The View From Here – Where Are You Christmas?

Before time runs out, I wanted to take the time to wish you a very Merry Christmas!  I hope you have a wonderful holiday, however that looks for you.  Maybe that’s a house full of loved ones, hosting the big turkey dinner.  Maybe it’s just you, sitting quietly watching movies by yourself enjoying the peace and quiet.

Maybe you’re grieving this Christmas and you can’t wait for it all to be over.  Sending big warm hugs in your direction.

Maybe it’s different because you aren’t able to get together with loved ones.  Maybe you’re missing someone.  Maybe it’s been a challenging year and you just don’t feel like celebrating.

Maybe it causes too much stress with the cost of living so crazy high and it feels overwhelming with the cost of food and gifts and traveling and more.

Maybe it’s just different and you just don’t feel the spirit and, like me, you hear that classic Christmas song by Faith Hill, and you wonder “where are you Christmas?”

I was driving to work earlier this week and the song came on the radio and I honestly felt tears.  Normally, I love the song because it’s from the Grinch – one of those movies you just HAVE TO WATCH every Christmas season.

This year, the lyrics hit different right off the bat.

Where are you Christmas
Why can’t I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can’t I hear music play
My world is changing
I’m rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too
Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I’m not the same one
See what the time’s done
Is that why you have let me go, oh
Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh
If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time

Yep, things are different in our house this year.  My husband and I found ourselves empty nesters for the first time this year.  And it’s been challenging in so many ways.  Lots of adjusting.  Normally, it’s the kids that bring the house to life with the holiday spirit.  They get excited about decorating and we go for the tree as a family.

I miss it. So much.

And that’s why this song just hit different this year because this year – it IS different.

My heart goes out to you if you are hurting this year, for whatever the reason, but I hope you too find the spirit of the holidays and you find some joy this season.

“If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel like Christmas all the time.”

I’ll keep trying, if you do.

Merry Christmas.

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan