Hi Lovely people,

Christmas Day memories are all in full gear on Facebook with the various pictures of food, toys, and fun. And if you celebrated Boxing Day you get to have another day of festivities. Some people have already taken the tree down or have taken it to the park to become mulch.

Usually, the day after Christmas, my husband and I like to see if we can find additional ornaments on sale to spice up the tree for next year. I enjoy finding ornaments that have special meaning to me, like these blue ornaments. My grandmother had a Christmas tree with blue ornaments, and these remind me of the ones she would have used. Adding new ornaments to a Christmas tree always adds a fresh look. I also like adding shiny garlands because it reminded me of the trees of my childhood. I need to purchase a few more for next year because you can never have too many. This was the first time in many years that I added garlands and made the tree look completely different than previous years. Taking down the holiday decorations too quickly can be such a shock because the house feels empty and less vibrant.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

How do we keep that holiday spirit all year long?
I spend several days decorating my house for Christmas, going from room by room. I want to be able to enjoy the tree and all the decorations for a longer time. We typically don’t take the decorations down until February 14th, Valentine’s Day. I have had friends tell me, “It’s your house, you keep those decorations up as long as you want.” My puppy Gio went to heaven last July. My hubby and I had just purchased a new tree at the time of his passing; so we decided to keep that tree up for the rest of the year. God knows the tree brought us peace at a difficult time for us.

JTwisdom and Hubby’s Tree in the LIvingroom

Acts of kindness
My cousin didn’t want to put up her tree this year because she wanted a different kind of tree but didn’t have the finances to purchase it right now.  She gave her Christmas tree and lights to someone who had kids and didn’t have a tree. My cousin didn’t want this lady and her kids to be without a tree.

Help someone in need because giving always makes you feel good. Do you need to reach out to a friend or relative whom you haven’t talk to in a long time?  Send a text message or make that call just to say hi or I was thinking about you. Check on the elderly neighbor.

Learn about a holiday
My hubby and I celebrate Christmas but started lighting the menorah for Hannukah about four years ago. It’s a special feeling to light the Menorah and learn why the holiday is celebrated. Take some time to find out what Christmas, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, and Kwanzaa mean and why each holiday is celebrated each year.

Start a new tradition
Does your family wear matching pajamas for Christmas? Is it a tradition to make your grandma’s delicious dressing or favorite pecan pie? You will be surprised how your family will look forward to those traditions each year and how you will create new ones.

You are not alone
We must remember that everyone does not have a large family or a huge amount of friends to celebrate the holidays. Both of my parents are in heaven. I had to press through depression and keep putting in my focus that they are always with me and I am thankful for them. The holidays are for us to give thanks and be grateful. I didn’t say it would be easy. You may say that you have nothing to be thankful for. We all have something to be thankful for.

Your assignment
Write down three things that you are thankful for every day. Then, when you are feeling down you can always look at that list to give you a boost of encouragement. It can be as simple as one word.

Remember that you can feel alone in a crowded room full of family. No family is perfect and what you see on Instagram or Facebook is what they want you to see. Those who have big families want to be alone and those who have a small family want a big one. We have to fill our hearts with gratitude.

I am thankful for you and remember that you are not alone. As we continue to celebrate the holidays and step into a new year may you have peace, and your hearts are filled with joy each and every day.

Be Bold, Be Elegant, and Be YOU!