I want a good old-fashioned Christmas.
After Thanksgiving, on BlackFriday, I watched numerous old Christmas episodes on a network that airs old television programs. They were mostly in black and white. I love all those old episodes. I even watched a couple of Christmas episodes of Lassie.
It was a gray, ol’ cold day that should have been spitting snowflakes. Which contributed to my wistful Christmas mood. However, the more I watched, the more nostalgic I became. Desiring that good, old-fashioned Christmas feeling.
Where did that feeling go? Does adulthood have to gobble up that feeling? Someone please lead me back to that road of the slower-paced day, when there was time to savor every moment of the season. When giving was a joy. Not a chore.
Today, King Greenback reigns and has shoved Jesus’ birthday into a cash register. Though many still strive to keep Jesus as the “reason for the season.”
Times have surely changed. There was an era when time held more anticipation. A time to enjoy it all. A time for goodwill to others.
Unfortunately, memories of Christmas for some hold nothing but strife and disappointment. It’s easy to get discouraged during this season. Job loss. Death of a loved one. Needing more cash. Fights. Or desiring a Pinterest perfect house.
Wanna dream with me? Imagine this…
Ahhh! Sweet thoughts. But not too many experience this.
Maybe your Christmas won’t be a Pinterest perfect picture. And neither will mine. But you know what? If you don’t enjoy where you are…
On one of the M*A*S*H Christmas episodes called “Dear Sis,” the gang is all depressed and sitting around Colonel Potter’s desk.
Potter says to them, “Look, folks. I spent 18 Christmases away from Mildred. Some of them up to my hips in mud. It took me 15 of them to realize that I was making myself miserable because I wanted to be some place else. If you ain’t where you are, you’re no place.”
Yes, I know. Some of you are in a miserable place right now, and I pray the Lord touches your situation. But what is in your heart? Are you where you are, or wanting to be some place else? Or wishing for your surroundings or situation to be picture perfect?
I may not be enjoying a Pinterest perfect Christmas, but that good old-fashioned Christmas is where I am. In my heart. As I choose to praise the Lord and be thankful. And sharing it.
From our house to your house…may your heart and hearth be filled with Joy!
Hooking up with…
Mondays…
Soli deo Gloria
Laura Boggess Playdates
Tuesdays…
Purposefulfaith.com
Wednesdays…
Words of Life
Delightful post, Lynn.
I love creating my brand new traditions and then watching them become “old” over the years.
Merry Christ-mas and happy Holy Days!
Oh, I agree, Carol! So fun to find something new that sticks! Thanks so much, sweetie! And merry CHRISTmas and happy Holy Days to you as well! xoxox
Love this article, Lynn! It is just the article I and others need to read…
Thanks so much, dear Toni! I had a feeling I wasn’t the only one! LOL May your Christmas be filled with manger joy! 😀
What a great reminder and loved that Potter quote. I am trying to capture the little unexpected moments. I looked at the poinsettias at church yesterday and embraced the beauty of our sanctuary for example. May you have a holy, wonder filled Christmas, dear friend
Awww, thank you, sweetie! Love seeing a whole array of poinsettias. So lovely! Thank you for the Christmas wish and I pray the same for you! ❤
I’m coming over as your neighbor from the Cheerleading Linkup. I love this post. For me, even though there are some hard things about experiencing Christmas as a missionary, away from family, I love how simple the whole thing is here. No pressure to do more or be more than you are. Just cook some food, open the door, and enjoy your friends and family. Hope you get to enjoy a simpler Christmas too.
So nice to have you visit, Colleen! Thank you. I can only imagine how different it must be. And so beautiful. May the Lord bless you for you service. And may you have a very blessed Christ-mas!
Enjoyed your post! I loved your insight on celebrating Christmas. Blessings to you.
Lisa, I’m so honored to have you visit. So glad you enjoyed it. You fill my encouragement tank with your kind words. Thank you so much! May you have a very blessed Christmas! 😀
Pinterest-perfect Christmas … well, not in most homes 🙂 Thank you Lynn for this post. Wishing you a heartwarming Christmas and a blessed 2015!
Hey, dear Marja! So happy you stopped by. Was on my way to your place to wish you a merry Christ-mas. Thanks so much for blessing. And I hope you have a very blessed Christ-mas! xoxox
The Pinterest Christmas’ leave us wanting more and feeling inadequate. Thank you for posting this and allowing us to have an imperfect Christmas, Lynn. This is what so many of us need to hear. Cheering you.
So true, Kelly! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your wonderful encouragement. You’re a blessing! Hope you have a very blessed Christ-mas! xoxox
Ah, to go back to that simpler time. I love the old black and white classics too. But, even those didn’t portray most people’s lives, even then. There has always been sorrow, strife and poverty. You are right, those perfect Christmases only exist in our hearts and dreams. But, we can visit those places anytime, with just a thought and a prayer. Merry Christmas, Lynn!
Thanks so much, Ceci! You’re right, even those times were not perfect. But they were simpler. Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas. And may the Lord bless your New Year with outrageous blessings! xoxox