So we’re into the busy Christmas season. The season of hustle and bustle. The season of spending and much consumerism. The above poem is just a little reminder to take a step back from it all and notice the simple things in nature, wonder and ordinary miracles.
How does the Christmas season make you feel? Do you find it tiring and exhausting? Do you enjoy time with friends and family? Do you get depressed? Many people do at this time of the year.
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Published by stacilys
I’m just a simple girl that is passionate about being relevant and making a difference in this world.
World traveler, lover of bright sunny days, experiencing cultures, good friends and conversation. I love my God and love my family.
I don’t believe that I have the Truth, but that I have a relationship with Truth and want to be closer to Him.
Canadian, born and raised in Vancouver, BC. YWAMer since 2000 and have traveled and lived all over the world –Hong Kong, China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey, Germany, Argentina, Australia and The USA.
I moved to Brazil in 2002, married an awesome “Baiano”, Daniel, and we have two adorable kiddies, Caue and Hannah.
I am certified in fitness and nutrition and conducted physical conditioning classes while working with an arts and evangelism team and schools. I am also certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners).
"A God Coloured Girl in a Grey World" is my blog where I write articles based on my faith, post fitness routines, recipes and other health and wellness stuff. You can also check out a bit of my music at www.myspace.com/stacilys
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stacilys.wordpress.com 
A beautiful message, Staci
I can’t possibly get caught up in the crazy of modern Christmas. I prefer the classic view of simple family tidings and the warmth of those we love. Oh, and a good seasonal parade here in Houston.
I know. It can get crazy. I can’t stand busy malls and stuff. Plus, when I’m home in Canada during this time of year, I feel an immense pressure to buy good gifts for everyone, which I can’t afford. At least here in Brazil, there isn’t that pressure.
I also prefer the simple family tidings and warmth of friends and family. No parades for this girl though 😦
You’ll have to think of me when you catch the Christmas parade there.
Thanks Audrey.
🙂 ❤
Beautiful post and reminder of the little things ❤
We always seem to forget the little things 🙂 like hey it's snowing here and so pretty 🙂 ❤
Christmas is not about gifts, it's about love and sharing…I usually get a little depressed but not so much.
Love it. “it’s snowing here and so pretty.”
No snowing for this girl. It’s warm, a bit overcast, but I’m still in shorts and thin tank top.
You hit the nail on the had M.T. It’s all about love and sharing. I get depressed when I’m in Canada for Christmas. I feel like I need to buy good gifts for everyone. Agh. Can’t afford it. It’s so simple here.
Thank you.
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Such an eloquent poem, Staci! I find that I’m flustered when the season begins. Very similar to preparing the garden in the spring. All I see is how much work is ahead of me. Then, as the pieces begin to fall in place, I can see the end. I love Christmas morning. The madness ended, and a well deserved cup of coffee is consumed while we spend a little time in the morning being thankful for all that we have, and the promise of a healthy new year.
Thank you so much Rob.
Oh yes, rushing about trying to prepare for the perfect experience. I know this all too well. I love the Christmas season. I don’t love the crowded malls and excessive consumerism, but I love the big family dinner, seeing the joy in my children on Christmas morning.
Oh yes, a well deserved cup of coffee definitely hits the spot.
🙂
It’s only a brief respite before the New Years preparation begins. The real ‘ahhhhhh’ moment comes on January 2nd for me. That’s when I know it’s all over, except for the bills from Christmas. 😀
I usually love christmas.. but as we grow older there are just too many things coming our way, that unneccessarily complicate this time of year for us. There is the whole “Which-house-for-christmas-this-year?”-thing, that actually annoys me the most. Of course it is not possible to please EVERYONE, especially in a patch-work family like mine. I wish I could just spend christmas with my mom alone, watching these old wonderful christmas movies of my childhood years together and just spend some time with her, remembering the old days… This year is going to be stressful, there are too many people to visit, people that I don’t really know, but am obligated to see anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I still try to make the best out of it and try to enjoy this, but what annoys me is, that I shouldn’t have to try, I shouldn’t have to put effort in me trying to enjoy this time, I should simply enjoy it without trying! I really needed these few days to just unwind and forget all about stress, but I guess I’ll have to figure out another way to relax then.
