Most Wonderful Time
Of The Year
WINTER WONDERLAND WITH A TOUCH OF HOT COCOA
What is it about this Winter Holiday time that brings on that warm fuzzy feeling? Whimsical, magical, fanciful, cheerful are merely a few of the various emotions felt during this time of the year. That first falling of snow flurries draws about sudden excitement in the heart of so many young and old. That mesmerizing redolence of rich Hot Cocoa with a drizzle of cinnamon and chocolate heats your soul warmer than a hot summer day. The collaboration of sculpting and creating snowmen symbolizes happy winter creatures as they bring on more endearing smiles. That touch of ruby red is empowering, that shade of crisp white is invigorating, those accents of gold and silver everywhere is magnificent. Every aspect of this season, may it be minute, produces grandeur sensations. Practically as if one was in a prism of joyous love for all that exists.
ORNAMENTS, SANTA HATS, CHRISTMAS TREES, WREATHS, GARLANDS AND MORE…
A simple round ball with a miniature attached string feels as if you are handling the most precious piece in the palm of your hands, and as you set it on your tree, you feel a satisfaction unparalleled to fixing even the most prized artwork in your home. It's the most mysterious thing. But actually, it's not. It makes quite a bit of sense if you stop for a moment and reflect. It is not that one shaded ball or that delicate little hoop of string that delivers you ultimate joy; it's your mind that is exhibiting peace. And thus, it spreads that inner peace and happiness throughout your complete soul. Head to toe; you cannot think of anything else at that instant as you pick up that one ornament at a time. You are experiencing the epitome of being in the present moment. Doesn't it feel glorious?
The Santa hats, they likewise feel great. Why because in a sense, it is a form of solidarity. Solidarity in the idea that I am here with you as you are here with me. We all dress this hat to express similar joy. Whether the hat is glittered, embroidered, or initialed, it symbolizes cheering in unity. Unity, in any sense, brings about happiness. One feels immeasurable to be in accord with others. Togetherness will always create greatness.
Christmas Trees, wreaths, and garlands are now a canvas that we decorate and choose at will. We add in some personal love, memories, gifts under the tree to spread joy, lights to feul that inner light within our souls. All these greens, and cranberries, pinecones, are nature's beauty. That we gladly bring into our home and appreciate in a way we often miss throughout the year. Again it's eye pleasure that is conceived by the mind feeling inner peace. All these lights and decor behave as stimuli to kick up just the perfect whimsical emotions.
So by Golly be Jolly!
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
It’s the one and only holiday celebrated with tremendous efforts simultaneously worldwide. Why do you think that is? Well theres a few reasons which we will get into. But first, check out these amazing photos and some of the places I’ve visited during the Holiday season. Completely Breathtaking Christmas Decor.
Christmas in Paris, France
I had been to Paris a few times, but the curiosity was beyond me to know, see, and feel the holiday spirit in Paris. A friend advised me not to travel to Paris during this season as it can be unsafe for tourists traveling unaccompanied. However, as I stated, my heart desired some, so it went and got some. I will never forget that moment when I stood amidst The Avenue des Champs-Élysées all lit up 360 degrees. It had been a long day in beautiful Paris, but it is evident from my genuine smile that this moment was a curiosity turned to pure radiant joy.
The Galeries Lafayette is an upmarket French department store chain. Its flagship store is on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The pics with the donuts and pretzels on the tree are from Christmas 2017. This year, in the spirit of “A Christmas Voyage”, the tree is decked out in ornaments from around the world and tells the story of the final stage in Celeste’s exciting expedition. Bringing together a multitude of Christmas traditions, thousands of gifts hang from its snow-topped branches, reflecting the faraway lands visited on the fabulous journey. To top it all off, the dome lights go out every 30 minutes to reveal a spectacular sound and light show.
Christmas in London
As we drove by Oxford Street in the West End of London, I could not believe my sparkling eyes at all that glimmer we were surrounded by. It was like London threw up lights everywhere. I almost wished I could just freeze the moment and forever hold that momentous feel. Carpe Diem!
