Christmas Countdown - 2019

[Meceka]

Merry Sunday!

We have snow on the way ~ could see up to 6 inches.

Stay safe, everyone, and have a merry week ahead!!

 

[Rich]

Ok...I hope this lives up to the standards set by previous special posts.

***Special Season Post***

Here comes another Christmas season. As I sit and reflect on my life, I know one thing….I love Christmas! Now granted it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses for me. I’ve had my faith shaken numerous times. But even at my lowest, Christmas has softened the blows.

I cherish my memories of Christmas in my youth. Decorating the inside of the house, listening to Bing Crosby’s White Christmas on 8-track until the tape wore out and listening to Disney’s Adaptation of A Christmas Carol on LP while doing homework in my room. The smell of the furnace burning off the dust and the specials on TV (Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown, etc.) and that was just the lead up to Christmas Eve, which we spent with my mom’s side of the family. Five siblings and their dad, my grandfather, and all my cousins packing the house. The visit from Santa there with one toy then heading out to look at Christmas lights after we were done at the family get together. Christmas music playing on the radio while we looked at lights.

Then Christmas morning with just my mom, dad and brother. Opening presents all morning and then getting ready to go back over to my aunt and uncles for Christmas lunch. I have strong and fond memories of these Christmases. I held onto my child's belief in Santa for probably longer than any other person of my age, well into my teens. Mainly because I loved what he represented.

Then my father died when I was 17. That was one rough Christmas and my love of Christmas was squashed quite a bit. Christmas that year didn’t quite hold the magic that it had in the past. But looking back, it never truly went away.

Then I got married to someone who had a 14-month-old. I felt my love for Christmas and the magic come back to me, although not exactly the same as it had been. It had changed. My son was born a little over a year later and my world flipped on itself again, although in a much better way. More of the love and magic came back to me and my belief in Santa that I hold to this day was also born. My traditions changed though, because there was another family to think of. So instead of going to my aunts and uncles, Christmas Eve was spend with my then wife’s family and Christmas Day with my mom and brother.

I missed the old traditions, but I had a family now and had 15 Christmases until life threw me a curveball again. I separated and eventually divorced my then wife and my Christmas was thrown out of whack again. Even still, it was still there, like an old friend that never lets you down. And while I was searching to gain the old feelings I had, I met my wife now. She has two children and with my 3 kids, we had a houseful again. But with a blended family, things change again and I didn’t have my children for half of the Christmas holidays. I felt empty inside without my children.

But, as time went on, Christmas was always there to cheer me up. Only this time, I threw myself into a website I had found in 2006, but never really fully committed myself to until about 8-9 years later. That would be MyMerryChristmas. Santa Update was also a staple for me with my kids and is what helped keep my faith alive through that rough time. Tracking Santa with my kids filled part of the void I had from my traditions changing.

I was able to grasp some of the old nostalgia of Christmases past when my wife and I started going to my sister‘s on Christmas Eve. She has a houseful on that night that is reminiscent of going to my aunts and uncles house. My heart swelled with this and made not having my children on Christmas Day bearable. (Granted, this whole time my wife has also been there for me, trying to do all she can to create new traditions to fill the void the curveballs of life had created. She is very instrumental in making my love and belief in Christmas what it is today.) But I also realized that I was trying too hard to bring the past back and almost missed out on what was right in front of me.

Now my life has come full circle as I have a grandchild of my own that I get to help create memories and traditions of Christmas with. My son and daughter are with me a lot more now by their own choosing. The void I had is now completely gone. My love and belief in Christmas is overflowing and I cannot wait to fill my granddaughter up with that love and belief. I will be introducing her to tracking Santa (my son now has the love I have for Christmas and has joined the forums, although he is just lurking at the moment.) I believe that he will be tracking Santa with his daughter like I used to do with him, his brother and sister.

I now have my new traditions with my wife, my children, her children, my sister and her family and now my soon to be daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I would have missed out on the joy and love of Christmas with them if I continued my obsession with the past. I now make it a point to be in the now and enjoy every minute of it. Which being on these forums and Tracking Santa for SantaUpdate.com is a big part of the now that I love.

It’s amazing to me how that now matter what happened in life, how rough it gets, Christmas is there with it’s arms wide open, saying “Come here. I’m waiting for you with open arms, no matter how far you stray.” Just like God says, “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

As we wait for the season to arrive and anticipate the love and feelings that the Christmas season brings, let‘s not be in too much of a hurry to do Christmas like we always did. We can lose ourselves trying to bring the past back instead of just honoring it in our memories. So just let Christmas and God create what they will for us. Just sit back, enjoy the ride and if new things/traditions come up, just let them happen and enjoy being in the moment. Christmas will always be there for us, like an old friend.

