Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Well, It’s Christmas Eve Eve

Yep, I meant to type Eve twice. It is the "eve" of Christmas Eve. For as long as I can remember it is my favorite day of the holiday season. It is not quite Christmas ~ I still have time to finish those special sugar cookies my family loves ~ I still have time to go out and pick up anything I might have forgotten (or in my case for this year ~ I still need to finish shopping ~ I’m just so thankful that Amazon.com was able to help me as much as they did!) ~ I still have time to send out a card or two ~ I still have time.

And that mentality certainly walks hand in hand with the way I have approached and am about to enter this very special time of year. I’ve slowed down considerably ~ trying to stroll through the hustle and bustle rather than dart frantically here and there. I've listened intently to the Christmas songs (Christian and secular). I’ve discovered that I won’t be humming "Santa Baby" anymore ~ that the description of the Grinch in "You Are A Mean One Mr. Grinch" is very vivid and he was a pretty sorry soul before his transformation ~ that "Breath of Heaven" is a Christmas song and one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard ~ that Mark Lowry sings "Mary Did You Know?" much better than anyone else.

I’ve spent more time watching some movies and shows with the family (it has always been hard for me to sit through a movie) and I continue to be convinced that the-older-the-better is still the way to go. The Walton’s Homecoming with Patricia Neal (a native of my state!) and Richard Thomas (my first love in the 70's ~ don’t laugh) is pure and fresh. In one episode on the Andy Griffith Show, Andy and a young lady (played by Gail Davis) sit on the front porch and sing a precious love song entitled "Down in the Valley" ~ it is one of the prettiest love songs I’ve ever heard. And I plan to watch It’s a Wonderful Life ~ again ~ but this time sticking with it from start to finish.:)

Slowing down this Christmas required me to consciously decide to do so. It has always been such a rush-rush situation for me ~ and in the end it is invariably anti-climatic because once that intense pace concludes it has always been a major let down.

I have truly tried to make this a different Christmas for myself and the family. In many ways I believe I have succeeded. At least I hope I have. I have determined that strolling through the preparation and festivities of Christmas has allowed me to see what is going on around me ~ to really listen to those Christmas lyrics instead of just knowing the tune ~ to appreciate the sweet spirit and cleanliness of the movies and shows of a time long, long gone by ~ to exert my energies in a way that hopefully I won’t feel that anti-climatic feeling anymore.

So I enter Christmas Eve Eve in a different place this year ~ and you know what ~ I like it. Merry Christmas!!! P.S. Just so you know, the beautiful home pictured above is not my house. :)

13 Thoughts On The Matter:

Marsha said...

Oh Cathryn, these are my sentiments exactly! It's so nice to be know there are others slowing down the pace and appreciating the season for what it is.

Have a blessed Christmas!

~~Deby said...

ME TOO....and a Merry Christmas EVE EVE to you...that is also what I have called this day for years....
I too have taken time to even read a Grace Livingston Hill book last week...Christmas theme...and of course my BIBLE....just taking time....knowing EVERYDAY is the Lords...
Merry Christmas to you and yours...
Deby

Cindy said...

Cathryn,

I hope you and your family have the Merriest of Christmases!

Cindy

Abounding Treasures said...

A joyous and blessed Christmas to you and yours Cathryn!

With regard to slowing down and enjoying every moment is something that I am trying to remember too :o)

Theresa's Notes said...

Merry Christmas Cathryn!

The Nichols Family said...

We have been watching all christmas shows and Juliet love's the musicals such as White Christmas and Meet Me in St Louis too ! I hope you have a Wonderful Christas.

Leah Adams said...

Cathyrn,

Beautiful blog and beautiful post!! I came over from my friend, Cindy's blog. I'll be back to visit more.

Leah

Karin said...

So glad you are not having a holly, jolly Christmas, but a peaceful, quiet, holy, blessed time! God is good!

Humble wife said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Slowing down and focusing on Him definitely make things easy!

btw- I love John Boy- and even to this day watch any show that he is in?! Now hows that for a 70's crush?

and I always make the sugar cookies on Christmas eve. I refuse to be pressured and actually enjoy this simple pace.

Jennifer

Deborah said...

Hi Cathryn! Sorry I haven't commented in awhile! I HAVE been enjoying your posts though...so much so that I plan to feature a couple on my Thursday This 'n That post on Jan.1st...so watch for them!

susansspace said...

God bless you this Christmas, Cathryn! So glad our paths have crossed here in bloggyland! Your love for the Lord is so evident in all of your postings.
I'm naming you Cathryn-the-Encourager, because you always leave such sweet and encouraging comments.
Many blessings!
Susan

Marsha said...

Hi Cathyrn! I like your new blog look. I'm in the process of looking right now, but it will be a few days until I do anything - time wise. 2 of our grandchildren are with us for several days - that's my 1st priority.

Have a blessed weekend.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I wish I'd have read this the day you wrote it. You have some good thoughts, there.