"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Monday, December 16, 2013

Christmas Melancholy

Time is precious and fleeting fast. Grandchildren are growing so quickly, quicker than their parents, our children seemed to. How  the years have sped by leaving me dizzy with the emotions of wishing I could have just a little bit of time back with my children and their children in earlier years. I vow to myself yet again to remember in the moment that this is special time spent with the precious ones God has graced our lives . And I do. I want to hang onto these moments , simple moments of no great achievements and doings.

Christmas brings to me the joys of the season, the importance of our celebrations of the birth of Jesus , and the time for family gatherings. Cliché I know, but no less significant for it. I think also the impending end of another year and a new year soon to begin also adds to the reflection and for me, the melancholy of  this season.
 The decorating, baking, gift giving, family gatherings, too-busy times, and just plain fun times are all what I expect, look forward to and even dread sometimes. However, looking back ( yes, with melancholy ) I realize these are the good times, as were the times in years past. A messy kitchen and the piles of dirty dishes from all the family dinners and gatherings just shows you're blessed with food and family to share it with. This means your kitchen clean-up is also a blessing ! ( even more so if some of the family & friends help )

"Christmas ! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given -- when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes." Joan Winmill Brown
 
"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred , and we are better throughout the year for having in spirit , become a child again at Christmas time." Laura Ingalls Wilder
 
"melancholy -adj. seriously thoughtful or meditative " Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
 

13 comments:

joanne said...

oh how I feel your melancholy mood. When did our children/grandchildren get so grown up? Turn around, turn around, as the song goes. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, a Merry Christmas and all the joys your heart can hold!

Deb said...

This is so true. I am going to cherish every moment with my grand-kids. I love your tree and spotted a little lamb. So sweet.

Pondside said...

Kathy, yet again you've written what I'm grappling with. Our son and his four wee ones will be here over New Years and I want to slow the world down and enjoy every one of the hours I have with them. Thank you for putting this into words - my longing and that of so many of us, I'm sure.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Kathy yes it is all hectic and crazy but I can see the memories your Grandchildren are making ones that will last a lifetime. Take care my friend I am having the same feelings and I as of now have no Grandchildren to share with. Beautiful writing. Hug B

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I love the photos, very heart warming.

May your Christmas be filled with much love, joy and peace and less melancholy.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

They were the best years when the children were young and excitement was high. The Christmas Eve candlelight service was magical and those are the memories I cherish. Grandchildren have brought the warm feelings back and being together is better than any present I could receive. I too enjoy savouring every moment with the family.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

They were the best years when the children were young and excitement was high. The Christmas Eve candlelight service was magical and those are the memories I cherish. Grandchildren have brought the warm feelings back and being together is better than any present I could receive. I too enjoy savouring every moment with the family.

Debbie said...

Hub and I have had to learn to console ourselves to holidays alone since the girls have grown up and away. We haven't had a family Christmas together in over 5 years now. It's not just Christmas, it's all occasions. But each time we do get together it is a wonderful experience that has been made more special by it's rarity. When everyone was home in October it seemed we enjoyed the time together so much that it flew away and it gets harder to part. I'm not sure I'd realize how special that is if I experienced it on a daily basis. We are each where God would have us and I thank Him for having been the mother to two very special girls, and now MIL to two very special men and MEME to a very special little girl.
Time is marching on at a very fast pace my friend. :D

Paula said...

Bless you, Kathy... you are one of those one-in-million grandmothers. Love your pictures of the beautiful tree being decorated!

June said...

I can certainly understand where you are coming from. Both my children are grown (neither married), no grandchildren, and my husband died 14 years ago. I concentrate on the Reason for the Season (Jesus). I don't even decorate any more, as our cat, Earl Grey, would just tear it all down anyway.

Connie said...

I have been feeling a sense of melancholy this season too, Kathy. It is true that time seems to fly by so quickly, and I need to remember too to stay in the moment and enjoy it while it is here.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

I think we all at times go through a melancholy mood, especially at Christmas. It makes us think of the ones who used to share Christmas with us and are no longer here, the sweet children who grew up and flew away to their own lives and much more. Wishing you a Happy and wonderful Christmas!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Love your sweet photos. I think we all feel melancholy from time, especially around the holidays. Wishing you a very blessed Christmas.