We are only a few weeks into autumn, and already I am dreaming dreams of Christmas soon to be. Why is it when the first yellow leaves begin to drop in autumn, my thoughts turn to a fire crackling in the fireplace, and I long for the scent of freshly-baked Christmas cookies? It is too soon to think such thoughts, I tell myself. And of course, it is too soon. First, there is the lovely harvest season. Now, is the time to pick apples. Now, is the time to think about pumpkins and the beautiful fall foliage.
I have already peeked at the Christmas tree! We keep our artificial tree in a closet. I can open the door and look at it whenever I want to. And I want to, although it defies reason why I should be thinking of Christmas weeks before Thanksgiving.
I was never one to want to rush the seasons. I dislike going into stores and seeing that everything is set up for a holiday way ahead of time. And yet, lately, these last few years, I absolutely love to see signs of Christmas all year long. I am delighted when I come across a Christmas shop any time of the year. I keep wondering when restaurants will start serving holiday coffees with pumpkin spice as early as September. But really, I want to see the eggnog variety of beverages!
For many years, we visited houses on a local garden and house tour. One lovely lady who owned a home on the tour, remarked that, ‘there was a little bit of Christmas in every room of her home.’ She always wondered if people would notice the charming ornament or tiny tree tucked in a corner somewhere. Some items were more obvious than others; still, three-hundred, and sixty-five days of the year, Christmas reigned in every room of the house.
I loved this idea! In small gestures, Christmas remained alive in the rooms of the house through the green of summer, in the delicate footprint of spring, in the cool, white winter, and in the merry days of fall, harvesting pumpkins and apples, and rosy-red cheeks. All along, there was Christmas in the air; in the heart of the home, Christmas was never really over.
I love Christmas! It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. What could be better than keeping that celebration going all the time, with a touch of Christmas decor to grace our days, every day of the year?
I must confess, I adopted this lady’s custom. I too, have a bit of Christmas cheer in every room. I also have a bit of Easter decor as well. I leave it out all year long! You have to be looking for it of course, or you might miss it. There is a Victorian egg on the piano, and a crystal cross that I move from place to place. The important thing is that I know I am continuously surrounded by these items that bring me peace and joy.
Our homes should reflect what is in our hearts. Truthfully, for those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, it is Christmas in our hearts every day; His love is born anew for us every hour of every day. So why not celebrate all the time? Love is a season without end. And so, it’s okay if I take another peek at that tree…and another, and another!
Psalm 97:11: “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.”
Oh, Linda. It’s never too early for Christmas joy. We have a bit of Christmas in our hearts each day of the year. Decor galore! God’s grip – Alan
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I love the idea of a little Christmas in the house all year round. I know our home reflects our heart. Thanks Linda.
Yes! That little touch of Christmas makes such a difference!
Ok, now I like the concept of celebrating Christmas all year round in my heart, but could I do it without having stuff around the house? It’s not a bad idea, but wouldn’t that mean there’d just be one more thing to dust in every room? I’m a lazy housekeeper, I guess. š¤
Christmas is a thing of the heart! You must be a good housekeeper, one who keeps from making extra work for herself! Yes, each additional item in our homes, requires extra care. The important thing is that our home is a place where we feel comfortable. I must confess that you might find some dust bunnies in my house, alongside the actual bunnies from time to time. Still, I drag out all the bunnies for our Easter egg hunt, and I do my best to keep the dust bunnies at bay! š
This time of year, I am extremely busy with work and cannot bear to think of Christmas because there’s just so much to get through before. But your post sure made me smile and cast my gaze beyond the gate, towards December!
December will arrive soon enough! I hope all goes well with your work; knowing there is a break ahead is a very happy thought! š
Indeed!
I agree, it’s never too early to enjoy a little Christmas! After all, it’s something that should be celebrated all the time!
For many years, we always went to a tree farm and had a real tree. It is only in recent years that we have had an artificial one. Now, with the family expanding and all the grandchildren, it makes sense to start early. We are starting new traditions!
Yes totally agree that our homes should reflect what is in our hearts!
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Linda, I wanted you to know that I have tried many times to subscribe to your blog, but it never works. I hit the subscribe button, and then enter my email address. Then it says that I have subscribed, but need to answer a confirmation email to finalize it…..but the problem is, I never get the email. I’m not complaining, I just wanted to make you aware in case there is a glitch in the system. And to let you know that I really am trying to follow you, because I love your blog! It’s possible I’m dong something wrong, I just haven’t figured out what yet!
Thank you for letting me know! I will try to check it out! š