It’s a quiet holiday slow down for my family this week. We’re gathering sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews together. There will be a feast of turkey tomorrow and Santa will definitely visit (I still believe. If you celebrate, do you?)
This holiday season is one of my favorite times. My family has traditions that we’ve followed for literally as long as I can remember. In fact, the stocking I still use today is from my childhood.
It’s small and red, made from felt, and looks like an old-fashioned pair of elf pants, complete with white pom poms at the toe end of each foot and has a drop-down flap in the front.
I love this season because even amid the hustle and bustle, there are moments of real quiet.
I’m usually one of the first people up on Christmas morning. I wake up my sister and we sneak down to look at the tree. Underneath, gifts galore. And the best part? Stockings stuffed with goodies.
It’s a moment where the house is quiet. My sister and I plug in the lights on the tree and we share a little bit of awe before the chaos of the day begins.
Recently, I heard a radio program where the guest suggested we seek out quiet not for quiet itself but in order to give ourselves room to think.
And when I put myself in the quiet place of Christmas morning with my family, all I think about is joy. All I feel is love. And suddenly, I’m awash with gratitude.
Winter is truly a time of rest. And no matter what you celebrate this winter season, I hope you find some quiet time to rest. To allow joy and gratitude to fill your heart, too.
Happy Holidays, every one!
Angie
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