Hello, old friend, it’s great to see you again!

Thank you @e_xander !
This year begins a new season in our life as we (my wife Michelle and I) will wake up for the first time with no kids in the house on Christmas morning. They are all grown and on their own now. I've been trying think of a way to hold on the past, but now I see I have wondrous opportunities in front of me for something new. I can't wait to see what new traditions Michelle and I will come up with. I can't wait for Christmas now. Thanks again my friend.

 

[Crown 84]

Thank you, Crown. That sounds like a wonderful keepsake. It is upsetting to know just how much of the past gets thrown away. What I wouldn't give now, to go back when my grandparents were moving out of their home and attempt to salvage some of their traditional 40s/50s/60s ornaments for my Christmas Room Tree whenever we get a house.

Seeing your sign must always bring a big smile to your face and to those that experienced it while your grandparents were alive, too. I know it will continue to bring you great joy this Season and I'm excited that you will have the opportunity to put it on display, once again, in a few days!

Thanks, Brent.
If I can remember, I'll post a photo of it when we get our ornaments out this year.

 

[e_xander]

Thank you @e_xander !
This year begins a new season in our life as we (my wife Michelle and I) will wake up for the first time with no kids in the house on Christmas morning. They are all grown and on their own now. I've been trying think of a way to hold on the past, but now I see I have wondrous opportunities in front of me for something new. I can't wait to see what new traditions Michelle and will come up with. I can't wait for Christmas now. Thanks again my friend.

I haven’t reached that stage yet as we have 2 high school seniors and 1 sophomore. That will be another hurdle for me to overcome. But with everything I’ve been through and the support system I have both at home and here on the forums, I know I’ll make it through. I’m glad my post/thoughts/experiences have helped you through a transition period for you. I’m interested to hear what you and your wife come up with for new traditions.

 

[Rich]

Day 4 Special Post
There are only three things that we truly have in life: Our possessions, our time, and our emotions. Our possessions, which we sadly so often chase in an ever ending desire, can be easily taken from us in an instant. Our time, while precious, is easily manipulated. Does anyone ever feel like they truly have enough time? It is taken from us in endless meetings, events, and observances that limits us to the places and people we would rather be enjoying. Our emotions however, belong exclusively to us. And while they can be triggered by events, people, and tragedy, they belong only to us. In this frame, it is why this forum and community exists. We have jobs, families, and demands on us. Our time is limited, yet we allow the emotion of the season to make us stop and revel in a community that loves what the holidays mean. We remember what the season is about- the enjoyment and excitement. It’s not about the possessions we get and give at the holidays. And, in a world truly gone mad, our emotions that are triggered by the holidays allows Us to remember that We only truly keep that which we share. And here, this family, share the feelings which make us unique in a world of cynics and dysfunction.

And so it has come to this

4 days until the season

Awesome Binger! Thank you.

 

[Rich]

Special Post: Day 3.

We all joined My Merry Christmas to discuss something that is near and dear to our hearts. In this forum, although I may not post as much as I have in previous years, I always feel home. This will always be my online home and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are so lucky to have each other.

We are now only three days away from our yearly tradition of gathering around our computers and counting down the minutes to the Christmas Season in realtime. Most of us have never met, yet we consider ourselves family. Christmas has not only provided us with a place to discuss our favourite Season, but it has provided us with a place to gather, talk, laugh, and love like one big family.

While we have our traditions at MMC, we also have our family traditions at home. These traditions can often bring us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Today, I had the opportunity to pull out some old musical lights that were a staple to visiting my grandparents' home at Christmas. I don't think anything makes me reflect more than the twinkling and slightly faded instrumental sounds of the 1970s era lights. My grandmother past away two years ago, four days before Christmas - on the darkest day of the year. When my grandfather past, it was easily the darkest day of my life. I've never met two more caring and loving people in my life.

My grandmother (and grandfather) loved Christmas. They are the true reason I am here today sharing my love for our Season with you all. And, now, the more I think about it, it seems fitting that I will forever have their musical lights to help me light my way even through the darkest of times.

As Binger said, "this family shares the feelings which make us unique in a world of cynics and dysfunction." These times are dark for many, but we must remember to always have an open mind and love one another. We all always have each other to light up our days. And, soon, the entire world will have Christmas to light up itself, once again. Soon, we will hear the magical sounds and feel the most ultimate joy we can feel throughout the year. Soon, we will, once again, do our best to make the rest of the world's hearts become filled with love and hope. Soon, we will join together and be able to say those two magical words.

