Normally we wait til New Years or a day or two after to take down decorations but for some reason we started earlier this week with taking down a few things in our bedrooms and it just snowballed from there. I came downstairs the next morning to notice how plain and boring it looked without the decorations. The decor brings such character, coziness, and warmth to our home. It’s just seems like a different spirit in the house when our halls are all decked.
I do realize, though, that it’s not the décor that makes the difference. It is our celebration of the Savior. It’s our taking time to bask in the true meaning of Christmas. Through the years we’ve studied the different meanings of each decoration or symbol of Christmas and how it applies to the birth of Jesus. Having those symbols every where we turn just keeps us focused. Smelling the cinnamon, pine, cloves, citrus just reminds us of the comfort and love Grandmama cooked into all of her Christmas goodies and all of her preparations for the season.
Now that Christmas is over, I really do not have any money in the budget or time on my calendar for redecorating my home. It’s time to get creative. It’s time to spend time with my precious family strolling through the neighborhood, going on more memorable camping trips, playing in the backyard, reading God’s precious Word and including Him in our daily lives. While I’m doing these things, I’ll gather some treasures from God’s creation along the way that remind me of His peaceful, giving spirit.
I’ll print some Bible verses in fancy fonts and lovely colors and frame them for our walls. I’ll bake love and generosity into home cooked meals for my family. I’ll do my very best not to see the seemingly mundane work of cleaning our home as drudgery, but be thankful I have a family to serve and remember how much stronger God has made me through that sacrificial service. I’ll spend time with my blessings and soak in every tear, laugh, hug, and smile. I’ll give them the home life that I want them to give my grandchildren. I’ll center my home around the love and blessings of my Heavenly Father.
Happy New Year! It is my prayer that 2015 will be overflowing with God’s favor and blessings for you and your family!