Sensing Christmas

Photo courtesy of Kristen May

"If you look for it, you will find that Christmas feeling in the smallest of things."

​Can you believe that Christmas is just around the corner? This year has just flown by and the fact that the Christmas season is in full swing along with the familiar sights, sounds and stressors seems unreal.
 
Do You Hear What I Hear?
The sounds of Christmas are all around us despite what is going on right now in our world. I hear carols on the radio, children laughing and well-wishers saying, “Merry Christmas!”  I gave my students colouring books this year as a gift and while they worked happily, a few of us had a spontaneous dance party in the classroom to Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. ​Their excitement was absolutely infectious. When you are a child there is lots of excited chatter and giggles this time of year. Oh, to be a kid again! When I see these moments I wish I could bottle them and save them for a rainy day when I am needing a much-needed ray of sunshine. Kids are so precious! It is heartwarming to hear them enjoying the season, despite all the chaos and uncertainty a global pandemic brings.

​Photo by S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash

Do You See What I See?
Christmas decorations and holiday themed artwork adorn homes, halls, and school classroom doors.  A dear custodian at my school Denise set up special Christmas inflatables at work for a fun surprise for the students and staff. She is so thoughtful and kind. It sure brought a lot of much needed laughter and smiles to an otherwise routine day.  Hustle and bustle are also in the air. I am working to  complete all my Christmas shopping as I am determined to avoid the last-minute rush this year.

I see lots of festive sights, yet amongst that I see discouraged people as well. I see you. I know how you feel. I understand. Christmas is just not the same this year for a variety of reasons. Please know it will not always be this way. There will come a day where things improve and masks and social distancing will be a thing of the past. I find comfort in that.

Do You Feel What I Feel?
Nostalgia? Excitement? Fatigue? Stress? Maybe a combination of all four? For women especially I find the Christmas season brings it all. It is easy to focus on the “work” of getting ready for the Christmas season and miss out on the joy. I saw a quote that said, “ I have come to realize that the magic of Christmas was really just the work of a mom who loved me very much.” When the kids were little I especially felt it on Christmas Eve trying to make everything perfect for them before they woke up Christmas morning. Getting everything done on time for everyone is certainly no easy task. Take a deep breath. Regroup and try to relax and take in the moment as hard as that may be at times.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
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Do You Know What I Know?
Christmas comes and goes so quickly, and we need to make a conscious effort to be emotionally present and enjoy it. Cherish the time with family and friends and keep on making precious memories. Don't let Covid 19 steal your Christmas spirit. Put your foot down my friend! This nasty virus has already taken so much from you, don't let it have your Christmas too! Remember that it is not about the gifts, meal or decorations but truly about having those you love around you.

Finally, don’t forget that Jesus is the true reason for the season. He is the whole purpose of why we celebrate this blessed holiday in the first place. Santa Claus is special indeed but let's remember who truly deserves the spotlight.

I wish you and yours a wonderful and very Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous new year. Make this a Christmas to remember. I know that is my goal.

​~ Until next time,
Dana

Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.

Little Lesson Learned: The sounds, sights and experiences of Christmas are still ours for the taking.

Make a decision to really take it all in this year. I know I intend to.

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Dana Romualdi, the copyright holder reserves all rights to the content on the blog and website Little Lessons Learned by Dana, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and display the content. No content or photographs may be reproduced or modified. Blogs may be shared on social media platforms in their entirety only with full credit given to the owner. Any photographs used by other photographers are used with permission and are also protected. All rights reserved.  

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Author

​Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, social worker, blogger, author, motivational speaker and recording artist. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.