It’s November! So much going on! As I write this, polls are closing on our 2024 election. By tomorrow, hopefully, we will know the outcomes of the many people and issues on the ballot. It’s my hope and fervent prayer that the results, whether they be pleasing to people or not, are accepted with grace and dignity.
Past Election Day, we will soon have Veterans’ Day. November 11th is a day set aside to honor those of our country who have served us as part of the military, past or present. I won’t give you a history lesson on the origins of this holiday, but I am proud of all the members of my family who have served – my dad in the Army during WWII, my brothers in the Marines and Navy during the Vietnam Conflict, my uncle-in-law in the Air Force during WWII, and our nephew in the Marines during the Gulf Wars.
Just a couple of short weeks later, we have Thanksgiving Day – a day to be thankful for our many blessings, to gather with family and friends, to praise God (or whatever higher power we honor), and to eat. And eat. And eat. Sometimes we go to a movie in the afternoon or evening and enjoy popcorn (because there’s always room for popcorn) before returning home for turkey sandwiches.
Before Thanksgiving leftovers have been boxed up, many of us will be out there shopping, or online shopping. My Black Friday is spent at the kitchen table, in front of a lovely fire and cocoa (if it’s chilly), addressing and signing our Christmas cards. Usually, I watch a couple of movies, or four, during this. My favorites to write cards to are because I’ve seen them so often, I don’t really need to watch. Just listening and I can picture every scene. I start with White Christmas, then The Santa Claus, then Christmas with the Kranks, and end up with either Christmas in Connecticut or Remember the Night.
That weekend we always work at the Hospice gift shop. It’s illumination of the tree in the town square and an exciting weekend. Plus, it’s the big Ohio State – TTUN game and we never miss that!
The very next day begins Advent. We start with a calendar, a candle lighting, and getting ready for our church’s annual Advent dinner and play. Advent calendars – for us – involve toy trucks, candy, and jigsaw puzzles. Every day is a treat, and a chance to give thanks and praise for the holiday season and our many blessings.
Twenty-four packed-with-activity-days later, Christmas arrives. These activities include trips to visit light displays, attending Christmas concerts, and the Advent dinner and play. Our Christmas celebrations continue with the decorating of trees and house on the second weekend of the month. On the 22nd, we will lead our Sunday School Class (and it’s our 40th anniversary). Christmas Eve will have a little appetizer and drink party before church. Then the big day! A Christmas breakfast (coffee cake, egg casserole and yummy coffee), gift exchanges with our nearest and dearest, a wonderful dinner, and collapse into our chairs to watch a holiday movie.
Somewhere in all that, I will find time to watch each and every new Hallmark holiday movie that is shown, because…well, it’s Hallmark.
Whatever the next 49 days brings to any of us, I hope it includes peace of mind, good health, and appreciation for the blessings of each day. It’s crazy and hectic, but it can be fun, meaningful and full of grace. It’s a choice.
short and sweet remarks on this post – cannot say much more – except I hope that more and more folks are realizing the importance of being Thankful for what God has done through the sending of His SON Jesus, down to save us from ourselves! God bless all and hope to see you in heaven, one day!!