Voctave, the amazing A Cappella group, released a video performance last month of Where Are You Christmas and it gave me all the nostalgic feels. I got choked up too because it struck a chord with me. Christmas feels so much different these days than it did in my younger years, through the lenses of childlike faith, wonder, and joy. During the holidays as a kid, I was wrapped up in the innocence of the present moment, without the stresses and worries that are now prevalent as an adult. I embraced all the wonders of the holidays, including magical outdoor light displays, cheerful classic Christmas movies, festive family gatherings, and the tastiest sweets my mom would bake!
In recent years, I have had to make a greater effort to find and choose joy, especially during Christmas, which has required me to dig deep and look within. I have also discovered that joy is not always found in other people. Many of us are hurting and weighed down by life, so I have had to learn the hard way that I cannot depend on other people to lift me up. Instead, I have had to focus on channeling that inner child that still finds joy in all the little things, even when waves of loneliness want to crash into my spirit.
As the lyrics of "Where Are You Christmas" reveal, "I'm not the same one, see what the time has done." Even as I'm typing this, I'm all choked up again because I know what the time has done to me. Mostly removed from that childhood innocence, my life as an adult often feels lonelier, and more isolating and disconnected.
All of us can recognize that the world itself has become lonelier, especially in the last two years. Fear and the intensity of what's happening around us has often left us feeling incapacitated. And busier lives have kept us apart for longer. I've also been single for most Christmases as an adult, which I seem to remind myself more of these days. So, my challenge has been learning to deal with loneliness head-on, especially around the holidays.
Thankfully, during the more frequent times alone, I have been able to find comfort being in my own head space and embracing who I am. I have expressed more self-love and discovered more joy. Music plays a significant role, and as early as the end of October, I make sure to crank up my favorite Christmas tunes to help me let go in the present moment and raise my vibrations. I start decorating right after Thanksgiving and fill my space with joy, literally! With Joy being my middle name and one of the main themes of the holidays, I have collected joy-themed decor and ornaments over the years. Having those items surrounding me is a constant reminder to hold onto my joy.
While I welcome in the holiday season, I make space for more gratitude and recognize the fullness of my joy cup. Even though the gatherings are smaller and less frequent, I still get to share love with family and friends, and I have a furry best friend to take care of, my Reesee girl, who is a very good listener, I must add!
How are you finding Christmas these days? Take a look at the deep and heartfelt lyrics below and see if it resonates with you as well:
Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you? Why have you gone away? Where is the laughter You used to bring me? Why can't I hear music play? My world is changing I'm rearranging Does that mean Christmas changes too? Where are you Christmas? Do you remember The one you used to know? I'm not the same one See what the time has done Is that why you have let me go? Christmas is here, everywhere Oh, oh Christmas is here, if you care Oh If there is love in your heart and your mind You will feel like Christmas all the time Oh I feel you Christmas I know I found you You never fade away Oh The joy of Christmas Stays here inside us Fills each and every heart With love Where are you Christmas? Fill your heart with love
Lyrics from Where Are You Christmas, written by James Horner, Mariah Carey, and Wilbur Jennings, originally performed by Faith Hill for the soundtrack of Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000
With the world around us constantly changing and our lives constantly changing while having to pivot, it makes sense that we have to keep finding Christmas. The "joy of Christmas" is always within us, but we have to choose it. And each year, depending on what we've been through, we redefine what Christmas joy specifically means to us. We may find ourselves in a giving spirit one year, while the next year, we make more time for self-care and self-love.
This year, I found myself connecting more with the Christmas music I love and sharing it with all of you. I channeled my joy through music, even in the midst of feeling lonely, and was able to connect to those of you who may be feeling the same way so that we could discover more joy together!
Redefining that joy still points us back to love, as the lyrics express that joy fills us with love: "If there is love in your heart and your mind you will feel like Christmas all the time." So when we allow joy in, we are filled with love, which is at the very heart of the spirit of Christmas. And when we love ourselves, we can easily share that love with others.
Friends, we can still experience that laughter and hear that music, just like we did as children during the holidays. Joy is still there, it never leaves. We just have to rediscover it and then we will find Christmas once again!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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