Christmas isn't all commercial hype. While it is easy to get sucked in or get cynical about the commercialism and the gluttony that can come with preparing for Christmas, I try and focus on the full season, including the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas. This morning we will light the first candle in church, and start the service with Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel. We attended the local holiday festival downtown, roasted a marshmallow for a s'more, and saw lot's of people we know. We didn't stay for the small parade. I popped a few random pictures below.
Maybe it's my imagination, but I'm picking up on an almost anti-holiday tone this year-not Christmas itself, but an utter rejection of the hoopla and grandeur of celebrating the season. I too am a firm one that people should celebrate or not as is their choice and custom. I understand that it could be easy to lose patience with expectations of others, and want to just shut away from the pressure or stress. I will celebrate big, at least in my mind and heart. I love the music, the lights, the colors, and even the cold that starts the month of December ( or earlier sometimes). In January, I'll start grumbling about the weather, and be longing for spring, but in December, I am focused on bringing Christmas joy into my life and savoring the week to week countdown to the reminder of the most precious gift.
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