4 hours.
Why? Why do I spend an entire afternoon stringing (and throwing — while hoping it catches on a lone branch) Christmas lights outside? It’s not for me. Well, that’s kind of not true — some of it is for me. I do love the peace and silence — once my body goes numb with cold. I love the beauty when I’m done. I do love the laughter with the girls. And I love having lights outside — it’s so festive — the lights twinkling against the sparkling snow.
I put lights up for my kids.
It’s about memories. Tradition. Sentiment. Excitement. Joy.
My little ones will stand in the living room and stare out the window in wonder as strand after strand lights up the yard. (Just a tidbit of info — I only use strands of lights — no blowups, plastic things, signs, etc — just simple strands. There are probably over 2000 lights out there.) With each light that goes up you can see the excitement rise. My little Elijah excitedly exclaimed — it’s Christmas outside! — as his little eyes glowed with glee as he watched me work.
My kids start asking in October if I’ll put lights up. How could I not? Do I regret that day, the time outside? Not in the least. Someday my sweet little ones, and not so little anymore, will be grown. And they will remember.
They’ll remember the lights.
They’ll remember their mom outside weaving the lights on bushes.
They’ll realize how much I love them.
Because I really do. Christmas is not about the stuff. It’s about Jesus. And family. And traditions. And memories. One little light at a time.
24 comments
Totally tearing up b/c Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the lights and decorations, and the sentiment behind it, and that it’s all because of Jesus. Even for people who don’t include him in their celebrations, if it weren’t for Him, it wouldn’t be done at all.
*sigh* It IS the most wonderful time of the year!
LOL!
It is all about Jesus. 🙂 Love this post.
<><
What a beautiful post. You are so right – kids love the lights and any Christams decorations for that matter, so I guess you reminded me that it is time for me to get working on those and stop beaing a slacker …
how sweet!! love this post Rachel… enjoyed the pictures too.
Have a great week ahead.
Blessings,
Ruth
There are times when I don’t want to the whole blown out decorating thing but then I realize how important it is for our family…..once the hard part is done it’s all so worth it! Love your pics.
Wonderful pictures. Enjoyed
this so much. It’s worth the
all day decorating to see the
eyes of kids when they see
the lights and glitter. My
boys are grown now (though
one is autistic, so not really
grown in that sense) but the
neighbor kids love to see our
decorations and trees and they
also make it all worthwhile.
I love Christmas!!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post! Your right, Christmas is all about our Lord Jesus!
I would be humbly honored if you want to become a follower to my blog as well.
God’s Blessings to everyone!!!
Lon
AMEN, Girlfriend!
Blessings,
andrea
Looks cold … and like a lot of fun. And you are right – your kids will remember, with joy and fondness. Mine do. Maintaining those traditions are important to them.
And another thing you are right about – Jesus is the reason. wb
I absolutely love this! Hannah’s pictures are really great.
and I obviously have missed out on your blog because I love the new makeover.
Have a blessed Holiday Season!
Loved this! Making memories with my little ones is just such a precious opportunity! We’re putting up our Christmas tree today, and I can’t wait to watch my boys hang ten ornaments on one branch while we sip hot chocolate and listen to Christmas music!
Love your blog. The pictures and words are beautiful. Yes, they will have wonderful memories fo a mom who gets out of her comfort zone to do something fun for them. Enjoy every moment.
Reading past posts I can tell you I have a Star Wars fan here also. He’s 8 and he is in love with everything Star Wars, especially Legos. Glad to have helped with the Advent calendar. Nice to “meet” you.
Love this. The photos are very atmospheric, too!
Thanks for your comment on my post – glad you liked it!
Blessings
Lucy
I love the outdoor decorations and your time you spend with your kids. It brings back memories of growing up.
Blessings
Janet
Love it!!!! SOoo worth it!!!!!
Amen! Taking time for your loved ones. Building traditions… making memories. Definitely worth it!
The pictures are totally fun and you are beautiful Rachel (so are your girls).
Love,
Lynnette
what sweet and snowy memories!!! you girls are so beautiful (and wow – love the pictures, as ALWAYS! go hannah!) and i know you share such a special bond. it’s the most wonderful time of year! kelly and i are putting our christmas tree up tonight so it will be ready to greet the kids in the morning… can’t wait for hunter to gasp with excitement when he sees it. : )
I don’t much like decorating, but I do it for my kiddos. Although, the lights, I leave that up to my husband. I am not good at those sorts of things!
Amazing pics! But where’s one of the finished product?
Always keep your eyes on the Lord! Praying!
Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Yes, what sweet memories! And wow – the pictures are *amazing*, Hannah! Great job. 🙂
Hi Rachel!
Thanks for your comment on my Mealtime Routines post!
I love the pictures taken by your daughter! They are all so beautiful!
Have a nice day!
It truly IS the best time of year! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my place today and for your sweet comment. It’s always nice to make new friends. 🙂 I’ve been looking around here a bit and I really like your blog. When a blog makes me smile, whether through the words written, the pictures posted or just the overall sentiment expressed, it’s a place I’m likely to visit often. I’m sure I’ll be back. 🙂 Happy Monday!
Woah. Love lights outside! It’s been raining here the past few days, so our outside lights are not up yet. Makes me feel like my house is naked. 🙂
And your daughter’s pictures are beautiful. What a talent. I’m still a beginner, so I’ll have to work long and hard to be as good as her.
Love your post. And thanks so much for visiting my little site.
I think the coffee gets more glorious as the temps drop.
The photo of the single red light on the branch is my favorite.