Christmas in Ireland
Tell me how charming are these miniature winter wonderland shoppes in Ireland. They come together annually to market holiday goods and paint the seasonal cheer.
Christmas in Ireland
This one looks surreal, but yet it's so real. I can't fathom one not moved viewing this magical portrait of joy created by souls just as us. So bring on that Christmas feel and jingle all the way!
And there exist copious cities, countries that amply and wholeheartedly participate in this magic. Honestly, for me, it's such a pretty, jaw-dropping, heart-lifting feel. It's almost impossible not to be happy all of Christmas MONTH. So let's get into why this is the one holiday celebrated worldwide.
First and foremost, it's the most meaningful day of the year for all Christians, the birth of Jesus Christ. The one that conveys meaning to their being and their life happenings. The one that bestows them hope during the darkest times and presents them glory when due. The one that nevermore leaves their side and continuously attracts the devoted to continuing strong faith, hope, and love. How can this day be any less to these souls other than an extraordinary miracle, a blessing to cherish forever? They not only light up their trees, homes but by God, they light up their hearts, souls, and their glorious senses with a sweet touch of never-ending smiles. Christians worldwide have claimed this day as a blessed family, sharing in happiness and, most of all, giving, giving, and giving. Delivering gifts, showing kindness, providing hope, giving love and support, and most of all, giving themselves for the sake of others.
End of year Happiness! Who doesn't need this? Why would anyone deny themselves the right to be joyous? Through the year of hardships, exertions, travails, calamities, and especially in this unusually tumultuous year of 2020, we could all utilize this time to focus on the blessings we possess, for the world to pause globally and reflect that we, in the end, prevailed with tenacity, conviction and undying anticipation of attainable happiness. To what was remarkably ordinary but so taken for granted, we now see with a clear and precise vision and ask for it back. To hold and care for this earth and its people with more love, kindness, forgiveness, and patience than ever before. You've earned this time to forget the eleven months of troubles and focus on your happiness in whatever way, shape, or form that may be. If you all necessitated an excuse to be happy, well, here it is, Christmas around the globe!
As reluctant as I may write this one, the blogs are my authentic expressions so here goes. Capitalism! Yes, one can gift hand-made cards and baked goods. That is just as much of an offering. If not more, because you embed your deep love and energy into producing it for someone special. When did Christmas become about Apple gifts, diamond necklaces, fur coats, brand name bags, cars, and houses? The economy perceived this as a golden opportunity, and it jumped right in, and we, without hesitation, encouraged this behavior. I am guilty of it. There's nothing necessarily wrong with it per se; however, if you ask why countries that do not hold many Christians celebrate Christmas, I can bet my money where my mouth is, it's Capitalism! It works for me, though; I travel to Pakistan and view beautiful Christmas trees lit all over. I fancy traveling in December anywhere in the world. Every day is a celebration of life!
This leads to my last point, which quite frankly is, It's so darn pretty; WHY THE HECK NOT? Who wouldn't want to see enjoyable naked tree branches lit up (Scrooge doesn't count here, guys, hehe), twinkling lights of hope at every corner, cheerful holiday music (I tell you some of those nursery rhymes are pretty dark), rich smell of hot chocolate, all the streets and building lit up and indeed all the joyous reunions with the family that happens year after year? Excuse or not, vacation or not, break from routine or not, you seize a chance to spend this time with loved ones and build more meaningful memories by the pretty tree, the glowing fire, the charming dining table, or even a fun slumber sleepover in your living room floor, (should be called loving room ;p .)
