Christmas Blog Advent: Day 7 - More Than Christmas Decorations

I decorated early for Christmas this year. It brings me joy when I see my tree up, and my other decorations around me. It was an extremely hard year, so I wanted to start Christmas right away. I'm so glad I did. I especially enjoy turning off the lamp and admiring the soft glow of the Christmas lights. It's even more fun when I'm watching a holiday movie on my tv, and my surroundings feel so festive. Did you decorate early this year? Let me know, if you did, or did not. I usually wait until Thanksgiving is over, but not this time. I'm happy I started early, though. It really gave my mental health a significant boost of goodness.

For decorations, I don't have a huge amount. So, it was kind of easy to put them up. I also have a certain place for each one. The red lights go around the window, the pink tree sits in front of it, and the other decor is to the left and right. But I have sentiment tied to most of the decor I retrieve from my dusty plastic containers. And as I placed the decorations out; I was struck with a reminiscent feeling. There are people who were once in my life but no longer are. These gifts remind me of their love, and I wish so badly they could be here in my life again. They were such great comfort. That's one of the reasons I like Christmas.

The little Christmas building that says, "Antiques," is actually from my Grandma. After she passed, I was offered to pick out a piece from her Christmas village. I remember liking her village she would set up each season. I picked this one particularly because I love antiques. I used to go looking at antiques when I was younger, and it's something I'd like to do again. With the building, I always put it up, and light it with the other lights. It's something that brings me close to her, and our shared love for the holidays. In fact, a lot of my past Christmases were tied to her. I spent much of my time with her during those days. 💕

As I close this blog post about Christmas decorations, I'm struck with the ever-constant worry about losing others. But I can't do that. Instead, I celebrate who is in my life, and by who left a beautiful mark in my heart. It did, however, make me realize how important time is. Spend it with the ones you care about, make new memories with them, take lots of photos, and share in the love. Time is precious. Don't worry about the gifts, just surround yourself with the ones you love. Time is one of the greatest gifts we have. Spend it wisely, and I'm learning to do that myself. Now, I put aside time for the important things, like love.

Christmas decorations became more than just decor, they became a part of me. A real, true reflection of the love I felt in the past, and the love I feel now. For me, they're more than Christmas decorations. They bring me near the people I love. 💓

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson