Christmas Countdown - 2018

[sugar142286]

Beautiful post!! What a great way to celebrate/remember those who we have lost at such a special time of the year. This hits home as I'm not sure mom will be with us at Christmas - or even Thanksgiving! But if something does happen, I don't want to let it spoil my love of the holidays!! She has lived a good long life & her life isn't easy anymore. We need to continue the traditions!

Thank you, Holiday! Continue to pray for you, your mom, and your family.

 

[sugar142286]

She's beautiful!!! ♥

Thank you! I think so too lol

 

[sugar142286]

4 inches of snow over the weekend, and the potential for another 10-14 inches over the next 48 hours

Not only do we have a White Christmas in the bag, it's going to be a White Thanksgiving, too!

Stay safe!

 

[Binger]

5hours 55 minutes...

 

[sugar142286]

Good evening! Getting ready to head in to work. I’m hoping to be here with you tonight, but we shall see how my evening goes! I’ll catch up on the rest of the posts later - enjoy your evening!

 

[Binger]

Jayish had better show or be proclaimed the wiennie of the Christmas world

 

[Binger]

5 hours 46 minutes

 

[Binger]

5:45..... back later..peace and joy

 

[brent]

I've missed all the special posts. I think I need to go back and read them!

My apologies for being absent again. I guess taking a vacation the weekend before the beginning of the Christmas Season is more difficult than I had considered!

 

[brent]

SPECIAL POST DAY 5

I'm often asked why I collect Santas. I usually just say it's a tradition. My mom collected them when I was young. Her birthday is 3 days before christmas and it was my tradition to buy her a new one every year as a gift. She loved the ones that sing, dance, and otherwise do some kind of crazy thing. Me and my sisters loved to play with them and It was something we looked forward to all year long. So it just kinda became a thing. Then when we grew up and she started having health problems and was forced to sell the house, the Santa collection was one of the few things that we saved. I then took over the collection and have morphed it into what it is today.

As I've grown older, there's more to it than just tradition though. It has become about what Santa represents. It's about the ability to unselfishly give, asking for nothing in return but the feeling of joy when you see the pleasure that it brings. It's about seeing the look in anothers eyes when they are truly grateful, or the look of shock when they recieve something completely unexpected. It's about knowing that you have truly touched someone and made their life a little bit brighter than it was before.

Santa also represents the belief that anything is possible. That miracles can happen. The hope that magic is real. And serves as a reminder that just because we can’t see something, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

In a world that seems to be full of hate, Santa represents a guiding light for all of us to follow. A shining example of compassion and generosity. A reminder that it is possible for one person to bring the world together and change it for the better.

So when I look at my Santa collection what do I see? I see a goal. A way of life that few choose to live. A path to being a better person. To finding the true Christmas spirit.

So as we approach this Christmas Season, let your inner Santa shine, help make someone’s day a little brighter and put a little bit of Joy back into this crazy world.

Wow. Beautifully done, made. This was very well-written and made me smile immensely. My Santa is ready to shine bright... only five more hours!

 

[xmastidings]

Now THAT is new to me. I assume there's no need for a knife; all finger foods? I can't even keep all my food on my plate with bright lights and a full utensil arsenal, so in the dark it would have to be fingers and elbows for me.

Yea, me neither! As hard as I try, I’ll end up getting it on my shirt, or pants or on the table. It’s like, seriously, can’t you hit that pie hole?

Oh, does happen to you too, and the worse is spaghetti sauce, it never fails, ever time I slurp up those linguini pasta noodles, the opposite end always throws sauce on me! They say you should cut it up, but, that kinda takes all the fun away fro it, doesn’t!

 

[brent]

Special Post Day 4:
and the Choir Keeps Singing of Christmas



fAITHFUL FEW WHO YEAR LONG GATHER BOUND

JOYOUS TOGETHER, COMMON SHARED GROUND

SHUT OUT THE ANGRY WORLD WHICH EXISTS ALL AROUND

TO ALLOW THE CHOIR TO KEEP SINGING OF CHRISTMAS



JOINED ACORSS THE MILES, CONTINENTS AWAY

IGNORING CYNICS WHO SCOUFF AT A SHARED LOVE REFUSED AT BAY

WE REJECT A WORLD SURELY GONE MAD, AND ENJOY THE DAY

OF A CHOIR THAT KEEPS SINGING OF CHRISTMAS



UNITED IN HEARTBREAK, CELEBRATION AND JOY

SHARED REMEMBERANCES OF CHILDHOOD, A SPECIAL GIFT OR TOY

WE COME TOGETHER HERE YEARLY IN SPIRT TO EMPLOY

VISIONS OF A CHOIR THAT KEEPS SINGING OF CHRISTMAS



PERHAPS ITS NOT REALLY DEFINED BY THE COMMERICAL GIANT

NOR THOSE WHO ONCE A YEAR SEEK FORGIVENESS AS SUPPLIANT

WE THE KINDNESS TORCH BEARERS, THE PEACEFUL CLIENT

ARE THE CHOIR THAT KEEPS SINGING OF CHRISTMAS



and so it has come to this

Four Days Until The Season

Thank you, Binger. This was another classic special post I have come to anticipate every year. Let's warm up the choir. It's almost time to welcome in Our Season!

 

[brent]

Special Post - Day 3

People are always asking me, “Why do you love Christmas so much?” or saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone love Christmas as much as you!” Well, there are several reasons why I’ve become to love this special holiday and I’m going to explain why.

When I was younger, Christmas was so exciting, as it is I think for every child. We would always decorate Black Friday and my parents went all out - they still do today. I enjoyed helping them and decorating the tree. We had several traditions, such as going to see the lights, watching Christmas specials together, and going to Christmas Eve mass. Many of the traditions I had as a child, I still do with my kids today, but have added to them. I decorate a lot earlier now, mainly because I want to enjoy Christmas that much longer.

Being Catholic, Christmas and the birth of Jesus were always very important in my home. We celebrated Advent and the Epiphany. This time of the year has become very special to my now family as well and we even leave our decorations up until the Epiphany, which is seen as the end of Christmas in the Church.

When I was a small child, my grandfather (dad’s dad) passed away December 27th of cancer. He was only 50. My father always seemed to have a hard time with the holiday, because of so, but would continue to try and make it jolly for us kids. My grandmother (Dad’s mom), would attend Christmas Eve Mass with us every year and then spend the night at the house. I’m remember when I was 14, I was looking forward to that mass, because I had a duet that was going to sing, which was “Silent Night”, my favorite Christmas song, and I couldn’t wait to sing it, in front of my grandmother. That Christmas Eve morning, she passed away. That holiday was beyond tragic for us and was for several years for my father. She had already obviously bought us our gifts - one of the gifts she got me that year, was the start to my natvity set, that I still use today and cherish so very much. As the years have went on and now my dad has 5 grand babies of his own, I think our family has become to really treasure the holidays and know that the time we spend together, no matter what it is, is always precious.

I ask you, my friends, to make time for your family, no matter if it’s just an hour or the whole day long. The holidays are a time for loved ones to be together and make memories, which is what my parents did with me and now I do with my children. I’ll never forget these times and know that my kids won’t as well. I’m thankful for the time spent with my family and urge you all do the same!

Merry Christmas to you all, God Bless you and your families!

Such a wonderful read, sugar. I'm sorry that the Christmas Season has brought you such sorrow, yet you're able to turn it around and celebrate the joy and magic it still brings.

I will be forever thankful and cherish the memories I've made and experienced each and every Christmas Season. I am more than ready to make some more this Season. Less than five hours remain!

 

[xmastidings]

Less than 5 hours to go now!

 

[brent]

Special Post #4

One of my Christmas memories from the late 80’s was when I borrowed money from my Mom to buy her Christmas present. She talked about wanting this “North Pole Collection.” Not knowing what it was, I asked to borrow money and I went to buy it. At the time, I was still in elementary and all was right with the world.

As the years passed and time, unbeknownst to us, was flying by, we added a house or two a year. For as long as I can remember, that was my Christmas gift to Mom. Each house has memories associated with it. I could look at those houses and tell you the years we bought them and what happened during that Christmas season. I always adored those houses. The time I spent in front of those houses as a kid and stared in awe was probably mind-boggling. As an adult, I still look at those houses for hours and smile.

Last Friday (Nov. 2nd), I put them up….except it wasn’t in my parents house, it was at mine. You see…my Mom gave them to me, as she sold the house we grew up in a few months ago…just a few short weeks after Dad passed in late January.

Putting up those houses was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

The houses are all decorated, our tree is up, and some presents lay underneath. We have the stockings up, Christmas music is playing….holiday magic is beginning to show up everywhere…..and all the while I’m trying to figure out how to have Christmas….and how to feel about Christmas….without my Dad being here.

My Dad, like all of our Dad’s, was as large as life to me. I can see him sitting at the head of the table and I can hear him giving the blessing. I see him smiling at me while I opened a gift as a kid and, even more special, I can still see how happy he was to see his granddaughters open their gifts at Christmas.

Now, that chair is empty. The big laugh that filled up the entire room is gone…and we are all trying to figure out how to have Thanksgiving and Christmas without such an integral part of our family here with us.

Picking up those pieces hasn’t been easy. It isn’t supposed to be. Also, I know this situation isn’t unique. We all go through it. However, this situation is unique for me.

Here is my promise to my family, my Dad, and myself…on one side of this post are all of the times in my life up until now, where Dad has always been present at Christmas. I will fondly remember those times and honor those memories. On the other side of this post, this Christmas season and all of those in the future, will be full of new traditions, love, anticipation, and the amazing memories that I made with my father and those I get to make as a father. I will live, I will enjoy, and I will celebrate the Christmas season like I never have…with all the joy I can muster. Celebrating with joy and love in our heart is what we all want. There is no better way to carry on his legacy.

This Christmas season, take the time to jot down a note, send a card, shoot someone a text….and tell them how much you love them. Make sharing your appreciation for others and your passion for our season a gift you give. It isn’t a responsibility, but our spirit that we all have by being here year round and constantly celebrating is something that can lift others….when they need it the most.

For those of us who find ourself in a tough spot during this holiday season, be brave enough to acknowledge it. There is nothing wrong with being sad. If you believe like I do, our loved ones are celebrating in a place that is far better than where we are, they are smiling on us, and they can’t wait to be with us, again. While we might have tough times here….smile for them….because there are no bad days in Heaven…and everyday is Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Dad...

and Merry Christmas to you, friends.

Coach

And so it comes to this...two days until the season.....

Wow. That was touching, coach. Thank you for sharing. I'm sure your dad is looking down at your prooudly and ready to watch you celebrate another Christmas Season.

It's only a few more hours until I can see those two magical words. Until then, once again, thank you for sharing.

 

[brent]

Special Post of the countdown to the Christmas Season

As the days of the calendar fall away, we approach that most wonderful time of the year. Aisles once filled with Halloween candy, pumpkins and costumes have given way to Christmas Candy, trees and bows. Thoughts of carving pumpkins and trick or treating are now thoughts of carving a turkey and decorating a Christmas tree.

While some are excited for what is yet to come some cannot help but to remember of what used to be. New place at the table or a new ornament yet to be hung signals for a new memory yet to be made . While a recipe handed down or an old ornament with a special place on the tree remind us of loved ones on longer here while their memories fill our hearts.

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. Children are making their Christmas wish list in a letter Santa. Christmas Cards are being signed sealed and stamped with love and care. Lights abound from house to house, inside and out let the world know that the Christmas Cheer is here. Cookies in the oven, gifts under the tree, laughter and love that fill the air are some of the best presents the season can offer.

So as we go to sleep tonight and dream of Christmas another change will occur, the countdown to the season will be no more. When we awake let us welcome the season with open arms and a open heart like we are welcoming a long lost friend.

Magical, minta. Wow. The last line made me well-up a little with tears. Welcoming the Christmas Season is an incomparable experience. There's nothing like setting the Christmas Tree, taking out the lights and decorating around the house. There's nothing like remembering those that celebrated with you who are no longer around. Although it's extremely sad, the Christmas Season brings that magic and allows all of us to look upon those times fondly. It's so close!

 

[Meceka]

4 hours, 45 minutes!

 

[brent]

Less than five hours, friends. I returned from Green Bay/Sault Ste. Marie (my hometown) earlier this afternoon. It is fitting that I picked this past weekend to see the Packers play the Dolphins. For the first time ever, I won't be returning home for Christmas. I will be going with Kim to Cornwall to celebrate with her family.

Most importantly, this will be my first Christmas Season without my reason for loving the Season. My grandmother, who passed away last December 21st, will not be around to celebrate the joys of the Season. I'll be the first to admit that celebrating with her over the past five or six years in her retirement home was difficult, but she kept the Spirit alive by constantly cracking grandmotherly jokes and constantly giggling at my stories - or that of her own.

My grandmother and grandfather (he passed away 13 years ago) are the reason that I love Christmas. They would constantly go all out with gifts and decorations. My fondest Christmas memories are visiting them during the Season and running into their bedroom to count all the presents on their nightstands. It looked like Santa's toy shop in the North Pole!

Now, I think about those memories and they always bring a smile to my face. Now, I think more closely about those memories and consider that it wasn't the presents that I truly enjoyed about those times, it was the childhood amazement of the vintage ornaments, classic Santa train that went around the tree, and of course, the coloured lights that sang 12 songs while singing and dancing to the music.

Those memories may be that now - thoughts of the past - but at least I have those lights. Each and every year, I plug them in and let them play through at least once. Each and every year, I let out a cry because I miss my grandfather so much. This year, it will be most difficult because my grandmother is no longer here, too. This year, however, I think I will find some peace and solace knowing that they are together watching their Christmas memories live on in my home and my childlike wonder still exists.

I wish they were here, but I know they are together and making another magical season wherever they may be.

 

[Minta]

Beautiful post!! What a great way to celebrate/remember those who we have lost at such a special time of the year. This hits home as I'm not sure mom will be with us at Christmas - or even Thanksgiving! But if something does happen, I don't want to let it spoil my love of the holidays!! She has lived a good long life & her life isn't easy anymore. We need to continue the traditions!

So sorry to hear this. I will keep you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Minta]

Good evening ... we are a mere few hours away from the best season of all time. A few of the local radio stations flipped to Christmas music between Friday and today so we have been enjoying that. Picked up a couple Christmas gifts over the weekend and ordered even more online. Went over the released Black Friday ads and got most of my shopping list done. Checked off a couple more projects around the house today. This evening my youngest popped in the Movie Santa Clause .... yup this has been a great 4 day weekend and my first day back to work is also the first day of the Christmas Season in which I get to celebrate with you guys! Life is Great!