Monday, December 14, 2015

Christmas Joy Blog Hop

Much thanks to Elizabeth Otten at Liz's Random Ponderings for organizing the first annual Christmas Joy Blog Hop. The participants will share one of all of things from this list that brings them the joy of the season.
*A special Christmas memory
*Favorite Christmas song/carol
*Share why you celebrate Christmas
*Favorite decorations, favorite food or treats, etc.
*The best gift you ever gave or received
*Traditions

Growing up with a large family and now having one of my own, there are special memories from every year. Picking only one, I would name last year when my daughter came home after being in Morocco. It was a stressful time for all of us and would have been more so if I'd known then what I know now.
There are lots of Christmas songs I enjoy and couldn't pick a favorite. One that always brings a tear to my eye is I'll Be Home for Christmas. I missed spending the day with my family when I first was married and now my own children are grown and don't spend the entire holiday with us. I know how my parents must have felt all those years when we left the fold one by one.
We celebrate Christmas to honor the birth of the Savior. I pray every year to thank God for what I have and ask forgiveness for the way the human race treats each other.
No favorite foods or decorations though my children have favorite tree ornaments.
I received so many wonderful gifts I couldn't name one but the Christmas 20 years ago when we got a tiny little kitten for the kids was wonderful. My oldest son named her Merry, of course, and she blessed our family with her love for 18 years.
For traditions, we always decorate the tree together. That may not seem like something special, but with as busy as everyone is, it's difficult to all get together. Sometimes,we don't manage until a few days before the actual day. Last year, it wasn't up until December, 21st. We're hoping for the 20th this year.

What is bringing you joy this season? Are you ready for Christmas? Is tree decorating part of your traditions? Do you play the music of the season in your house, car or work? Don't forget to visit the other participants. You can find them on Liz's blog.

"It is doubtful if any gift could be bought more precious than the adoration of a heart which has put out all hatred, self-pity and desire for revenge."  Charlotte Bronte








46 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

One of our traditions is watching the Muppet Christmas Carol every Christmas Eve. And every year, I cry over the death of a Tiny Tim played by a frog. LOL

Maria Zannini said...

We always play Christmas music while we're decorating.

Now that hubby and I don't live so far apart from each other we treat everyday like Christmas--and that's the honest truth. It's a gift to be with the ones you love.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Your tree still isn't up? I can't get into the spirit until the house is decorated.

Pat Hatt said...

Getting everyone together can be tougher as everyone spreads out. Makes it all the better though when everyone does.

betty said...

I liked that quote at the end :) That is so neat about all getting together to do the tree :) A wonderful tradition indeed!

betty

Tamara Narayan said...

We do spend a lot of time getting a big tree and putting on a ton of ornaments. Then when we go to my folks, we decorate theirs too!

Sylvia Ney said...

LOVE the Bronte quote - I hope you have a wonderfully Merry Christmas!

Birgit said...

What a great tradition to wait until everyone is together to put the tree up. I am anal so I alone decorate the tree:) What is special is knowing how much family tries to get together at this time. I love that Bronte quote!

L.G. Keltner said...

That's a great quote! For me, the bulk of the joy this time of year comes from my children. They practically glow with excitement and wonder during this time of year, and it's contagious!

Merry Christmas!

cleemckenzie said...

My traditions have kind of crumbled this year. No tree. Some decorations. And one gathering of friends. I've cut way back this year, but hope to back full steam next year. Merry Christmas.

Shanaya Tales said...

We don't really celebrate Christmas, but we do have a tree and some decorations up- mostly for the toddler, as he awaits Santa. :)

P.S. Loved the ending quote.

The Happy Whisk said...

I've been ready since Halloween ended. Love the xmas decorations and fun. Wishing you the best all year, round.

SpacerGuy said...

I love watching Star Trek buzzing about seeking out and high fiving new lifeforms, human and alien alike. XD Merry Christmas Susan.

A Beer for the Shower said...

What a cool tradition with the tree. In my house we usually just put ours up when we feel like it, and have a fairly quiet Christmas all to ourselves since family is pretty far away. There is plenty of Christmas music to stave off that quietness, though.

