There's a large part of the population that get depressed during the holiday season. For one reason or another it's just not a happy time of the year for some folks.
Sometimes I feel that I'm on the borderline, I know I suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). But sometimes the Christmas season is just not all that ho, ho, ho, for me.
Stress from the physical and financial demands as well as the added stress of clients who need things right away all help work me up.
Mostly, it's the pure commercialism of the whole thing. Our pastor gave a sermon two Sunday's ago and came right out and said he wished that Christ had nothing to do with Christmas. It sounded weird, but I understood what he was talking about. It's at the point where the birth of Christ and Christmas have little in common and maybe they should be separate. Santa, snowmen and the leg lamp have all replaced the Nativity, and don't get me started on “...good will towards men...” it just not that easy to find.
Don't get me wrong, every year I need my dose of Miracle on 34th Street, It's A Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol. I sometimes visit houses decked out in lights, like the one I photographed tonight, get the holiday spirit moving. I try really hard to: wish people a Merry Christmas, be extra patience and thank sales help. I try to remember the less fortunate and contribute to Toys for Tots, the Coat and gloves Drive and a food pantry. It's not perfect but it all helps.
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16 comments:
You've just got to do what you can to make it the most meaningful for you and yours.
The photo is wonderful!
I have never seen so many lights on one house! The sky is beautiful ... and your heart seems pretty great, too.
i use to get all weird about the tree, and the presents, and santa, and all that. but, not anymore.
the tree does not mean anything to me, except that it is pretty and i like to look at the lights and old ornaments that we have used over and over again.
the gifts, well, it isn't often that people give one another gifts.
santa, a made up story, though perhaps there really was a st. nicholas.
the commercialism... humans run amok.
but as long as you, and i, and anyone, Loves another person in the Love of God, well...Christ is in it.
yes, whatever we do is not perfect...but, Love, indeed it all helps.
you pastor could use some one to take him out to lunch to fill up his Love bucket.
now that's a Christmas house! greetings from Barcelona.
www.kamjey.com
I for one have never fallen prey to the Big-Blowout Christmas's.. Sure gifts are nice to give, but I pay cash for everything and when the cash is gone.. shopping is done..
So very true how the meaning of this holiday seems to be lost on the younger generation..That makes me blue.. As a child setting up our manger scene was a special event complete with music in the background and the family all around..
And all those lights on my house would stress the hell out of me between worrying about a house fire and the light bill in the mail in January!!
Awesome pic and Steve, you have yourself a Non-Blue Christmas..K?
HI Steve, thanks for your post. I have a strange relationship with Christmas it never has been one of my favourite times. Love the photo.
Wow, that is some house. I wonder what it looks like from inside looking out?
Love the sky in this photo! I understand what you mean about the commercialism and such for Christmas, sadly that part is true, but if we can just remember the lovely part too - God, love, family, friends, time together.
What a beautiful house and image..;) Thanks for joining in Steve, glad to see new faces in the challenge. ;)
Welcome!
The way I see it, it's a Gingerbread House. I was thinking of doing the same thing (not so many lights) to our house. We have a two story house, so it would be out of the question. We are in our 60's, so we have a good laugh. ;)
AND I like how everyone is 'softer' and 'smiley' and considerate at Christmas time.... it's infectious. I hate crowds, so Christmas makes it bearable.
Nice bright lights...
so many lights and so tastefully done! beautiful!
It's really easy to let real life and the commercial side push out the real reason for Christmas. I just try for a little balance.
A first class entry!
I want to wish you a Happy Christmas from here in the English Lakes. May your days be merry and bright....
Jeanie
We didn't have a commercial Christmas because with my husband being the only one working currently, I was able to concentrate on the other things I love about Christmas. There was no money to buy any gifts so we just enjoyed being with our family, eating good food, and playing games. It was one of the best Christmases ever and to top it off, it snowed on Christmas. You have to understand, I am 51 years old and it has never snowed on Christmas in my lifetime here in east central Alabama, so it was definitely a perfect ending for a perfect day. Loved your photo entry. Happy New Year!
Susan
Amen to that... Love your light display or is it. Happy holidays to you.
Nancy
Hi, Steve, that photo is amazing...all that work for making the house look so bright. That takes time and a love of light. Yes, this is like most holidays full of lots of emotions. Focus on the good, give from the heart and keep letting your light shine...that's what I say. Thanks for your photo entry and your thoughts! Smiles!
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