Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder
I have a very difficult time celebrating Christmas now, and that's been going on for years. My family celebrations were etched in 50-plus years from family tradition that I've never been able to recapture since both parents have been gone. This year I'm choosing to do something different. I'm accepting that I can't ever bring "those feelings" back and it's okay. I asked my husband to help me celebrate differently this year. We're choosing experiences over exchanging gifts, putting up a tree, and our usual dinner fare. We did this over Thanksgiving and I had the best holiday spent in years. It was the first I didn't wakeup crying remembering my family was long gone... I think protracted grief from losing my mother and father have something to do with these feelings that happen around this time of year... I'm strong enough now to acknowledge and put them to rest for good. It's such an uplifting feeling to let this all go and accept what is. I loved this piece, it reminded me of days long gone, but you put a smile on my face instead of the tears I usually cry after reading about Christmas nostalgia.
You're not alone in feeling that Christmas 'isn't what it used to be.' Because it's not. Most of the people who make up our memories are long gone. With them went the familiar traditions that gave the holiday its magic. Nothing stays the same. Those feelings are a natural part of aging, which is why it's so important to make different customs and ways to celebrate that give meaning to our lives NOW.
Change is hard, especially around the holidays. I'm glad that you've resolved the emotions surrounding Christmas Past and are excited to create a new Christmas Present.
I wish you much joy and peace and a Happy New Year, too!
I have a very difficult time celebrating Christmas now, and that's been going on for years. My family celebrations were etched in 50-plus years from family tradition that I've never been able to recapture since both parents have been gone. This year I'm choosing to do something different. I'm accepting that I can't ever bring "those feelings" back and it's okay. I asked my husband to help me celebrate differently this year. We're choosing experiences over exchanging gifts, putting up a tree, and our usual dinner fare. We did this over Thanksgiving and I had the best holiday spent in years. It was the first I didn't wakeup crying remembering my family was long gone... I think protracted grief from losing my mother and father have something to do with these feelings that happen around this time of year... I'm strong enough now to acknowledge and put them to rest for good. It's such an uplifting feeling to let this all go and accept what is. I loved this piece, it reminded me of days long gone, but you put a smile on my face instead of the tears I usually cry after reading about Christmas nostalgia.
Oh, Patti...I'm so glad it made you smile!
You're not alone in feeling that Christmas 'isn't what it used to be.' Because it's not. Most of the people who make up our memories are long gone. With them went the familiar traditions that gave the holiday its magic. Nothing stays the same. Those feelings are a natural part of aging, which is why it's so important to make different customs and ways to celebrate that give meaning to our lives NOW.
Change is hard, especially around the holidays. I'm glad that you've resolved the emotions surrounding Christmas Past and are excited to create a new Christmas Present.
I wish you much joy and peace and a Happy New Year, too!
I wish you happiness and good health, and a Happy New Year, too!