J E Oneil said...

What nice Christmas memories. I hope this year is just as good. And that you get your tree up :)

Chrys Fey said...

A kitten for Christmas. How could you beat that? Merry Christmas, Susan! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

We're at the stage of evolving Christmas traditions are the kids are older and our family is growing - and that's the very best part! Enjoy your Christmas and your family!!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Yeah, Tiny Tim can break your heart in any form.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I have my CD's in the stereo. They're the only CDs I play anymore.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

No tree yet. We're no scheduled for Sunday at 7 PM because a few of the brats HAVE to go see Star Wars first.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Exactly true. More difficult every year.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Every year I'm worried it will be our last time as they get their homes and start families.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I miss helping my mom with her tree. It was fun. She would just sit and direct.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thank you, Sylvia. You too.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I usually on adjust a few when they hang them on the very bottom so there's no room for presents.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Children do make it very special. We're all out of little ones until the next generation comes along.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I hope that one gathering makes up for all the rest. Merry Christmas, Lee.

Ann Bennett said...

My favorite part of Christmas is family. I feel blessed. Not having children, I do feel some loss. However, I decided long ago to be happy with what I had and not waste my life pining for what I do not have.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

It is so fun when they believe in Santa.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm not surprised you've been ready since then. I'm going to watch a Christmas movie tomorrow sometime while I wrap the few gifts I've bought.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Our kids are our only family nearby but there are so many of them that it makes a crowd.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

The tree ceremony is now late on Sunday. It doesn't take long.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

And to you, Chrys. Of course, at Christmas is when we really miss her.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Some things have to change as the kids get older. Like they can have a glass of wine while we put up the tree.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Family is the best. My husband and I are learning to be comfortable in the quiet as the kids have grown and moved out so we don't mind when it is just the two of us.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

As a mom of kids who are young adults, I know my big family Christmases are coming to an end. Just have to enjoy them while I can.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

As a mom of kids who are young adults, I know my big family Christmases are coming to an end. Just have to enjoy them while I can.

Elizabeth said...

Decorating the tree together is a great tradition :) Merry sounds like she was an excellent gift, I love cats! I also like your prayer; as the years go by, I am more content with the things I have and my desire is more for fellowship with family and friends, and for more peace and kindness in the world.

nashvillecats2 said...

I plau music all the time to take away the loneliness of being alone. Music has been a lifetime of pleasure for me.
Great post.
Yvonne.



Karthika Qpt said...

Merry Christmas and enjoy singing the wonderful words and lyrics to the Christmas carols & Christmas songs
Read interesting Jingle Bells Lyrics and sing now.

Denise Covey said...

Yes, no doubt you were a little tense when your daughter was in Morocco. I've been there twice and wouldn't want my daughters there unaccompanied.

I'm sort of ready for Christmas. Got the tree up, lights flickering, just a few more gifts and food to go.

Merry Christmas to you Susan!

Denise :-)

Christine Rains said...

I'm all ready for Christmas. We got an early family gift with adopting two cats. It will be a fun Christmas this year with two furry friends to share it with! :) Have a very merry Christmas.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - it's always wonderful to bring back the happy memories - I still love listening and watching the 9 Lessons and Carols from King's College, Canterbury - breathtaking singing ... and really draws me in. We've had 'habit's over the years ... but they change and have once again ...

I am not ready! Enuff said I think ... cheers to one and all and Happy Christmas ... Hilary

Tyrean Martinson said...

We attempted to make the tree decorating take place over several days time this year to accommodate everyone's schedules . . . it's standing there half-covered with lights at the moment and I think we'll be decorating it on Thursday evening . . . I hope.
It sounds like your prayers are similar to mine.

And I love your favorite gift - Merry is a perfect name. :)

Merry Christmas, Susan! Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day!

Alex Hurst said...

I have missed having a tree so much. I'm looking forward to being in Canada next year so that I can decorate the tree with extended family members again! Though.... Japan has some wonderful illuminations!

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Thanks for a peek into your Christmas. I like your Christmas tradition. Merry Christmas!