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What do the holidays mean to you?

19 December 2009 29 Comments

Happy Holidays

Noah told me what Christmas meant to him and that it’s not about presents grandma, “it’s about Jesus because he was born on that day” and Noah proceeded to explain that later, “he got hung on the cross and died for our sins so we celebrate Christmas to tell Jesus thank you”, could it be that simple I know Jesus wasn’t born on December 25^th it’s the day Christians picked to celebrate his birth, however, the words and thoughts coming from the heart of my six year old grandson told me he had the right idea, it’s not about the gifts it’s about what we can do for those we love and I wondered how many of us remember what it really means because with all the marketing retailers do we are programmed to believe, bigger, better, and more equate to a successful Christmas, therefore, how many of us really get the true meaning of celebrating this important holiday could we have missed what Christmas really is. And then I visited one of my favorite blogs and became intrigued with their latest post regarding What Guys really want for the holidays, http://theguysperspective.com/theguysblog/ their thoughts written by men who want to share their feelings on relationships, family and friends and they hit a hot button in my heart when they wrote what’s really is important to them and it wasn’t a gift or gadget from the gals they love, instead it was giving them their time (a pure chunk of undivided attention) that would be the best present they could have and I thought wow how many of us really knew this and are they the norm or an isolated collection of guys who really get it, so please pop over to their site and read about their feelings and tell them what you think about their ideas I believe they’re pretty neat guys so I’m betting you’ll make them one of your favorites as well.

And them I’m asking, what do you think Christmas is and how do you celebrate in your home is it giving, getting, or doing, do you get together for dinner, exchange gifts or just go away for vacation and not worry about the holidays at all. Me, I’m with Noah (my grandson) remembering the Christmas story and the baby Jesus and what his life was like for him and his family a long time ago. I also make sure I give individual attention to my grandchildren, the presents aren’t the focus although I do give them gifts, we love being together to eat, talk and determine our plans for the coming year sharing our most personal and intimate thoughts with each other. I love every moment we get together and in order to be with them all, it usually takes till after New Years and that doesn’t matter it’s the tradition we created of spending time with each other, we also have family dinners together when we can, however, I’ve gotten to like the one on one’s the best and then I remember what Christmas really means to me and it’s always a joy and makes me grateful to God who has given me another year to live, love and enjoy my family, because after being a two time cancer survivor nothing is as important as the extra time I’ve been able to have with so many people I love and I never take this time for granted, so now I hope to hear from you and what you feel as well about the holidays.

I hope all my friends and visitors who are new to our site have great holidays and a wonderful New Year which is closer then I can comprehend at this time in my life because guys and girls I’m getting old Happy Holidays.

29 Comments »

SJ said:

wishing you a blast hols too!

A smile from SJ =)

# 19 December 2009 at 7:31 pm

Ashley Tisdale finishes up on last minute shopping for the … | Ashley Tisdale Celebrity Monitor said:

[...] Grammology.com » Blog Archive » What do the holidays mean to you? [...]

# 19 December 2009 at 8:38 pm

Trulyfool said:

If we do push it far enough — just a bit around the corner –’meaning’ is one of those language puzzles that get philosophical right away.

Those arid definitional areas. I just want to jump up and tell it like it ‘feels’ — which takes some guts, always.

Christmas is an official American feel-good time, one that we all deserve. I love the songs, I love the fellow-feeling, I don’t even mind the mythic backdrop, so long as it’s fuzzy enough to include EVERYONE and doesn’t require dogma.

As to surviving illnesses — I’ve not had to face any thing ‘big’, but ultimately I will. Judging from the ‘little’, I utterly respect valuing all the connections, all the outreach that one can make.

We’re here once. Why not make it good? And why not celebrate that?

# 19 December 2009 at 9:56 pm

One of The Guys said:

You’re the best! Thanks so much for your kind words. That means a lot to me and the rest of the gang.

You are one hip lady!!

# 19 December 2009 at 10:19 pm

stefanie said:

I love Jesus too. <3

Wishing you a merry christmas and great holidays.

# 20 December 2009 at 9:23 am

Peter McCartney said:

Hi! What do holidays mean to me? A: Spending quality time with family and friends! BTW I’ll be away over Christmas so I’m here early to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – take care, Peter

# 20 December 2009 at 7:13 pm

Discount Prozac said:

Discount Prozac…

An interesting post by a bloger made me ……

# 20 December 2009 at 9:42 pm

OldOldLady Of The Hills said:

A Very Very Merry Christmas to you Dorothy and a WONDERFUL 2010—Helthy, Happy, and filled with all good things.

Beng Jewish, Christmas has a meaning for me that is most likely not the same as it is for many Christians. I ofcourse know it is commemorating the Birth of Jesus and that Christmas has a solemn and serious side though it is a Happy time. I’ve always liked this time of year because of the times of gathering with people you love–Friends and Family. There is a warmth and beauty to Christmas…The Decorated Tree, and the Decorations around people’s homes inside and outside. But it also has another side to it and for many people it can be, and often is, a very difficult time and for many, a sad time—the loss of loved ones felt more deeply at this time of year….This young actress that died today—I thought, ‘forever more, this time of year will be so very very hard for her family’….These are some of my thoughts Dorothy. There is much more, but for now…I’ll sign off.
And again, my dear, I wish you and your dear family the lovliest Christmas, ever!

