I Love Christmas

Sunday 18 December 2016

I love Christmas. It’s by far my favourite time of the year.  Family, food, friends, fireside.  Everything sparkles and twinkles.  There’s something so magical about being wrapped in winter woollies, cupping hot chocolate and seeing your frosty breath in front of you as you stroll through any city, town or village, taking in the light’s, the carols, the kindness.  Decorating the tree has always been one of my things. For as long as I can remember it was my job, putting on Christmas songs and singing my heart out as I danced around the tree, questioning my mother about the history of some of the decorations, and smiling at the memory of having made others. 

For me Christmas is a reminder of what cements us as a family.  The love we share. The highs and lows of everyday life and each year I’m increasingly grateful for all that I have, this year in particular.  As the decorations came out of hiding, I started to think back to our first Christmas together as a couple, when my city slicker husband braved the wilds of the sticks to meet my family, and survived! A couple of years after that we were shopping for decorations for our first Christmas tree in our first home together and a couple of years after that we were taking a family photo in front of our Christmas tree with our 3 week-old first born.  It’s been quite a journey and as life continues to get busier all the time, I’m looking forward to taking time out this Christmas to relax, unwind and really focus on what’s important – the health and happiness of my family. 

Even though, we don’t practice religion in our house, I find Christmas deeply spiritual.  Sitting in our local church tonight, with my daughter on my knee and my mother and son by my side, as we listened to a beautiful carol service, I found a sense of peace that I haven’t felt for a while.  It took my right back to so many Christmases gone by, when I, as a child sat in that same church with my own Grandmother, listening to many of the same songs, sung by many of the same people.  There’s a huge sense of comfort and nostalgia in that.  A sense of community and belonging and togetherness.   As the star over the crib sparkled in the candlelight, I really began to think about how much I have, and even though this year has thrown up some challenges, how truly blessed I am.  I am also acutely aware that for many people this time of the year is a real struggle.  Many families will be without loved ones.  Many will struggle financially under the weight of expectation.  Many will be cold and hungry. For those of us who are in a position to help, it would be terrific if, in the spirit of Christmas, we donate to one of the many deserving local charities doing such important work.  Wishing you a very happy Christmas, from all of us at The Baby Room x