A Different Kind of Christmas

This year we have a different kind of Christmas.... a very different kind of Christmas. People have asked me, "Are you all ready for Christmas?" I cringe at the question because, no, I am not..... not at all. Since Dad's open heart surgery several weeks ago, our days have been consumed with caring for Dad... and Mom; with making trips to the hospital or rehab center, with updating family and friends, with keeping meals going, interacting with health care workers.... and more.

The tree is up... and a few decorations are up... because the kids did it. :)  

As I considered not being "ready" for Christmas, I realized that what people mean about being ready for Christmas, is if we have all of our gifts bought and wrapped.... all of the cards out, Christmas picture taken, holiday plans made, and more. So, in that sense, no, I am certainly not ready... at all. 

I usually shop through the year at garage sales or other sales and pick up items on sale... at great prices... and then I save them until Christmas. We don't do a lot or have extravagant gifts, but we get a few things... mostly needed things along with a fun thing.

  The kids all give gifts to each other and to us... and we emphasize creativity and thoughtfulness over spending a lot of money. I am so blessed as I see the thought they put into their gifts for each other... maybe a certain kind of candy they know a brother likes... or a pretty necklace for a sister... or a gas card for a brother who buys a lot of gas...  or personalized drawings for each person or more. I love it.

 So......... this year, we aren't "ready". We don't have gifts figured out, I haven't written a Christmas newsletter, the Christmas pictures aren't copied, the Christmas meal isn't figured out...and we don't even know who will be here... or how many on Christmas Day.

 No, we just aren't "ready".   We are very very tired.... just plain worn out and weary.

 We are also thankful... thankful that my dad is still alive this Christmas to be with us as he could have very easily died from the heart problems... and was close to death.

If you haven't read it, the story is here... When An Emergency Strikes

 We are also thankful to be a family... to be together.... to have a home...

 We recognize that God has sustained us for a very long difficult time... we marvel.... and are thankful.

 We see that there is still a long road ahead of us... for helping Mom and Dad... and for resting up and doing all the stuff that has been let go in this time.  We also know that God will continue to equip us... after all, His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great. I am so thankful for what He has done and will do. I am determined to trust Him.

As I ponder the reason for celebrating Christmas, I realize that
maybe we are "ready" for Christmas after all. :) 


I hope you remember and enjoy our Lord and Saviour at this season... no matter what is going on at your house.  A "different" kind of Christmas may not be so bad after all.

Thank you for visiting.




Shared on:


Paula's No Rules Weekend Party
Ducks N A Row
Final Homestead Barn Hop
Modest Mom Monday
The Art of Homemaking
Making Your Home Sing Monday
Motivation Monday
Wholehearted Wednesday
Homemaking Link Up
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Wake Up Wednesday
Make Bake and Create
Hip Homeschool Hop
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Tea Time Tuesday