In the Holiday Mood?

by Sharon Dunn

I know it's only November 3rd, but I won't be posting in December because Suspense Sisters is doing their big Christmas giveaway with books, Christmas themed gifts and a quilt. So now is the time for me to talk about this holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Years. My favorite holidays and my favorite time of the year. A chance to practice gratitude and reflect on all God has provided. A time when I turn my attention toward giving in all its forms. Gratitude and Giving. And finally, we get to celebrate the best gift of all, Jesus. 

I know this is a hard time of year for some people. And it has been for me in the past. After my husband died, it took effort to shift my focus from the grief to what this time of year is all about. I would rather have slept through the holidays than celebrate them with a false joy. I know some people are lonely or estranged from their families for whatever reason and this time of year can be painful. I don't want to minimize that. I do want to encourage you whatever your circumstances, to find something positive about this time of year. In the first years after my husband died, even though I knew there would be pain in going through the holidays, for the sake of my kids, I pulled together some form of celebration however small. I'm glad I did. Giving my kids a sense of normalcy after the death of their father brought me joy. 

It may be hard to get in the mood for this time of year or you may be put off by all the commercialism. All the same, I find the window decorations and displays in stores to be quite lovely. There is something about hanging my own lights in the window that makes me think of the "light of the world" that came to us as a helpless baby. Finally, little things like watching Charlie Brown Christmas, singing carols at church and enjoying the snowfall while having a hot cup of tea prepare my heart for what this season is all about. 

How about you? Are you looking forward to the holiday season? Or is there some sadness connected to it?

Do you have traditions and things you like to do that help prepare your heart for this season? 

Leave a comment with your email address (U.S.A. members only) and I will be giving away copies of my two Christmas books, Christmas Hostage and Alaskan Christmas Target.