Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Dear Daughters: Decorating at Christmas, Part I

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Dear Daughters,


This is one of those occasions and seasons

when

it is very important that you

open up all the stops,

let go of the tight rein of what you think

you should be thinking and doing,

and enjoy it

ALL.


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Over the years at Christmas,

you have seen me

decorate

everything in my line of vision,

including you,

if you stood still long enough.



And contrary to the naysayers,

who do not subscribe to the idea that a little

glittered

Christmas decorating and the Divine reason for this  season are

compatible,

I respectfully disagree.



Getting dolled up

is one of the ways

the women in our family

have always shown

their loved ones and their friends,

both the Divine and

the Divinely bestowed,



that it is time to

CELEBRATE.



You are also smart enough to know

that decorating at Christmas is not about the money spent,

the collections stored,

the ladders climbed to hang one more thing,

or

the color schemes changed.



I have done all of the above , and



I have learned at this stage in my life

It is about

knowing and accepting

WHY

I am doing it.



That is the motive that needs examining-

not whether or not I need more mercury glass votives.


If in the balance ,

of your day to day life

decorating at Christmas

is one of the ways

you are called to

illustrate the message in your home

that you are celebrating,

it is
OK. 


If in the balance of that same precious life (yours),

you are too tired,

too worried,

too afraid,

and too overwhelmed

to decorate as if your glue gun is on fire,


I know from past experience

that the season’s

BIRTHDAY HONOREE

will understand.


It really is

OK.


IT IS ALL OK.


Love,

Mom
***

 

Linking to the wonderful Suzanne’s

image

at Privet and Holly.

14 comments:

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Great post Laura....even for those who aren't related...except through this blogging family.

Loui♥ said...

Laura..
so beautifully expressed..
and needed..
warmest hugs..
Loui♥
ps..always love Your "expressions"..
whatever the season!!

erin's art and gardens said...

perfectly and beautifully said! ah yes...the "honoree" understands all....
erin
xxoo

Pondside said...

That's a great letter for any of us to receive. I love that the 'honoree' will understand!

Lisa said...

Amen, Laura!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura! Oh, this was beautifully put! I'm older than you, but I'm at that stage too. We mustn't forget it's all about Jesus.
Bless you,
Shelia ;)

Blondie's Journal said...

Very well said, Laura! It's not the how's...it's the why's.

XO,
Jane

Linda said...

Gorgeous post. You're very wise. :)

Karen said...

I wish you would write a book! Your advice is wonderful and right on the mark.
Hugs,
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Deb said...

I agree with Karen..

Beeutiful by Design said...

Sigh -- thanks Mom -okay blogging Mom - I'm going to go eat dinner now and stop fretting over Christmas.

Privet and Holly said...

So gorgeously expressed.
What wonderful, FREEING
advice to dispense not only
to daughters, but to women
everywhere. I've had some
years which are glittered,
and some years which were
barely stitched together. We
do what we can and hopefully
honor the reason for all of
the celebrating, in whatever
way we can, each year. So
honored to have you link up
these insightful words, Laura!

Hugs,
xx Suzanne

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I'm visiting from Privet and Holly. Your post is wonderful. To honor the celebration is the important thing, not how much we can and can't get done. As woman I think we sometimes feel the need to go and go and go but at some point it is important to remember why we feel that way and pay honor to that reason instead of wearing ourselves out. Lovely post and good advice.

deb mills said...

beautifully said. merry Christmas, laura!

 

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