City Girl, Country Home: meaningful christmas

Happy Second Sunday of Advent!

I’m back in the urban city for the holidays. Just had a nice, morning walk at the village park. I always enjoy these times of exercise because these are also times when I spend time praying and reflecting. I couldn’t help but notice and thank God for the various trees lining the sidewalk. I think I have a favorite one now (I don’t even know what kind of tree it is); it’s this certain one that has a massive trunk and branches stretching out in such artistry. When I look up, its branches and leaves cover such a wide area; simply beautiful!

Yesterday morning, while still at the countryside and at about the same time, I had just come home from Mass and was enjoying the cool December breeze. Then, while I was standing at my backyard facing the fields, a flock of white birds began gliding through the air. I ran to take a closer look; simply beautiful!

God’s touch is all around. Nature takes no effort in displaying His glory, for that’s what it was made for.

But God’s touch is also within. And this season, I’ve been telling the Lord, “Lord, I don’t want to miss a thing!” Not so much the parties, the gift-giving, the colors and lights. But, “Lord, I don’t want to miss a thing with regard to what You want to tell me this season of Your birth. I don’t want to miss a thing with regard to all that You have in store for me.”

This comes only by spending time with Him. For me, this is what makes Christmas most special — spending time with the Birthday Celebrant, asking Him what He wants for His birthday, allowing Him to refresh my spirit.

I have a favorite spot in my country home. It’s a sofa in the living room. It’s the place where I pray most times, because when I sit there, I can easily see our altar. And it’s there where I get to “hear” Him speak to me, in my heart.

Altar at home

Of course, I sense His presence in so many other places and hear Him speak in so many ways. Just like now. I’m now seated on another sofa, in a smaller living room, surrounded by beautiful floral arrangements (my mom’s biz, actually). And yet, when I read today’s Mass readings, whoa! God’s Word became so alive! For instance, today’s response: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3). I can only agree!

So to me, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas if I didn’t spend time with the Celebrant. This is what makes all the difference for me. Try it out, and see how much deeper and more meaningful your Christmas will be!

Let every heart prepare Him room. — from “Joy to the World”

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Luke 3:4)

”I’m participating in the Spend-Less Holidays: Saving While Savoring the Season Blog Carnival, hosted by The Frugal Fil-Am and Dainty Mom. We’ll be sharing our tips on how to spend less this holiday season, so that we can have a more meaningful Christmas. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries.”

I love Christmas! It’s my favorite season of the year! That’s because it’s the time to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, the reason for the season! And being an avid home decorator, I so enjoy sprucing up my home during the holidays. Honestly, some years ago I actually considered not decorating our home at Christmas, that being a low point in my life. But as I prayed and reflected, I realized that all the more I needed to decorate — as a way to honor and celebrate the Birthday Celebrant! So I did, and it made a difference (for me, at least!).

I’m the frugal type, so as much as I don’t have to spend for something, I won’t. (I even call myself, “Frugirl.”) And that goes for Christmas decorations! So here are some points that have helped me make the most of Christmas decorating without having to spend a whole lot (really!):

1. Find an inexpensive Nativity Scene. This was my top priority as I was about to decorate my own home. Being a Catholic, I believe that Christmas ought to center on Jesus. So I found this beautiful, yet very affordable Nativity Scene at a local bookstore some years ago.

2. Simply receive. If people give you Christmas decorations as gifts, simply receive! Then find out how they can fit in your Christmas décor.

Got these pillows (or pillow cases) from three different people

Got this candle holder from my uncle last Christmas

3. Simply ask. “Mom, do you have any Christmas décor that you don’t need? I’m open to donations,” so said I a few weeks ago. My mom has a whole lot of Christmas décor stored up in her attic, many of which are not being used anymore. So I just ask. And she gives. (Many times, though, I don’t ask; she simply gives. In this case, see #2.)

All these trinkets from my mom!

Still from my mom (told you she had lots of stuff! Which is why I ask!)

4. Go natural. Last year, we moved into a bigger home. But we didn’t have a Christmas tree. So my husband and I went window-shopping, only to realize that Christmas trees are expensive! Not to worry — I had a back-up plan. A few months before the Christmas season, I was able to retrieve some bamboo branches that were about to fall on our backyard. And these I used to make “your-not-so-usual” Christmas tree.

Since we already have a Christmas tree this year,
this is what I did with our branches from last year

5. Repurpose. Keep an eye out for stuff you can use in new ways, such as used cans and bottles.

6. Find inspiration for new things. Look no further than the Internet for new ideas on how to decorate.

Found this idea online...

7. Make your own Christmas décor. I’m not very good at making stuff, but since our Christmas tree didn’t have a star on top, and I could hardly find any Christmas tree stars being sold in the shops, I decided to make one. Our Christmas tree had to have a star, as it symbolizes the star of Bethlehem that pointed to the Baby Jesus.

8. Research on how what you have can work. While thinking about how to decorate our home this year, I remembered that my father-in-law brought this certain red carpet to our home which wasn’t being used anymore and was just rolled up in one room. (When he brings stuff to our home, it usually means we can already use them.) When I had our helper unroll it, I realized we could use it during this season, especially with its color. My challenge was how to make it work with our sofas, a thin and not-so-tall Christmas tree (also given by my in-laws), and a second-hand white ottoman given to us by friends. So I surfed the Internet for some ideas, and here’s how our living room turned out:

So there you go. I’d say about 90% of the Christmas décor in our house is given. Which is why when I look at all these, I don’t just see things; I see stories. And people. Individuals even. My heart wells up in gratitude to the Lord for using them to add beauty and warmth to our home. And at the same time, I say a prayer of blessing for them.

Enjoy your decorations, and may your homes reflect the Christmas spirit!

“I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

What are your tips on Christmas decorating on a budget? Feel free to post your comments! J

Please do check out the other participants of the Spend-Less Christmas Carnival participants! God bless you!

Domesticated Goddess

Apple’s World

A WAHMs Life

Changing Nappies in High Heels

Mrs. C’s Sugar-Coated Life

Henry’s Mom