There are only three days remaining. The Christmas Season is almost upon us.

Wonderful @brent !
I miss my grandparents very much also. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and part of your life with us all.

 

[Dudley]

Thank you @e_xander !
This year begins a new season in our life as we (my wife Michelle and I) will wake up for the first time with no kids in the house on Christmas morning. They are all grown and on their own now. I've been trying think of a way to hold on the past, but now I see I have wondrous opportunities in front of me for something new. I can't wait to see what new traditions Michelle and I will come up with. I can't wait for Christmas now. Thanks again my friend.

Memories can become traditions and traditions can become legacies. You have a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a lot of people and little ones lives.

 

[Crown 84]

"Memories can become traditions and traditions can become legacies."
I like that line, Dudley.

 

[brent]

Awesome post, Brent!

Thank you, Meceka!

 

[brent]

Thanks, Brent.
If I can remember, I'll post a photo of it when we get our ornaments out this year.

Ah... And I do believe that is soon!

 

[brent]

Wonderful @brent !
I miss my grandparents very much also. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and part of your life with us all.

You're welcome, Rich. Thank you for your kind words. Grandparents are amazing people.

 

[He_Is_Born]

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Thank you @e_xander !
This year begins a new season in our life as we (my wife Michelle and I) will wake up for the first time with no kids in the house on Christmas morning. They are all grown and on their own now. I've been trying think of a way to hold on the past, but now I see I have wondrous opportunities in front of me for something new. I can't wait to see what new traditions Michelle and I will come up with. I can't wait for Christmas now. Thanks again my friend.

When my brothers and I were living on our own, we still made him on Christmas Eve to wake up in our family home on Christmas morning. One brother stopped that tradition when he moved to Ottawa and got busy with a family of his own.

If I wanted to, I could stay overnight this year, but I'll likely come back here to unwind and track Santa and check in on MMC instead because that has also become a tradition for me.

I hope you find merry new ways of experiencing Christmas.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Merry Monday No snow until later today.

I work for two days then off Wednesday and back to work Thursday and Friday.

Our local Santa Claus Parade is coming up on Sunday and the theme is 150 years of Christmas in Canada. I'll go watch it from my friends porch - her place is on the parade route so I can snap some photos of the floats.

O'Malley was a purrfect boy today and let me sleep until 4:45.

Keep a merry thought in your head

 

[Edge612]

Happy Veteran's Day MMC! I'm working like usual. This is actually the 10th week in a row without a day off. It's that long stretch from Labor Day to Thanksgiving that I normally do. But hey 2 weeks from today is Thanksgiving Week! Have a great Veteran's Day!

 

[HomemakinGirl]

Good morning
Merry Monday and Happy Veterans Day!
It’s going to be a nice day, sunny with a high of 60 degrees. I plan on getting out there to walk the dogs a few times and enjoy the mild temperatures. Other than that I will be working on my daily chores and I have a chiropractor appointment. I also plan on making a big pot of chicken soup for dinner. I hope everyone has a nice day and a great week ahead!!!
xx

 

[SolidSnake84]

Happy Monday guys! This morning our local radio station switched over to 24/7 Christmas music!! They will play it that way now through Christmas day! One more sure sign that we are surely in the season now!!!

 

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, MMC'ers!
It's almost here.
Christmas Season 2019. We are nearly on the threshold itself!

The numbers tell the tale:
Days to the Season: 2 (DAY AFTER TOMORROW!!)
Days to Thanksgiving: 17 (Under 2 1/2 weeks remain!)
Days to Christmas Day: 44 (Six weeks from the day after tomorrow!)
(Just about on the brink, Guys!)

Not too bad for early November here yesterday. A tad nippy but I definitely would not call it uncomfortable.
Today should see it even warmer, with a prediced high of 68.
But tomorrow night? Twenty-Four. (Too cold for me.)
We commence the week of the Season's debut at 45 degrees, here.

Have a Marvelous Monday, Everybody!

The Special Post Series is winding down. Two more posts to go:
Today (Day 2 before the Season) = Christmaswarlock
Tomorrow (Day 1 before the Season) = Auntie Mistletoe
Nov. 13 -- CHRISTMAS SEASON 2019 ARRIVES! --

 

[SnowflakeMom]

Merry Monday and Happy Veterans Day! Today is my husband's birthday too!
Work for me today and not sure what my husband wants to do....maybe we will order takeout?
Hope you all have a great day!!

 

[sugar142286]

Ok...I hope this lives up to the standards set by previous special posts.

