Have Yourself A Simple Little Christmas

2021 has been the ultimate year of changed/canceled plans for our family. Christmas ended up being no different.

We were planning on hosting a big bonfire and open house on Christmas Day. We’d provide the refreshments, and our friends could just come here to relax.

We prepared cookies and food, cleaned up the yard near the fire pit, and got everything ready to go. But then Christmas day arrived, and it was way too windy to have a fire. Strong gusts of wind kept on coming all day long. We also only had a couple families join us because a bunch of people couldn’t make it. Thankfully, it was warm enough that we could all still enjoy being outside. It was wonderful. We had a yard full of kids riding bikes and running around barefoot, and the screen door was left open to let in the fresh air. (Can I just take a moment to reiterate how much I love living in the south?)

Even though our original plan of a bonfire with lots of people didn’t happen, it was still one of the best Christmases we’ve had as a family. Everyone enjoyed good food and good company. The kids had fun checking out the animals and exploring the property. The adults drank entirely too much coffee.

I guess now we have a whole year to plan for next Christmas- hopefully the weather will cooperate, and we can actually do the bonfire part!

I’m really glad we pared back some of our traditions this year. There wasn’t an overabundance of presents under the tree, we didn’t mail out cards, didn’t bake as many cookies, and didn’t go to lots of events. We spent time together as a family. We lit the candles on our Advent wreath during dinner. We made more of an effort to spend time with the people we love, and focus on the birth of Jesus instead of falling into the trap of consumerism. That simplicity provided a much-needed break from the craziness we’ve experienced during the past year.

I’m so thankful that no matter how many of our plans fall apart, the joy of Christmas is something that can’t ever be canceled.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

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