# 20 December 2009 at 10:15 pm

askcherlock said:

Christmas is a good time to re-evaluate our priorities. Being with friends and family refreshes the spiritual part of us that needs to thrive in order for us to be whole. As a “survivor” you set a positive tone for all of us. Each moment has its glory, doesn’t it? We need to take this time to savor those moments and not forget how we were blessed to have them. All the best to you, Dorothy and Happy Holidays.

# 21 December 2009 at 12:41 am

Grampa Ken for social change said:

For many years now I have not enjoyed the run-up to Christmas, ie the over emphasis on shopping. I still like to see the kids get nice gifts, it’s a great time for them. Gramma and I will be having a sleep-over to see our 2 Grandkids’ excitement in the morning.

“The spirit of Christmas is Joy
The message of Christmas is Peace
The meaning of Christmas is Love”

May we all be blessed with these precious things. Merry Christmas Dorothy, to you and all your family.

Ken

# 21 December 2009 at 8:57 am

meleah rebeccah said:

what do you think Christmas is? and how do you celebrate in your home?

Well, my immediate family, [both of my younger brothers and their wives and kids] come to my parents house and we share laughs, love, great food and gifts. But mostly laughs.

Christmas is about family and tradition over here.

# 21 December 2009 at 6:21 pm

Lauren @4BabyAndMom said:

My husband and I made sure that the children learn that Jesus is the reason for the season.. I need to read to him tomorrow how your little Noah put it into words- it’s just perfect!!

I’m a first time visitor, but hope to be back soon. Thanks!!

# 22 December 2009 at 12:24 am

Robin said:

Hi Dorothy,
Your grandson is a smart little boy. At Christmas time it should focus more about Jesus in our hearts. We like to go to church on Christmas Eve. We do the presents too and I enjoy spending time with my parents and 3 brothers and their families. We also go to my in-laws on Christmas day. I miss my grandma and grandpa and I think about them together in heaven. I thank God for our Blessings. I just enjoy this time of the year, with the holiday songs and decorations. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

# 22 December 2009 at 1:52 pm

Tina t said:

My sons really love decorating and cooking together as we get ready for Christmas. I know that it doesn’t hit the religious significance, but I love that they get more excited about time together than opening gifts. As they get older I am really trying to hold onto these special times with my boys and I don’t succumb to rushing through Christmas, which is easy to do if you get caught up in everything that you “should” do to prepare for Christmas.

# 22 December 2009 at 2:29 pm

Egmont van Dyck said:

Greetings,

Over the years I have become less interested in the holiday season because of commercialism and the news reporting the daily sales of merchants.

This year we even passed on a Christmas tree, the first time in 21 years. The children, 21 and 18 seem to be all right with it, but I feel next year, when things hopefully will be better, I will unpack the ornament and we all decorate the tree and the home.

Still, I cannot help but feel said to see what has become of the holiday season. Actually I place more importance now on Thanksgiving Day, the European kind. Though we celebrate it in November and not September like Germany, the German Thanksgiving is actually Ernte Dank Fest, which means giving thanks for the harvest.

By giving thanks for our years bounty we recognize Mother Earth, we also acknowledge our family members and friends. In other words, we give thanks to what is important and not running about buying useless gifts.

The pivotal moment for me came three years ago when I was out shopping for a few gifts and I watched others, searching almost aimlessly for something to buy, when I had my fill.

I would rather spend hours in the kitchen cooking and backing from scratch, decorating the table and even plan the menu months in advance, then go to the mall.

Warmest regards to you and your family this holiday season,
Egmont

PS: word verification is ‘anything 1976′

# 23 December 2009 at 3:34 am

Kathy said:

Hi Dorothy!

Wow! Surviving cancer twice? That’s not luck, that’s a blessing from God! THank you for visiting my site. It’s my first time here and I think I’ll be coming back regularly… Merry Christmas and God bless you always!

# 23 December 2009 at 11:11 am

Connie said:

Lovely thoughts. Christmas of course is to celebrate, commemorate, not sure of the word but to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s also family, gifts, love, peace and I can throw in a bit of stress. I love Christmas and love to be with my children and grandchildren. I hope yours is merry and the new year is a good one for you!
So amazing that you are a 2 time cancer survivor! May you be blessed each day!

# 24 December 2009 at 1:07 am

PJ said:

i am a total bah humbug this holiday season. maybe it’s the menopause, or maybe it’s the fact that my kids have families of their own with partners who have families and they have to spend time there also. maybe it’s the winter storm we are having, or just a combination of all the above. anyway, have yourself a very happy holiday dorothy…hugz!

i had left you a thank you comment on one of your posts for the awesome t-shirts that you sent me. and they will NOT be used as rags…hehehe, thank you.

# 24 December 2009 at 11:40 am