Old favorites. New traditions.
Christmas has finally arrived at our house!
My husband and I decided to wait to turn in our final Capstone project. Yesterday afternoon the SEND button was pushed, and after 3 1/2 years, we have completed the work for our MA in Global Leadership degree. That is cause for celebration!
So we jumped in the car and drove to Hollywood Studios to see the (literally) millions of lights that “dance” to music for the wide-eyed, joy-filled, shoulder-to-shoulder packed-in-like-sardines, crowd in the street. It was truly impressive and a first time experience for this Orlando transplant.
… and so begin the new Christmas traditions.
This is our first year in our Florida home, so decorating requires new decisions… with the old favorites. Many plastic tubs of strangely-out-of-place snow and evergreen themed treasures, a life long of collected ornaments, and beloved hot chocolate mugs have exploded in my living room. I love the transformation that warm candles, white lights, and years of collected nativities bring to the home.
We are bringing all of our children to Orlando to celebrate this year – another new experience with “old” favorites. This Christmas will include Disney parks, warm weather, and lots of crazy people filling every inch of floor space in a small townhome and every moment of the days with silly insider jokes, laughter, music, adventures, hugs, stories, pictures, memories, and love. We need to buy more food, warn the neighbors, and make sure the camera batteries are charged. I can’t wait!
This morning, as I anticipate the craziness, I also reflect on my every-year desire to keep one constant in this season – a quiet, peaceful, heartfelt connection with the One who gives true meaning to this holiday. Jesus is my favorite part of all life, and each year I have the opportunity to create new “traditions” that keep us close.
Here are a few of my special traditions for CHRISTmastime perspective.
Pentatonix a cappella cover of “Little Drummer Boy”
The Piano Guys “Angels We Have Heard on High”
(an older favorite) A Social Media Christmas
What are some of your Christmas favorites? What new traditions are you starting this year?
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Congratulations, Terry and Steve! You certainly persevered well and are now rewarded! Enjoy your family without any lingering thoughts of work unfinished!
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Thanks so much, sweet Alice! Everyone will be here tonight – we are very excited about this time. We are so pleased to finish the MA. God has been very gracious to us.
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Finished! And done with classy finesse! So proud of the two of you–and so thrilled that it gives you some space to really enjoy your family and new traditions. Thrilled that this Christmas will be a first in many ways for you all. Loved the things you shared!
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Finished… and just beginning! Isn’t that always the way! We will definitely enjoy our special celebration this year!
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I think that I am so proud of you both for finishing your Master´s degree and I celebrate with you “desde México”. Whew – 3 1/2 years is a long, step-by-step time! So wonderful to have that burden (although I am sure it was equally a surpassing joy) lifted. Now to fprge on, not by writing papers for your thesis, but by writing on people´s lives through your Global Leadership. You surely have been an example and a leadership model to me. ¡Gracias!
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Thanks, dear Denise! What a treat to receive a greeting and congrats from you! You are an inspiration to me also… miss you and send you love across the miles!
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