Spiritual needs at this time

I have a bit of trouble with getting older and the "magic" of Christmas isn't quite so exciting as the years roll on. Could be because some of my traditions are rereading special books I only read November-the new year, etc. My husband and I just moved in 2005 so this is just our second Christmas in this house. We've started a couple new traditions, but I think December 26 is going to come and I'll be a bit washed out.

What are your wishes for this "season" -- do you have any traditions and ways of celebrating that help you feel better over the "winter"? Do you do new year resolutions or go away on sunny vacations during dark and dreary February? (my husband's favorite thing to do). Do you plan your garden? In a week or so all the festivities and hype are going to be over but then those of us in the northern hemisphere are still stuck with 2-4 more months of yuck. How do you help yourself through that?

Christmas is still incredibly magical for me.

I just LOVE the lights and love going for walks at night with my wife.

The music is wonderful. I play Christmas music constantly......I immerse myself in it.

I revel in the decorations, the trees, the smells of food and evergreen, the mistletoe, fires in the fireplace, the pretty paper that hides the gifts, the contacts with friends and family.

What's not to love?

As to the dark period afterwards.....I find that if I exercise religiously, get as much exposure to daylight as I can, and dwell on positive things rather than negative--I do very well.

Winter is a time of snow and solitude.....a time for reading, study, reflection, meditation, watching the cats watch the birds at the feeders, and spending time listening to a crackling fire.

Oh.....and I stay away from t.v. except for watching GOOD movies.

I am enjoying every bit of life......winter has its own charms.

I, too, have had trouble rethinking the holidays, not just Christmas. When a youngester, I bought into the American traditions of family getting together, Santa Clause for the kids, their excitement on Christmas morning and especially the song, "over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go." It didn't work out that way, and FINALLY, this year, I've let it go. My oldest son, my Rock, and his family will be the only child I see this year. It's been that way for a while. His wife and I talked and I told her it was alright if we didn't have Christmas Dinner as such. To me, Christmas Day was pretty much over around noon or so. We don't get together with them until 4 or 5 pm. This year is the first year that IT'S OKAY. One child, the best of the best, and his wonderful family will satisfy that spiritual need this year. It has for a long time. I've just come to realize it now.

A new tradition that I want to start is to deliver baked goods to my neighbors and acquaintances in my neighborhood on Christmas Eve. I didn't make it this year because of physical reasons, but Lord willing, if I'm around next year, I'll try again. There were at least 20 plates of goodies and home made cards. There will probably be more next year. I'll know to start earlier.

However, the "magic of Christmas" for me has turned more and more to the miracle birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Of course, my mind carries me through his life, death and resurrection. I carry that with me throughout the year.

If DH gets off work on time tonight, we'll attend a Christmas Eve service somewhere. I've still to find a church that has a program that will satisfy my spiritual needs in that area. If not, then DH and I will listen to Christian Christmas carols and have a time of meditation on the miracle that happened so long ago.

Blessings to you, Perna.

I'm searching for a new tradition - I don't have it as yet but I'm hopeful. Christmas for me was a magical time, I loved to decorate and such. Last year I donated all my stuff to Goodwill. My son's girlfriend is not to giving about time spent with me. - more her family and my EX. My friends have all done the yearly migration to FL.

So I'm not sure - but I'm searching.

Merry Christmas!!!

September if you can go see the Nativity Story! I saw it yesterday and could not get up from my seat! It sure brings back the true meaning of Christmas for me!

We'll see. Not sure if time will allow. Haven't been feeling up to much lately anyway. Cooking dinner for Jerry and me for tonight is wearing me out.

Hope you're having a good CHRISTmas Eve, Hon!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{Freewill}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} I have a daughter-in-law like that. I again won't be able to see my baby for Christmas or HIS babies. Oh, well... What can you do, eh?

Ya know- I see this was posted in 2006 but this has been on my mind lately seeing it is december and all.... the magic of the holidays seem to deem as I get older... Even "the good will towards men" theme gets dimmer as time goes on and how the economy, wars and all get worse...... I don't really watch the news, have not since well geez 2005, I still watch it from time to time, and which just confirms on why not to watch.. here recently an elderly man was beaten to death and robbed.. how is that good will towards men..... I don't know if that magic feeling of once I had very little of as a child, will ever return... I try to do simple things- IE black friday instead of going out this year (no cash to do so) I made my raindeer army of candy canes and put them up..... I also am making gifts again this year.. I am in hopes to get what little supplies I need to finish them before my court date which is a week before christmas.... idk...

Then I was talking to my boyfriend-- is the lie about santa is what brought part of the magic feeling to this time of the year as a child--- I am not sure... perhaps.

I wish that the ideal thought of good will towards men- would spread through out the year and ages, not just at a time of the season.....

Tis the season to be jolly-- I find it harder and harder.... I try still, and find little simple joy, but that is natural for me to do all times of the year- .... it is sad, I can't remember exactly as a child being so magical- perhaps it was just a thought I put in my head but reality was it was not... It is sad to question such a thing.

It can be troubling to present children with an image of Santa Claus coming in a magical way to present gifts and then they find out it is not real. I often wondered about that. I have to admitt that I went along with that magical process with my own daughter and I also had to see her disappointment at finding out the truth. I am not sure that is such a healthy way to raise children, I wonder what that does to their sense of reality to be honest.

I know that we all get messages of this great push to go out and buy gifts and it is even a big indicator for our economy. It is a strange way to look at how well we are all doing isn't it? And for those that cannot afford to participate in this expense, it is pretty cruel to be honest. It should not be about our pocketbooks and how well we can lavish gifts on others. It should be a celebration of giving kind thoughts and finding ways to appreciate the things we have, no matter how small these things may be. It should really not bring into focus what we do not have and somehow be tormented for month and feeling a loss from it. It is a painful time for many and right now in the world more so than ever before.

We have to find it in our hearts to remember to be thankful for the things we do have in our lives and find happiness even if it is only in the simple expression of getting through another day or sending the gift of kind thoughts to others where ever we can. Even if it is only here in PC, that is enough, remembering other members and giving support is an excellent gift in my opinion. It is up to us to plan to celebrate this holiday in a way that is manageable for us, not feel that we have to feel a need or a sense of loss by something that is pretend or imaginary.

Open Eyes