***Special Season Post***

Here comes another Christmas season. As I sit and reflect on my life, I know one thing….I love Christmas! Now granted it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses for me. I’ve had my faith shaken numerous times. But even at my lowest, Christmas has softened the blows.

I cherish my memories of Christmas in my youth. Decorating the inside of the house, listening to Bing Crosby’s White Christmas on 8-track until the tape wore out and listening to Disney’s Adaptation of A Christmas Carol on LP while doing homework in my room. The smell of the furnace burning off the dust and the specials on TV (Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown, etc.) and that was just the lead up to Christmas Eve, which we spent with my mom’s side of the family. Five siblings and their dad, my grandfather, and all my cousins packing the house. The visit from Santa there with one toy then heading out to look at Christmas lights after we were done at the family get together. Christmas music playing on the radio while we looked at lights.

Then Christmas morning with just my mom, dad and brother. Opening presents all morning and then getting ready to go back over to my aunt and uncles for Christmas lunch. I have strong and fond memories of these Christmases. I held onto my child's belief in Santa for probably longer than any other person of my age, well into my teens. Mainly because I loved what he represented.

Then my father died when I was 17. That was one rough Christmas and my love of Christmas was squashed quite a bit. Christmas that year didn’t quite hold the magic that it had in the past. But looking back, it never truly went away.

Then I got married to someone who had a 14-month-old. I felt my love for Christmas and the magic come back to me, although not exactly the same as it had been. It had changed. My son was born a little over a year later and my world flipped on itself again, although in a much better way. More of the love and magic came back to me and my belief in Santa that I hold to this day was also born. My traditions changed though, because there was another family to think of. So instead of going to my aunts and uncles, Christmas Eve was spend with my then wife’s family and Christmas Day with my mom and brother.

I missed the old traditions, but I had a family now and had 15 Christmases until life threw me a curveball again. I separated and eventually divorced my then wife and my Christmas was thrown out of whack again. Even still, it was still there, like an old friend that never lets you down. And while I was searching to gain the old feelings I had, I met my wife now. She has two children and with my 3 kids, we had a houseful again. But with a blended family, things change again and I didn’t have my children for half of the Christmas holidays. I felt empty inside without my children.

But, as time went on, Christmas was always there to cheer me up. Only this time, I threw myself into a website I had found in 2006, but never really fully committed myself to until about 8-9 years later. That would be MyMerryChristmas. Santa Update was also a staple for me with my kids and is what helped keep my faith alive through that rough time. Tracking Santa with my kids filled part of the void I had from my traditions changing.

I was able to grasp some of the old nostalgia of Christmases past when my wife and I started going to my sister‘s on Christmas Eve. She has a houseful on that night that is reminiscent of going to my aunts and uncles house. My heart swelled with this and made not having my children on Christmas Day bearable. (Granted, this whole time my wife has also been there for me, trying to do all she can to create new traditions to fill the void the curveballs of life had created. She is very instrumental in making my love and belief in Christmas what it is today.) But I also realized that I was trying too hard to bring the past back and almost missed out on what was right in front of me.

Now my life has come full circle as I have a grandchild of my own that I get to help create memories and traditions of Christmas with. My son and daughter are with me a lot more now by their own choosing. The void I had is now completely gone. My love and belief in Christmas is overflowing and I cannot wait to fill my granddaughter up with that love and belief. I will be introducing her to tracking Santa (my son now has the love I have for Christmas and has joined the forums, although he is just lurking at the moment.) I believe that he will be tracking Santa with his daughter like I used to do with him, his brother and sister.

I now have my new traditions with my wife, my children, her children, my sister and her family and now my soon to be daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I would have missed out on the joy and love of Christmas with them if I continued my obsession with the past. I now make it a point to be in the now and enjoy every minute of it. Which being on these forums and Tracking Santa for SantaUpdate.com is a big part of the now that I love.

It’s amazing to me how that now matter what happened in life, how rough it gets, Christmas is there with it’s arms wide open, saying “Come here. I’m waiting for you with open arms, no matter how far you stray.” Just like God says, “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

As we wait for the season to arrive and anticipate the love and feelings that the Christmas season brings, let‘s not be in too much of a hurry to do Christmas like we always did. We can lose ourselves trying to bring the past back instead of just honoring it in our memories. So just let Christmas and God create what they will for us. Just sit back, enjoy the ride and if new things/traditions come up, just let them happen and enjoy being in the moment. Christmas will always be there for us, like an old friend.

Hello, old friend, it’s great to see you again!

Beautiful!