The feeling of Christmas

“City sidewalks. Busy sidewalks.
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas”

So goes the opening lines of the Christmas song “Silver Bells”.
It’s playing in my head right now as I search for that ‘feeling’ of Christmas and go through the motions of all that needs to be done at this time of year.

I love Christmas. I love the decorations and the feeling of anticipation and the rush of love that people show each other.
I love that for one day each year people are (mostly) kind to each other.
I love the carols and songs that play in the stores as people shop for food and gifts for the day.
There is so much to love about this time of year.
BUT…..
I’m struggling to find that ‘feeling of Christmas’ spoken about in the song right now. It is in short supply around here.
Perhaps it is the news of the past week that has left me feeling bereft filled as it was with so much death and loss.  Martin Place in Sydney, a school in Pakistan and a suburban home in beautiful Cairns have left me wondering what is happening in the world right now. These events have taken their toll on my feelings of peace and goodwill.
So I go through the motions of things that need to be done.

• Presents purchased, wrapped and under the tree (mostly done)
• Baking (well the Christmas cake is done)
• House clean (what can I say? It’s an on-going process)
• Food organised (woo hoo – that’s one I can check off)
• Cards mailed (check that one too)
• Listen to Christmas music (when I can)

As I complete each of these things, I’m hoping  the feeling of Christmas will come.
I have spoken to so many people who are struggling to find the joy this Christmas also. Like me, they just aren’t feeling it this year.
I wonder where it has gone and why it feels the need to hide from us?

As I type this post, I look forward to a Christmas where I see my children smile. (I know the grandchildren will. The day for them will be filled with the things they love – people to play with, a pool to swim in and presents to unwrap).
I look forward to a Christmas that for one day we can forget the events of the past months and enjoy the company of each other. I look forward to laughter and teasing. Good food and fun.

And so as I move toward Christmas, I keep searching in the hopes that the ‘feeling of Christmas’ will come.
When it does, I will embrace it and then send it on its way to everyone else who is searching for it right now.
I haven’t given up.
I still have three days!
Now, off to do more baking. 🙂

Blessings to you all.