Christmas Decorating With Nostalgia

It has been a busy week at my house. The kids have created decorations to transform our home into a festive holiday masterpiece. As I look around, I am washed with feelings of nostalgia.

Every year, shortly after Thanksgiving, my kids decorate our Christmas tree. For the week or two following, my house is a flurry of construction paper and crafts. New ornaments are made and snowflakes are clipped.

A few years ago my kids stopped making very many traditional paper snowflakes. Instead, they found patterns for more ornamental 3D snowflakes/stars. Each year their creations become more complex and unique. (Come back next week for a tutorial.) So far this year they haven’t made a single traditional snowflake.

Paper chains are a fun way for kids to make a garland for the Christmas tree. Last year our chain was so long it was hung around the ceiling of our entire living room. This year my kids have made something new. Christmas flag bunting is strung around my house. It’s beautiful and festive. (A tutorial will be available next week.)

It’s a gift to watch my children grow. I am incredibly proud of them. As they set aside cutout snowflakes and paper chains for more involved decorations, I cannot shake the fact they are not so little anymore. Recently I’ve had to start looking up to one of the boys, and the other is anxiously standing tall.

Life itself seems as fleeting as childhood. I cannot go into a holiday season without thinking of the son I lost, or my mother leaving us during a past Christmas season. Oh, how the Lord was so present during both of those events. Perfect peace in the midst of grief.

A small nativity sits in my home. It was roughly made. Paint was applied to pieces of wood with sponge shapes. I’ve always loved nativities and have considered purchasing a nice one. I always push the idea aside. Honestly, I prefer my simple homemade one. My son made it at church during the last Christmas season before he went home to be with the Lord.

My feelings of nostalgia, although a bit sad, are filled with peace. I treasure my little homemade nativity, but I know the paint will eventually chip away. More important, I know what it represents.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I enjoy looking around my home and seeing the decorations and memories of Christmas past. I equally enjoy the decorations that reflect the growth of my children in this present Christmas. Because I know the Prince of Peace, I am confident there will be many Christmas blessings in the future.

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