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Friday, December 19, 2014

What Has Happened To The Falalala Spirit?

   







Yesterday was our annual Falalala day! You might be wondering what a Falalala day is??? 

It is a day that Dougie, and I take to absorb the Christmas sights, sounds and smells. 

We are done with any pressure type shopping so we just take our time, and enjoy the sights and people.

As always we enjoyed each other, but to our surprise there was not a whole lot of Christmas spirit going on out there. 



Not the usual lights, or sounds. It made me feel a bit sad inside. I am trying very hard to hold onto my Falalala spirit, but I am finding that so many around me are just not feeling it this year.

I am not sure if it is age related, or just the condition of our world. Either way I am sad inside by it all. Even certain friends of mine are not enjoying this beautiful season like they use too.

There are more excuses of WHY they are not doing, or more complaining about what they are doing than ever before.

I struggle with the don’t want too’s just like everyone. However I will  absolutely fight  against not enjoying a Holiday that is all about the greatest gift of love that mankind has ever been given.



There are so many emotions, and memories attached to this time of year, some are better than others, but to be honest we all have to really put forth an effort to remain in the spirit of this Holiday, and to not cave to the way of the world.

It does not have to be a Hallmark movie to be wonderful. It just had to be made a little special with your very own touches.

Whether it is a small tree, or  a wreath, a beautifully wrapped present, or a gift of generosity, it can all be wonderful.



Please don’t cave into the feelings of bah humbug, find what your own WONDERFUL is and celebrate that!!!

We all have choices, and I for one am choosing to remain in the spirit of my Christmas past, present and future. 

A spirit of thankfulness for God sending his son to be born so that we all might be free from our sins by believing in him.

 A spirit of sweet family memories of smiling surprised faces on Christmas morning. A spirit of delight in my family’s eyes when they see the tree full of the memories of Christmas past.



Will you join me in maintaining your Christmas Spirit, it does not have to be big, grand, colorful, or even lively. It just has to be an attitude of gratefulness and love. Love yourself enough to do something special for you, and your loved ones. 

Think about who and what you HAVE in your life NOW!!

It doesn’t have to be grand or extravagant, it just needs to feel a little special. Try some of the things I listed below:

Simple things like :

  • Candles lit  throughout the day
  • A fire in the fireplace.
  • A wreath on the door ( they are everywhere, even the grocery stores)
  • Christmas music playing (Free on the radio)
  • Something hot to drink ( Hot milk and coffee with a sprinkle of cinnamon)
  • A warm bowl of soup ( choose your favorite or a store bought butternut squash with croutons)
  • A fun Christmas movie ( Hallmark is always available this time of year)
  • Buy your favorite candy for yourself (Mine is new this year to me, but definitely a favorite, Trader Joes Brittle, All decked out)
  • Drive to look at lights (If you go online you can find what are the best light shows in your area)

I am sending you all a great big Christmas Hug and wishing you a very Merry Christmas.


 
 

15 comments:

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Kathysue... What a beautiful, heartwarming post! Great photos and lovely sentiment. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!!!

Merlin said...

Amazing...we must be "kindred sisters" in blogland...yesterday was MY FALALA-ing DAY, TOO! I've NEVER heard of ANYONE else doing that before. (I don't get out much.. :) I'm going to try to keep "that little girl in pink" in my mind ALL DAY LONG!! Thanx!

carol jane said...

I agree. I'm just not seeing people in the Christmas spirit either. Every one just seems to be depressed and complaining. Very sad. I'm trying my best to be in the fa LA LA mood too. Your photos are precious. The little girl in pink. Oh my goodness. Just melted my heart. Merry Christmas! Enjoy each and every moment.

debra @ 5th and state said...

oh no, what is happening your way kathysue?!

i have a unique perspective being a retailer, people share their thoughts, moods and spirit. we have all remarked on how extraordinary this year has been. people are carrying on about how excited they are this year vs years past and they are showing it with the huge amount of christmas decorating purchases. we have reordered like crazy and many of the manufacturers said "we have nothing left!" all a good sign, despite world conditions.
so do know not all is bad. come over and visit our christmas house that had over 3200 visitors.
the spirit is here!
xoxo
debra

Jana said...

There's lots of Christmas in Southern California. Yesterday we enjoyed the Christmas parade at Disneyland, fireworks and snow! Tonight it's Christmas lights!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

These images are priceless!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I guess that I have been off in my own little world enjoying the holiday so much that I haven't really noticed any lack of joy in others. This is such a glorious time that it is a shame not to make the best of it.

michele said...

i have seen some demonstrations of distress and even rage while out shopping, and it can drag one's spirits down. but since i struggle with depression, i am extra sensitive to the season and what it stirs up for many. it's important to note the holidays are very very tough for folks who struggle with depression. and depression is all different than sadness. often we can choose to be happy, but sadness is not depression. i cannot choose to snap out of it any easier than if it were cancer. the holidays also are rough for broken families. i have a newly single friend who will not have her children with her for christmas. i bet you spread joy everywhere you roam, and i try with smiles and patience and humor to diffuse what i can, but the fact is i struggle quite a bit and have to fake it quite a bit. but i am truly grateful i am never alone because of EMMANUEL. He is with us. peace.

Anonymous said...

Well-said, Kathysue! I'm feeling less than merry this year, but I blamed it on our being in the middle of 2 houses -- our current 1 + our project 1! TY for sharing -- those are some adorable photographs of children!

Karena said...

Kathysue, you have inspired what is the importance of the holidays, to wonder to be in awe of the spirit of Christmas! We are fortunate to have the Plaza and Crown Center, lights galore and store windows filled with spirit and joy! We should each do everything we can to bring Falala into our homes as well!

xoxo
Karena
Tis the Sunday before Christmas

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

Kathysue...I hope you have a Merry Christmas and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your kind words through out the year...

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Yes, a beautiful post with gorgeous photos! And, I love your "Fa la la" spirit and I'm feeling it myself and am going to make sure I keep it throughout the coming days. I'm even going to use that to describe how I feel, it's too cute!! A most blessed Christmas to you!

Stacy CUrran said...

This really hit home because yesterday was my mom's birthday and it's our first Christmas without her. It is very difficult. We are making it all about the kids, though, which helps. Wishing you the very best Christmas,
Stacy

Mumbai said...

you are so right Kathysue and I have noticed the same in Europe too. So sad. But everyone should try to maintain this tradition especially
in that dividing time. Enjoy your
holiday and my best wishes for 2o15
are with you.

Mumbai said...

you are so right Kathysue and I have noticed the same in Europe too. So sad. But everyone should try to maintain this tradition especially
in that dividing time. Enjoy your
holiday and my best wishes for 2o15
are with you.