Oh, wow! I didn’t see that one coming. I actually just wanted to say a few nice words about christmas, but my mind was just taking control there for a minute. So, all in all: I wish I could experience christmas like a child again! Aww.. seeing all these wonderful lights and decorations through children’s eyes truly is magical. I miss this feeling so much! It’s not the presents, it’s this magical feeling I’m looking forward to every year. A few years ago, when I visited the Big Apple during christmas time, I really felt like a little child again.. oh, how wonderful that was. 🙂
Best wishes to you!! Happy holidays!! 🙂
Awwwwwww, nostalgia. I hear you. I have very fond memories of Christmas as a child. I want to pass that on to my kids. Living in Brazil, it’s a lot easier for me to establish values of just relaxing and enjoying family and friends, good food, and priceless treasures on Christmas. Sure, they’ll still get presents and all, but the focus will be on other things that don’t cost a thing. Plus, there isn’t the whole pressure thing here as to where or with whom to spend the time with, thankfully.
I do, however, wish that I could be with my family and in the cold and coziness of Christmas. The big turkey dinner and all. Everyone over at my mom’s place. That, for me, is only every few years though.
Oh wow, that would be amazing to see New York during Christmas time. I’m sure it was beautiful with all the lights and festive stuff and events.
A Merry Christmas to you too.
🙂
Christmas in Brazil sounds wonderful. Yes, New York is really a great experience during christmas time. I can’t wait to go there again. But next year, I’m gonna be in Shanghai for Christmas, so that will be exciting! 😀
And what about the other way around? Does your mom come visit you in Brazil, too?
Hahaha. It’s definitely a lot simpler than when I’m in Canada. But it’s nice. I prefer the coziness of the fireplace, events, family, and cold, but I make do here.
Wow! Shanghai? That’s awesome. I’ve spent Christmas in Hong Kong before, and have traveled throughout China, but I’ve never been to Shanghai. Why are you going there?
My mom is coming in February. YEAH! She never comes during the Christmas season though 😦 She has other grand children there and all, plus her house is the hub for Christmas and all. Soooooo, that means I and my family have to shell out the big bucks and go there.
🙂
Oh, and thank you! 🙂
Important reminder for everyone! Thank you. Personally, I get nostalgic around this time of year.
Ohhh, me too. I remember when I got married, which was mid-November. While on our honeymoon, we would go into this one shopping mall and there was a huge tree and decorations all over, with Christmas music. I would get that ooey gooey feeling that comes with a cozy Christmas. Then when we left the mall, and a wof of hot air hits me and the blazing sun… Eek. Nostalgia gone. Oh well, I still get to have Christmas with my family in Canada every few years, so that’s always fun.
🙂
We take what we can get, don’t we? 🙂
Hehe, yes so true. I like to take my kids to the shopping mall nearby because they love the decorations and I get all nostalgic.
🙂
Love your haiku, the flower one is great, remind of being in the present, here and now.
Thank you so much for your kind words Elizabeth. I’m so glad you liked it, and how it reminded you to be in the here and now. I’m big on living in the here and now. Have you ever seen the movie, “Peaceful Warrior?” It’s awesome. One of my favorite quote from it is: “There are no ordinary moments.” If you get the chance, you should see if you can get ahold of it and watch it.
Thanks again.
🙂
I’ll look for it! thanks!
Beautiful thoughts, good that you have reminded us of this little and small things in life and nature, we take it for granted and overlook without realizing that what we are missing by not sparing our quality time for nature and nurturing the little things in our life…
Irony of Life is; we have to sit down and find out where we stand…
There is magic and miracles in nature, and it is day in day out and we forget the beauty and bounty of nature and keep searching for miracles in every other things in life…
Thanks for reminding and making us realize…
Happy little Moments…cheers!!!
Thank you Nihar. Oh yes, it’s funny how we have to make a concerted effort to rest, look at nature, look at priceless treasure that hold magic and are miraculous. We need this, yet we get so caught up with the busyness of it all, and hustle of modern living.
Bless you.
