Since my husband passed away nine
years ago, it's been hard to get excited about Christmas. Oh, I've gone through
the motions for the sake of those I love, but couldn't muster a whole lot of
enthusiasm on a heart level.
A funny thing happened this year. I
was in Walmart when the first Christmas decorations appeared, and something
inside me woke up. I thought about how bare the outside of my house looked
while twinkling lights and wreaths adorned my neighbors' homes. A red bell
caught my eye. There wasn't anything special about it, but I picked it up and
put it into my cart.
It was way too soon to put it on my
front door, but I could hardly wait. As weeks passed, my anticipation
heightened. Finally, after Thanksgiving, I decorated. It might not seem like
much, but it was a big deal for me.
Christmas joy is back.
Writers and Readers: Was there a
time when everyone around you was celebrating but you were doing the "bah
humbug" thing? How did you get past the Christmas Blues?
Photo Credit: Radim Pechan
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing your story, Susan. So if I happen to get around to your neighborhood, I'll be sure and look for the red bell! Love and blessings to you! :)
When my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer just after Thanksgiving 1996. I had spent the summer,from May until the end of August, transporting my stepmother to radiation treatments for breast cancer. It was her second round of breast cancer. I really didn't care if Christmas came or not. The prayers of God's people brought me through that time. I did learn to concentrate on what was important about the season.
Hi Susan - that is good news for you and the family and your friends ... glad you feel you can cope once again ... all the best - as there are some wonderful celebratory events - carols and services ... cheers Hilary
Hi Karen - My neighbor also extended his icicle lights across my porch roof. Love it!
Hi Quiet Spirit - Yes, that first year after a loss is hard. The first Christmas after my husband's passing, I was recovering from a broken elbow and facing major surgery.
Hi Hilary - We've had some wonderful times this Christmas season. Our church sponsored quite a few families and gave gifts to their children. We also went to a delightful Christmas Open House at a local ministry. It's been good. :)
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