Maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, grappling with worries about my sister’s health (though still in ICU, she’s slowly improving every day). Or perhaps it’s just exhaustion setting in. But this year, contrary to my usual practice of keeping Christmas at bay until after my birthday on December 9th, I’m letting its festive spirit seep in a bit earlier.
In my studio, I’ve found myself eagerly creating Christmas-themed images – with watercolours no less! A medium I seldom work in. It’s been fun and I’ve even planned the name tags for our dinner table on the big day—a rarity for me, as I often convince myself that working under the pressure of an imminent deadline is the ultimate creativity booster.
However, the truth is, deadlines and pressure don’t really inspire creativity. In fact, I find that planning, researching ideas, and experimenting with different themes and tablescapes are far more conducive to sparking my creative juices.
This resistance to early Christmas celebrations stems from my childhood. My birthday often got overshadowed by the festive season, with ‘the party’ frequently skipped over because Christmas was a grand affair in our home. My parents would be busy in the kitchen, crafting culinary masterpieces with the same zeal I imagine Santa’s elves demonstrate while preparing toys for children around the world.
As an adult, I decided that my birthday mattered and that Christmas could wait its turn.
Despite my efforts, however, the omnipresence of Christmas is undeniable. The moment Halloween decorations are put away, big box stores are awash with Christmas paraphernalia.
It’s challenging to escape the Christmas frenzy, whether you’re a believer in the Christ-child or not. The season’s spirit permeates the air, with twinkling lights adorning lampposts and front doors decked out in festive bows, bells, and baubles.
This year, as Christmas nudges its way into my consciousness earlier than usual, I realize there’s a silver lining to embracing its spirit ahead of my birthday. It’s an opportunity to redefine the essence of this festive season in my own terms, to make it about more than just the glitz, glitter and glam.
The fact is, it’s almost impossible to ignore the commercialization of Christmas. At the same time, however, its important we not lose sight of its true meaning. It’s not about the biggest tree, the most expensive gifts, or the most elaborate decorations. Rather, it’s about the warmth of family kand friends gathered around a dinner table, the joy of baking cookies with children, and the laughter that fills the air when friends reconnect. It’s about the simple acts of kindness, the moments of quiet reflection, and the recognition of our shared humanity.
This holiday season, no matter your celebration or remembrance, I invite you to join me in shifting your focus from spending to sharing, from buying to being. Let’s make Christmas a time to honor the joy of human connection, to cherish the moments spent with loved ones, and to reach out to those who might be alone during this season. In doing so, we not only honour the spirit of Christmas but also enrich our own lives with genuine happiness and contentment.
As I look forward to celebrating my birthday and then Christmas, I am reminded that the greatest gift I can give and receive is the gift of presence. Presence in the moment, presence in the lives of those I care about, and presence in the joyous celebration of life itself.
This Christmas, I hope you join me in stepping into the true magic of the season not through the things you buy, but through time shared with those you love and the memories you create together. I hoipe you embrace the spirit of Christmas not as a commercial holiday, but as a celebration of life, love, and the gift of being together. In that embrace, let’s make it a time to honor our human condition with joy, for that is the true essence of Christmas.
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As part of my ‘self-care’, I am off to coach at Discovery Seminars for five days. It’s an opportunity to be of service and to be embraced in a circle where love shimmers in every shared word, breath and act of kindness. It’s a time to be part of contributing my best to inspire others to find their own light so that together, we can create a world of peace, harmony and joy. And it’s a time for me to be restored, refreshed and revitalized.
I’ll be back Monday.
Until then, Merry Joyful Everything
Dare Boldly 
Beautiful Louise. I haven’t written on read for some time and did not realize your sister was ill. I am sending lots of care to you and your family.
I do think the spirit of the holiday is truly in sharing and building memories. I hope both your birthday and holiday will be full of lovely moments and future memories.
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Many hugs to you LaDonna — Unfortunately, my sister took her last breath at 1:46am on November 24th. The infection that invaded her body after surgery to repair a ruptured her bowel grew too much for her to sustain. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Oh Louise, I am so very sorry. I am sending you lots of care. ❤️
I am very sorry I didn’t see this sooner.
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All the best – you ARE an inspiration.
So, WHEN exactly IS your birthday?
To me, advent calendars are a great joy, in small, tiny doses, but daily – and should I be away, I have a basket full of surprises!
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It’s December 9th, Kiki.
and to me, your advent calendar gift is a joyful, daily gift that not only brings magic and wonder into my world, but also reminds me every day of your special magic and wonder. ❤
Much gratitude for you Kiki
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Dearest Kiki — it was December 9th. But… I chose not to celebrate it as it was also the day of my sister’s Celebration of Life. Which means…. I need to pick another day for it this year so I might just wait a bit… you know… forestall the inevitable to savour just a few more drops of the 60s. 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Well yes, quite. One question remains: were you twins?
That would explain your special closeness.
Thinking of you! ❤️
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We weren’t twins — but when I was born, Jackie was my care-giver as our mother was massively depressed and barely able to take care of any of us. Jackie as the eldest took over that role.
And then, when I had my daughters, my mother was not the person I wanted to be part of that initial foray into motherhood — Jackie was and she came and stayed with me for the first two weeks of both my daughters lives. When they were about 3 or 4 Jackie and her husband moved to Calgary and they spent lots and lots of time with them. For me, that was the gift, knowing my daughters had someone they could lean on, call upon etc. who loved them as unconditionally as I did and who saw them as the amazing humans they are, just like I did from birth. She truly was the best aunt any niece could ask for.
She was always there for me, just as I was there for her. We lived in the same city for decades. I also need to say, my middle sister and I are extremely close as well. — we always called ourselves, The Gallagher Sisters. ❤
Hugs and love,
Louise
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Such a wonderful bond, and a touching tale! Thank you. You surely have lost more than ‘just a sis’
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I loved all the holidays, with the decorations and the hosting. Our house was the family hub for all the gathering and I looked forward to showing my love by pampering my guests with my home cooking and hospitality. Reflecting on this I realized that I was trying to recreate the family gatherings that my Baba did for her children and the grandkids. Whereas, I was create a family tradition with my extended family on ex-husband’s side. As life circumstances changed, people scattered, new family circles were developed and my role and desire also slipped away. It’s sad, as those busy, noisy, messy moments in time created so many joyful memories.
Spending the winters away in warmer climates has further isolated me from those Christmas traditions. What I know is that I can build new family traditions that are equally impactful that don’t have to be based on a date.
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What a beautiful comment! Thank you.
And I love your awareness of your power to create equally impactful family traditions — that are not date fixed. That is so lovely and an inspiration for me too!
Thank you! ❤
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Louise, Thanks for your lovely words. I smile when I read your column. The best to you, June
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Thank you June. ❤
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Yes! I’ve had the Christmas spirit early this year as well. ❤️
“It’s an opportunity to redefine the essence of this festive season in my own terms…”
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I’m so happy for you Kelley! There is nothing so special as seeing Christmas through the eyes of a grandchild for the first time! ❤
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