🙂
Life is one super highway, we are zipping past at neck break speed, we are only thinking of our destination, when can we reach and how quickly…just ignoring there things in the journey which can be enjoyed and cherished, life is not only about work and business…it is also being close to nature and see how the nature maintains it’s calm and composure…
Happiness in every small thing…
I love Christmas!! It makes me feel happy! 🙂 I love making gifts and cards for everybody, and writing prayers, and lighting candles and sending Love and celebrating Love!! 🙂
Lovely Trini. I love Christmas too. It’s my favorite holiday of the year. What a great idea to make your own cards and gift. I wish I was more crafty. Maybe with time I will be 🙂
Will you be spending Christmas in India this year?
🙂 ❤
Yes, yes I will 🙂 I wish I could go to Norway, but I cant this year. But Christmas is Christmas no matter where I am, because it is something that happens on the inside and not on the outside 🙂 So I carry the Christmas in my heart out into my surroundings 🙂
I hear you there. I love Christmas. I make the most of it, especially for my kids.
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Yes, I will be here in India, I was hoping to go home to Norway, but it cant happen this year. But that is okay 🙂
Beautiful! ❤ Christmas for me is all about people (and the little animals in the family!) in my life and the love we share. Its a great reason to get everyone together, put differences aside, consider forgiveness and experience joy. The actual birth date of Christ isn't given nor told for us to celebrate, but it is a wonderful theme! 🙂 Love this post
Thank you so much. Oh yes, that’s wonderful. And that’s what it should be about. Celebrating with friends and family. And even though it isn’t the actual birthdate of Jesus, I agree that it is an awesome theme. I love the sense of peace, tranquility and simplicity the Christmas message brings.
Many blessings to you.
🙂 ❤
Honestly? This year I’m looking forward to the ‘extra’ days of rest. It’s been a busy year.
The poem and photo are beautiful Staci! I will let the thought that the Creator provides, linger . . .
Oh great. Yes, you rest up. Make sure to make some memories with your kids, family and friends. For me, that’s one of the best things about Christmas. The cozy moments with friends and family.
“I will let the thought that the Creator provides, linger . . .”
–Haha, yes. Me too. Especially right now in my life. Trusting Him to send someone to buy our house and provide for our big move back to our home base. Eek! This is where my faith is being tested.
Thanks so much for sharing Timi.
🙂
Staci, this is a lovely post! Thank you for the reminder, as we all too often get caught up in the moment and forget the little things, the simple things, that are far more important in the grand scheme of life. Have a wonderful day!
Pepperanne ♥
Thank you Pepperanne. And you’re welcome. It’s true. I love the simple.
You have a great day too.
🙂 ❤
What a lovely reminder of all things simple, and important in our lives. The last haiku is so beautiful – ‘formed with love and care’ a thought so often lost these days said with such ease ❤
Christmas brings a lot of hope, for me, it's the feeling of the year ending and a new year's beginning – I very much look forward to it! Of course the 'meet and greet' can be a trouble but not if you're on supply-the-caffeine-to-all duty. 😀
Hope you all are doing well, my friend! Are the kids looking forward to Christmas? 🙂
Haha, gotta love caffeine. I loooovvvvveeee Christmas time. The coziness of it all. It’s not the same in the blazing hot weather and summer, but it’s still fun with the kids, seeing decorations and hearing the music and stuff. They are doing well. Their last day of school for the year is today. And of course they love Christmas. What kid doesn’t, right?
Hehehehehe. Hey, why don’t you come celebrate it with us here. hehehehe. Just make sure you bring some good, potent tea.
🙂 ❤
Ahahaha, totally! Now that the kids are free from the mundane school-work we can have loads of Christmas-y fun! ❤
Please be assured, I always travel with tea hehehehehe, I'll prepare some seasonal Jam for the kids wheee! ❤ 😀
Oh yes please. I would love some of your homemade jam. And they would love to meet you.
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Hi Staci, I love your poetry and would love to reblog this one if it is ok with you 🙂 ❤
Of course you can Neha. Thank you so much. You’re such a sweetie.
:-0 ❤
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Reblogged this on forgottenmeadows and commented:
My friend Staci writes some beautiful poetry and thought provoking posts! Do Check out her blog 🙂
Awwwww, thank you so much Neha. And another huge congratulations to you for reaching some well-deserved milestones.
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You’re most welcome the pleasure was mine and thank you again my friend for your support 🙂
Big hug.
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Hugs back! ❤