Let There Be Light
the joy of Christmas decorations...
"Every year I seem to forget the ethereal beauty of Christmas lights until I see them again…”
My favorite holiday season has arrived. I admit it. Christmas has been my favorite time of year for as long as I can remember.
For me, Christmas is a celebration with both religious and family ties. For another essay on this topic, please read my post from last year entitled Christmas moments.
I love having a Christmas tree and being able to decorate it with lights and ornaments.
There is actually science behind the positive effects of Christmas decorating. According to Psychology Today: “Most people have positive holiday memories. Whether you recall waking up early filled with excitement on Christmas morning as a child, or you recall a family meal where everyone gathered together, the holiday season can remind you of special times. When you start decorating, you'll trigger your brain to recall those holiday memories.
Whether you're listening to Christmas music or you're putting your decorations on the mantle, the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays stir up nostalgia.
When you find that childhood ornament that you always loved putting on the tree, you might instantly recall the wonder you experienced when you put up your Christmas tree every year. Or you might string the lights the same way you did in your childhood home and honoring that tradition might help you feel more connected to family.”
My parents spent 15 years of their retirement creating handmade wooden ornaments and this is the time of year when I get to pull them out and admire them.
This year I decorated one of the trees at the church I work at with a few of those ornaments. When I showed it to our pastors they were both enchanted by these beautiful creations hanging from the tree and it was then that I remembered the first-time reactions of others who witnessed them over the years.
It’s funny how something you see every year can become ordinary yet it only takes another person’s perspective to remind you how extraordinary they truly are.
With the encouragement of our pastors, I made a small sign explaining who created them and that brought me so much joy.
A gentle reminder that their artwork provided much more than an extra income during their retirement.
It has left us with inspiring works of art that touch our hearts, and all those who see them…whether it is for the first time or the hundredth…
What do you think?
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Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
When Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis was a kid, a mentor from Big Brothers Big Sister helped provide stability in his life. Last weekend, Davis got the chance to give back with a pregame tribute on Sunday Night Football. Steve Hartman has the story.
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
Children’s Corner
One of my all-time favorite read-alouds for my first graders, I love this rhyming story, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry - Enjoy!
Podcast pick…
Instead of watching the news in the morning I have changed my routine in hopes of a better start to my day.
This past week I started my days listening to Sarah’s Bookshelves Live, a weekly book podcast featuring real talk about books and recommendations from a featured bookish guest.
Interesting thoughts…
As we approach the Winter solstice
the days are at their shortest and the
light is sparse.
Allow this period of quietude
to enter..
Make gentle adjustments
to your daily life.
Hibernating instincts are strong
right now, and we need to
act upon them.
Winter is a time for recuperating.
We need to follow the example
of nature,
she is quietly resting and
restoring her energies for the spring.
As the light diminishes,
we are reminded
to slow down and do less.
Too often we ignore
the invitation to stillness.
Winter is a time for waiting ..
The light will return,
as will the flora and the fauna.
In the meantime,
take a deep breath
And relax into the season
of deep rest ...
Artist Credit: Taryn Knight
Mind/Body connections…
Breathing exercises are one of the most effective ways to stimulate your vagus nerve, up regulate your parasympathetic nervous system response, and combat stress and anxiety. But with so many exercises to choose from, how do you know which ones are best for you?
In this video, we’ll set the record straight and help you understand how to do specific breathing practices to stimulate your vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system. The three simple techniques you’ll learn and the subsequent breathing practice that combines them all will help you to quickly self-soothe and feel calm when you really need to.
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Here’s Celtic Women singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing...Enjoy!
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….