I love this time of year with the jingle bells and corny holiday movies. Christmas will soon be here and I feel that sweet, sweet pureness of spirit.
Christmas Tree Lights © 2013 Pat Ruppel
It’s quiet these days in the old homestead with just hubby and I.
Our daughters are now grown and married with families of their own. We are looking forward to seeing them over the holidays but it’s different these days ― not the same as when they were small children bouncing through the house.
Now, it’s a time of observation and reflection, for me, without the hustle and bustle ― a time to feel the expression of deep love offered in the true meaning of Christmas. I’ve never felt the closeness of that sweet spirit more than I have this season.
That expression of deep love and true meaning became more evident this past weekend, when my husband was suddenly hospitalized. We were fortunate and he received good treatment and was able to come home, after a couple of days, but it made me realize how fragile life is and how quickly routines change.
I think, it’s true, we can take life for granted and not realize it. We get up every morning expecting the sun to rise and set, as always, and treat our lives the same way. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday demands of life and carried away with things we think are important. Before you know it, 20 years have passed and you’re numb to the ebb and flow.
Christmas takes us out of the comforts of our daily hum-drum lives. We pay attention to our families and attempt to love one another more. We give and share with those less fortunate that have fallen on hard times.
Christmas Stockings © 2013 by Pat Ruppel
Love comes easier with the sound of a child’s gleeful laughter in seeing gifts under the tree. Or, it bubbles up with the sparkle in a baby’s eyes on their first Christmas.
Old friends and family gather and come home to be close and capture memories to hold onto and appreciate.
It’s a time to pause, look around and be thankful for being alive embracing the feeling of it a little longer before we return to our normal routines.
Deck Lights in the Snow © 2013 by Pat Ruppel
May you be blessed, as you celebrate the holiday season, whether it’s in the tradition of Christmas, Hanukkah, “Feliz Navidad”, Papa Noel or the many other observances around the world.
I pray you will cherish your time with family and friends and that you’ll hold them close and hug them a little longer with the feeling of the sweet, sweet spirit of Christmas.
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
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I am with you. Life us indeed beautiful and fragile. It’s important to take each as the gift it is. That us especially true at this time of year. Happy Holidays dear friend.
Thank you, Susan. I agree with you in that life is both beautiful and fragile. It seems to become more real and special this time of year. Wishing you, too, a happy and blessed holiday season. 🙂
Pat, your ability to express what many of us think and feel is pretty amazing. Thanks for all you do to keep us looking up.
Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words. I’m happy you enjoyed the read and that it meant something to you. That means a lot to me.
Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah to you and your loved ones. Hope you have a special New Year. Hugs 🙂
Pat, happy to hear that your husband recovered from his hospital stay and was home with you for Christmas. May you and your family continue to receive blessings in the New Year. Joyeux Noel!
Thank you, Bev, for your warm wishes of care. I am happy to have him home and we’ll work on what he needs going forward.
Sending you love and wishing you many blessings for the New Year too. God bless! 🙂
I hope your husband felt well enough to enjoy family over the holidays, Pat. Happy New Year.
Thank you, Lois. He’s on the mend after another trip to the hospital. He will need to change his life style and adjust some things in his diet. Wishing you a Happy New Year! 🙂
Thank you, Lois. He’s much better now and I’m glad to have him back home.
Hugs to you — Happy New Year! 🙂
Nice post. Welcome to the “Share you WordPress Blogs” FaceBook Group.
Thank you, Larry, for checking me out on the Facebook Group. I’m happy you stopped over for a visit and enjoyed the read. Hope you have a Happy and Blessed New Year and will come back for another visit. You’re welcome to pull up a chair at my kitchen table here on Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom and share a tale or two. 🙂