Christmas Home

A Christmas home is so special, and the comforts and joys it exudes to those who truly call it home are unparalleled by any other time of year.

Growing up, my Momma always did so much work to transform our home from a house for the daily grind,

to a beautiful, candlelit haven where hope and joy were celebrated in an extra special way for those few weeks in December.

The return of the decorations every year are a symbol and a reminder to me that no matter what bitterness or happiness the year may hold, the candles and garland, the tree and lights will be brought out again, and they will remind us.

Remind us that hope came.

Remind us that we have hope with us, always.

And that next year, we will still have hope. 

Maybe not health, or a job, or money in the stock market, or ease, but hope we will certainly have.

I love homes where I can tell that the Christmas items spread throughout the house like bowls and blankets and mugs and quilts and ornaments have been gathered over a lifetime, all preparing for this special time of year. 

Reminds me, I should probably make a little trip this weekend to Pottery Barn to see what they have in after-Christmas sales this year.

I have to admit, I haven't taken down our tree yet, and have no immediate plans to do so.

How about you?
Is your tree up through the new year?

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:5