkling lights on the tree, and the conversations from nostalgia. This is the place that I feel the most love.

I guess you could say that Christmas brings family and love to me. All the memories. All the growing up. My parents tried to make this holiday something to cherish. They did, and I do. I even decorated my home early this year. I couldn't wait. It brings me joy. I also love to buy gifts for people, and I usually start my shopping in October. I take the time to carefully pick a present for my loved ones. I like to see them open the presents from me. Seeing the pure delight in their eyes brings me both comfort and merriment. It's so fun.

Of course, the true meaning of Christmas is Christ. We celebrate this holiday because of Him. He became a baby, so that we could have His love within us. Love to share with others, whether friend or stranger. Ultimately, He did it because He loves us. And we're supposed to take His love and give it to people. We aren't meant to hoard it. Whatever that love looks like, express it, whether it's an ornament for someone, or making cookies to eat. In any way you can, give love this Christmas. That's what Christmas should mean to us.

That's what Christmas means to me.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Christmas Blog Advent: Day 2 - Bookish Giveaway

Christmas Blog Advent: Day 2 - Bookish Giveaway

Giveaway: It's the second day of advent. And for today, I'm doing a giveaway. I themed it a bookish giveaway, since there's a book to win. Here's what you can win, if you're randomly selected: a beautiful copy of poems by Robert Frost, a book holder, a bookmark, the five packets of tea, and a $15.00 Amazon gift card. If you'd like to enter, just leave a comment for a way to contact you. It's easy if I know you from Facebook, so all you have to do is let me know there. I hope that's not confusing! I just need a comment on my blog, and you're entered for the random giveaway drawing. The giveaway will start today and end on the January 2nd. I hope you have fun with the giveaway! Good luck to all my readers. 💙

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Christmas Blog Advent: Day 1 - Introduction

Christmas Blog Advent: Day 1 - Introduction

Welcome to my blog's first-ever Christmas advent calendar. I've got many fun things ahead for you to discover. Are there giveaways? Yes! There's two giveaways - one starts tomorrow and the other at a later date. So excited! I've been wanting to do something similar to this for a long time, but I just never did. What is it exactly? I'm glad you asked! It's similar to a real advent calendar. There will be a post each day on my blog until December 25th. That's the last day of the advent, like traditional ones. After that, I'll take a short break.

You're not required to do anything except to leave a comment on the blog posts that have a giveaway. All you have to do is sit back and relax while reading my blog posts. I've actually been planning this for a few months. I really wanted to get into the Christmas spirit and share that with everyone else. Some of you know, it's been a difficult year for all of us. Things have quieted a little, but I don't know how the rest of this month will go - good, I hope. 💗 I'm praying for a lovely December for everyone - one filled with celebration.

How are you celebrating this month? I'd love to hear about it! I want to go look at lights, build a snowcat, and do a whole bunch of writing. I want to work hard, but take in the season, as well. I'm learning that it can be hard to juggle both. Do you have that problem? This Christmas, I'm realizing that contentment is what I need to focus on. It's not easy to be content, even in the hard times! Ultimately, I'm hoping that my family can have a rest-filled month - where we all find contentment. May you find it, too, my friend.

The picture above is of the tree that's become symbolic to my family over the years. I decided one day to add ornaments and a star to it (not real ones). It really is kind of like a welcome home to Arrow for Christmas. May it be a welcome home for you this Christmas as you're invited to my blog's celebration! I really hope everyone enjoys this advent calendar I put together. I pray it brings some joy to your daily life. If you like my blog, and don't want to miss out on any posts, be sure to like or follow my Facebook page here. Thank you! 🎄

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson