I’ve heard of a ghost from Christmas past but this is a post from Christmas past. Past Christmases have been on my mind more this year than any other, which led me to create an old fashioned Christmas tree. I wanted to share it with my children and grandchildren.
The magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes, in a child’s heart, on a child’s face, is peaceful and chaotic all at the same time.
I remember Grandma’s Christmas tree, an oddly shaped cedar tree with sprawling branches reaching clumsily in every direction. It would be all lit up with big gaudy bright lights, red and green and blue and yellow and orange. The tree would glisten with silver icicle tinsel and hanging from each branch was the old “Shiny Brite” glass balls.
In Grandma’s window were candles with orange bulbs. As Daddy and Mom and my brother and I would head home on Sunday evenings I would watch through the back car window until we were over the second hill, and the candle lights would finally fade away into the night. I always felt a sense of sadness when this happened and I don’t know why. Even now, it brings tears to my eyes and I still have no idea why.
Growing up, the magic of Christmas was important in my family. Mom and Dad always made it special. Traditions have been passed down from my grandparents to my parents, then to me and my children and grandchildren.
Always pass those beautiful memories and traditions down to your children. And encourage them to make their own traditions as well.
Along with the magic of Christmas my Grandma taught us about Jesus. My Grandma and Mom prayed us all right into His arms, never ceasing to pray for us. And I know a few of us gave them a run for their money.
Mom and Grandma have their own stories. Through the years they shared of the goodness of the Lord and what He done in their lives. And we remember these stories and speak of them often and we thank Him for His wonderful grace.
It’s good to remember the days of long ago and have a HALLELUJAH party! Psalm 134:3 (NIV) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
As I remember the Christmases past, I also remember the goodness of God. Both yesterday and today. I look back and see the blessings from my childhood and how they have molded me into who I am today. And I’m thankful. I’m thankful for God fearing Parents and Grandparents. And I’m thankful for an old fashioned Christmas that reminded me of so much love. Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
This was so touching Mikki Jo! I feel your love for your mother and grandmother! How blessed you are to have grown up with such strong faith filled women and traditions. I pray one day my grandchildren will think of me in the same way!
Denise thanks so much for your sweet compliment! I am very blessed indeed to have had such amazing women in my life.
Thank you so much for this post. We are having our first Christmas without my grandma and it is so hard. Thank you for the bittersweet tears as we relived our Christmas past.
i’m still tryin to figure that out – i didn’t grow up in a Christian home
You know HIM now Andi! That’s what matters friend!
Lovely.:) An old fashioned Christmas sounds like a lovely Christmas. Simple, beautiful. Joyful.:)
I miss the simplicity of it.
Such fond memories… thanks for sharing! I miss my parents so so extra much during the holidays…. but I know they are smiling down on our family from heaven… and this year we have an extra special blessing of my very first grandchild to celebrate – a sweet boy! Blessings to you and your family!
Congratulations on that new Grandbaby! What an awesome way to celebrate Christmas!
this brought a tear to my eye, I miss the old fashioned christmas, the ones where my grandma would make everything for us, socks, mittens etc, my parents would be upset because they didn’t get us enough things, but you know what it is those memories that I hold close to my heart.
Interesting…as you talked about an old fashioned Christmas, my memories started filling my mind and such warmth and love followed closely behind. Thank you for painting that picture and inviting us to remember. I also love the “hallelujah parties!” I’m going to start using that phrase. It’s fantastic!
Kristi I’m happy to hear sweet memories were stirring. I’m thankful for them. I can almost smell those Christmas mornings. A new doll…I always loved the smell. Probably some kind of caustic rubber lol. But i can remember that smell. Sweet memories.
This was so beautiful Mikki Jo. As you were describing leaving your grandmothers and tears came I found myself feeling sad. My nana passed in ’09 and I try to hold on to memories of times gone by. Thank you for this reflection of Christmas past and a gentle reminder of what was. This was beautiful.
Thank you Rhiannon. I miss my sweet Grandma. She was such a strong but gentle soul.
Beautiful! I have very sweet memories of Christmases with my grandma too. My family still keeps a lot of her traditions going!
Traditions that are passed down from generation to generation are the best kind. I remember my Grandma always made lasagna and a huge meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas and family gathered.
We make it a point to always have lasagna and a big meal because that was a tradition passed down.
My family didn’t talk about Jesus, but I am happy to now share that with my own children- hopefully a tradition they choose to keep!
Sounds like you were passed down great traditions!
Thank you and it sounds like you have some wonderful traditions as well. The most important being, celebrating Jesus Christ.
Lovely post! I enjoyed reading your Christmas memories. (We had similar candles in the windows — I feel nostalgic every time I see them.) What a wonderful message, too!
it’s the reason for the season that matters! 🙂
Amen
They were two amazing women I had the pleasure of knowing and learning from them.