pexels-photo-250177

So, this is a very beautiful Christmas Tree……but it is not mine! Oh, I do have some very beautiful ornaments,  but this year they are staying in their boxes.  This year, my Christmas Tree is more of a ‘Memory Tree.’

I sat with some photo albums and gathered together pics from the past.  I have photos of my children when they were small, photos of family who are no longer with us, pictures of past Christmases, halloween costumes, first days of school, vacations and so much more.

I clipped each picture onto the tree and added some white lights (I personally prefer all white lights – and please, no blinking), and some red bows.

My hope is that when my family gathers together this Christmas, we take the time to remember…..

remember some special memories…..

remember the love we share…..

remember how blessed we are to have each other……

There will be laughter and, I’m sure some tears.  We have much to be grateful for, and much to pray for.  

Makes me think of one of my favorite Christmas Songs – thanks Kelly Clarkson!

My Grown Up Christmas List
Kelly Clarkson
Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well I’m all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child but my heart still can dream
So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself but for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list
As children we believe
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely wrapped beneath the tree
But Heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a heartached human soul
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list
What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list
This is my only lifelong wish
This is my grown up Christmas list
Let us pray……..