Wednesday 12 December 2012

JYC Day 12 - This the season to be jolly

Ah, the happy smiley faces, everyone together and everyone getting along perfectly.  No stress, no squabbles, peace and goodwill to all.  Only it's not always like that is it?  There are times when we all feel a little bit 'Christmased out'.  Christmas is not always the happiest time of the year for everyone, believe me I know that for a fact. 

I lost my mum to cancer just 7 days before Christmas one year and it took every last bit of energy to put my happy smiley face on for that Christmas Day. 
But I did it and you know what helped me through?  The fact that my mum loved Christmas.  She cooked and planned and shopped weeks in advance to make sure that everything was just right and nothing made her happier than having her family all around her.  She definitely gained more pleasure from giving someone a gift that she had put so much thought into rather than receiving something herself.   I knew that she would not have wanted her passing to result in a horrible time for us all.  So whenever I feel that feeling of stress creeping up on me, I think of her and know that she would be rallying me round to think of what I had done and not concentrate on what was still left to do!  Shimelle asked us to think of a role model for Christmas today and my mum fits that description perfectly.  We still carry on her family traditions and that helps to make us feel like she is still sharing the day with us.  
On another note, it's 12.12.12 today!  Not only that but it is my husband's birthday.  Plus my son had the results of his Masters degree and he has passed with a high 2:1.  He worked so hard for it, he deserves to have done well.  
Today we woke to what I believe they call a hoar frost.  The countryside looks absolutely beautiful.  We've just taken Coco out for a lunchtime walk in the fields around us and I shall share some pictures to help anyone out there who needs to be put in a Christmas frame of mind ...





12 comments:

Rhona said...

Ooh, lots in this post Deb. Happy Birthday to your husband and Congratulations to your son. Your photos are beautiful and I love the message in your post today and I'm sure your Mum would love that you're carrying on some of her traditions. xx

Abi said...

Happy Birthday to your husband. What a nice day to have his birthday on! Lovely photos. That frost is amazing, it almost looks like snow!

Elizabeth said...

I lost my mother ten years ago tomorrow. We still carry on the traditions she created for us. That first year was really tough though.

Cheri said...

Happy Birthday to the hubby. My it looks cold there! That kind of frost is usually when we lose big branches, if not entire trees from the weight of the ice.

scrappyjacky said...

Our frost hasn't melted all day....it's still out there....looking very pleased with itself!!
Happy Birthday to hubby.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to both of your boys and lovely photos.

Amy said...

Hmm, your post resonates deeply with me Deb - two of my grandparents died right on Christmas - it's a difficult time and even now there is an awkwardness surrounding the lead up and the actual day. We enjoy ourselves thoroughly, but never forget.

Sian said...

Good news and things to think about today.

I feel the same way about birthdays. My birthday is a non-day for me...

..but I'm happy to cheer on some celebrating by others - so Happy Birthday to your husband!

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Gorgeous frost & happy birthday to your hubby!

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Ouch - seven days before Christmas? I'm sorry, Deb. That must have been a very sad Christmas for you, as I can well imagine!

I'm glad that the memory of your mom helps you through Christmas. I'm trying hard to keep the happy part of my mom's memory in the forefront this year! xo

alexa said...

Stunning photos ... Glad to read that there are memories which help you through this time, and hoping for the same here. Such a lot of congratulations are in order in your home!

Susanne said...

Lovely photos, especially love the peacefulness of the last one with the berries. Wishing you peace during this jolly season!