Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas....

It has to be said - I LOVE Christmas! It's always been such a happy time of year for me. I think back to my early childhood when we lived in Crown Point, Indiana... those were magical Christmases. When I hear an old Christmas song it transports me back to those days and I get all warm and fuzzy inside. A few years after we moved to Indianapolis my whole life changed. My parents got divorced and the way we spent holidays completely changed. The one thing that didn't change for me was the magic of Christmas. The hope of what Christmas brings. Prior to moving to Indianapolis church was a regular part of our lives... once here that changed. Attending on a regular basis didn't happen. I am thankful for those early years attending church as I was taught about Christmas and Jesus. A donkey I received in Sunday School still sits in my mom's Nativity (a Navitity I hope to inherit someday!) Oh the hours my sisters and I spent playing w/ Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men... we truly learned the Christmas story w/ those figures. Christmas always meant the birth of Jesus to me... and all the sparkle that comes with it... a gift to remind me of the hope Jesus brings. I guess I have always been fortunate enough to see Jesus in all things Christmas. The songs, Santa, family and friends gathering. They are all gifts and make this time of year so special. Yes, one can get caught up in all the hype and commercialism of the season. One can become cynical and say that Christmas has become so commercialized. Maybe it has in a way... but it doesn't have to be that way for you. Don't let the enemy steal your Christmas joy by placing your focus on the commercialism etc. Enjoy the fact that you have to shop for gifts. After all - you are giving a loved one a gift that will bring them joy. Enjoy that you have to prepare your home for a party or a family gathering. How wonderful it is that God has given you the gifts of family and friends.

When I think of those Christmases after my parents were divorced I believe they were a time that my sadness melted away. Things weren't always easy for me during those years. I suffered from what I now know was depression. (back in those days it wasn't something that was talked about or understood as counselling wasn't a regular part of the divorce process for kids.) I do believe that particular part of my journey is why Christmas is still so dear to me today. It's a hug I get from God! So, yes, I enjoy and love all things Christmas because it's a time of year that God spoke so clearly to me... and still does. I even said once during a Bible study when we were discussing God's mansion and the many rooms and the room He is preparing for us... that I would have a Christmas tree in my room! :)

The Gospel of Luke is one that is familiar to us... especially this time of year.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." ~ Luke 2: 8-14

I can even hear Linus from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" reciting the words from Luke's Gospel... witnessing the birth of Christ to Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang!

I pray that you see Jesus in all things Christmas. He IS Christmas! So have yourself a Merry Little Christmas my friends!

With that... as promised here are pictures of my Christmas Home... (I am saving the pic of my Nativity for another post so you won't see it in this post) bear with me, I have a lot of trees!!!!

Living Room



Guest Room

Our room



Family Room
Guest Room
Dining Room
Mud Room








Back Hall

25 comments:

Cindy said...

I enjoyed your post and pictures. Christmas is one of those holidays that have such a mix of happy and sad memories for a lot of people. Thankfully, as believers, we have a steady focus no matter what any given Christmas gives us.

Christy said...

Thank you for sharing this post Kristen. I really enjoying getting to know you:) The house looks beautiful.

I totally agree with you about not getting caught up in all the commercialism, shopping, and the things you think you have to do. I still have almost all my shopping to do and the thing is, I haven't stressed about it at ALL! So not like me. I have been able to completely focus on my family-being together, and really celebrating what the season is all about. It's been simple, fun, meaningful, and of making memories.

May this season be filled with special memories for you as well friend!

Amy said...

Your trees are beautiful, Kristen!:)

And I love to hear Linus quote from the book of Luke.

*Sigh*

Merry Christmas!
God Bless,
Amy:)

Beth Herring said...

I love all the trees! But now I feel really inadequate... my tree is still not up and you have a houseful! (that's what my post is about today) You must be one organized lady. Beautiful home that looks so inviting and cozy.
In His Redeeming Love,
Beth Herring

On Purpose said...

Good Morning Kristen, what a treat to see your beautiful home and read this amazing post straight from your heart. Thank you for challenging us to step away from the work of the enemy and to the arms of an Amazing God who wants to lavish us with His love and joy! May you know I am thankful for you and your blog and the Jesus that shines so brightly here!

much2ponder said...

Christmas has not always been a fun time of year from me, infact I usually get depressed following Thanksgiving every year. My mom died December 7th back in 72. I was only 12. My world was shattered and I believe this has something do with my depression around this time of year. I want to thank you for this post...it somehow helped me. The past few days have been very difficult, but reading your words has raised my spirits to the point where I am concious of the world around me. Thank you too for reminding me that shopping for Christmas gifts is a form of bringing joy to others. Being down this time of year is not good for me or my family. I will keep your words in mind. Blessings my friend.

Paula V said...

Beatutiful decorations...beautiful peak at your lovely house also.

Love the one where your dog is staring at you like "what are you doing?"
Love,
Paula

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Looks my room is all ready for me! Whew...such beauty...such work. I love Christmas too, but I am very tired this year. I find that I run out of steam by 2:00 PM each day and just want to find my pj's and a couch.

Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. Makes me feel all cozy inside.

peace~elaine

Kim said...

Kristen, your home is so beautiful! So inviting. So after I run by Christy's for coffee and cookies, I'll bring some mint squares and head over to your house!!! :)

Thank you for sharing what Christmas means to you. My biggest desire right now is for my family and I to truly be present in every moment of this season & experience it full of Jesus. And, it sounds like you are doing just that my Friend.

Hugs to you!
Kim

Sarah said...

Thank you for this post! And for a glimpse into your home as well, your trees are beautiful and I'm sure make your house so inviting.

Angela Baylis said...

I LOVE your home. It seriously looks like a magazine! I LOVE the lighting in the guest room. I'll be there one day! Looks like it's all ready! Thank you for opening up your home and especially for reminding me to have Joy when I'm shopping.
Love you, Kristen!
Angie xoxo

Paula said...

Dang, Kristen, I'm going to have to schedule a trip home just to see your house in all its holiday finery! Very pretty! We had to start all over with decorations this year in our new house. We have a Christmas thing in common... I love nativity sets too. I have about 10 and I'm hoping to get a new one in Ethiopia when we pick up the twins. Hugs!

Donna's Book Nook said...

I love your home and your trees. You may not want to read my blog from yesterday about my sad little tree!
I enjoyed getting to know your heart. For me, this Christmas has been all about sharing with those less fortunate. I have enjoyed shopping for them. I don't have a lot of family, so I wanted to focus and making Christmas a little better for others. Donna

Carolina Mama said...

It all looks lovely. So pretty and I love the sleigh. :) So sweet. Your blog update is pretty too with the snowflakes. Blessings.

Carol said...

Kristen,
It's been awhile since I stopped by. So glad I did. I love your home with all it's decorations it just looks like it's filled with love and joy.

Thanks for sharing your story, and how Christmas was a time that melted away your sadness.

I love the Charlie Brown Christmas, it was the first dvd I ever bought.

Carol :)

Carrie said...

Your post is beautiful as well as your home! Thank you for sharing it all!

(I love the fact that you have multiple trees in your home.)

Lora @ my blessed life said...

I realy enjoyed your post~and your home is lovely!! I love all of your beautiful trees and also that great sled!

Merry Christmas!

~cassie~ said...

Beautiful story...and your pictures are beautiful as well...Merry Christmas....

Marla Taviano said...

Beautiful home! And I especially enjoyed your story! I won't let Satan steal my joy this Christmas!!

4 Lettre Words said...

Oh, I love lots-of trees!

You guys have a beautiful home!! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

I thought your post was just beautiful, as is your home! I love all of the trees!

Merry Christmas!

Ashley said...

We've got the same background. I love your home! It's beautiful. And I love how you put a tree in each room. Very cute! Merry Christmas.

RosyRose said...

Thanks for sharing your home with us. I love the cozyness of it! May your Christmas be wonderful with lots of great memories made!

Keetha Broyles said...

Thanks for inviting us in for a Christmas Tour.

Merry Christmas

Tracy said...

Thank you for posting those pictures of your beautiful CHRISTMAS home! = )

Blessings,
Tracy