True meaning of Christmas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The true meaning of Christmas is a phrase that began to appear in the mid-19th century when a shift toward a more secular culture resulted in a national backlash. Christians began to see the secularization of the celebration day of the birth of Christ as the shift toward Santa Claus and gift exchanging replaced the celebration of the advent of Christ and giving to the poor and needy without expectation of receiving anything in return. The poem A Visit from St. Nicholas (1822) helped popularize the tradition of exchanging gifts, and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance. Harriet Beecher Stowe criticizes the commercialization in her story "Christmas; or, the Good Fairy".[1] An early expression of this sentiment using the phrase of "the true meaning" is found in The American magazine, vol. 28 (1889):
"to give up one's very self – to think only of others – how to bring the greatest happiness to others – that is the true meaning of Christmas."[2]
CHRISTMAS IN OUR NEW HOME
Why is it that Muslims don't celebrate the festive holiday? Some have the misconception that we don't believe in Prophet Jesus. On the contrary, Muslims believe in all the prophets of God and especially hold Jesus very high.
In chapter 5, verse 76 of the Qur'an, God says, "Surely Allah gives you good news with a word from Him of whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter." This shows that we, too, believe that Prophet Jesus was the Messiah. Interestingly, Jesus' name is mentioned more times in the Qur'an than that of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him).
The single distinction is that Muslims don't believe Prophet Jesus is the son of God. There is also much respect given to Holy Mother Mary (peace be upon her). There's a whole chapter (19) of the Qur'an, Maryam, dedicated to the excellent figure.
So why are we celebrating some of the festivities in our new home this year? As I mentioned in previous blogs, I grew up on the 4th floor of an apartment building in Brooklyn. Our building neighbor Gladys and her son Omar celebrated Christmas & The Three Kings Day. Each Christmas, we gathered together in her apartment by the tree and opened our gifts at midnight. I still remember the anticipation, the laughter, and the warmth. After mom passed and we moved, I lost touch with Gladys (no computers or cell phones back then) and sought all over for her. For decades I would say to myself, "God the day I find her, I want to thank her for bringing us so much joy when we were little kids. I want to give back to her now that I am older." Finally, when USSearch.com developed, I found her twenty-five years later. In the time I longed for her, all those years, our Christmas memories kept our relationship alive. And the memories also included my mother, so all in all, it was nothing but fond memories of loved ones laughing, having milk and cookies, and playing Christmas games while we anticipate midnight to open our gifts.
Gladys & Omar
This is a photo of Gladys & Omar 32 years ago. I solely had access to this photo after my reunion with Gladys three years past. This beautiful young woman brought abundant joy to my siblings, myself, and my mother. She taught us the Christmas Spirit. That is the TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS.
Gladys 2020
This is my lovely Gladys now. Her love for us grew during our years of separation. She is now even more giving than ever. Because she presented me with the gift of hope, love, and faith, all those years, I never gave up in hopes one day to see her again. I am fortunate she is still with us to tell how much I love her and thank her for her unwavering love.
I Love You Gladys,
Forever Yours,
Aneela K.
As I grew, I kept up with the tradition of gifting, and I very much fancy a lit-up world. Nothing makes me happier than glimmering lights symbolizing times of joy. This year in our new home, an endeared friend who celebrates Christmas requested to celebrate Christmas in my home. At first, I hesitated, then I thought, this is a time for giving; if I can give my friend some hope, excitement, and anticipation to look forward to celebrating, then why not. Especially during a challenging year, we reflect on the True Meaning of Christmas and the Christmas Spirit.
I know my beliefs, and I don't require to alter my thoughts to share in others' joy. We can all gather together and share in each other's happiness. When the tree arrived, as we were decorating it together, I could see the sparkle in her eyes. She then said to me, "The last time I decorated a tree was with my mother before she passed." I was very touched to be able to promote that sentiment. As we proceeded, I couldn't help myself, a fluff here, an ornament there, some gifts here, and some lights there. The emotions rose more substantially. You can tell from the achieved effects we thoroughly enjoyed. A magnificent tree all lit up with gifts under the tree, and laser lights brighten both the room and the mood. My daughters and I cannot get over how incredible this Christmas will be. And you bet your ass that of those beautifully wrapped gifts, (I salute my wrapping skills ;p), there is most definitely a gift for Gladys and Omar.
Even though Muslims don't take part in the traditional Christmas festivities, we happily share in the joy of our fellow neighbors, colleagues, classmates, and friends. The Qur'an teaches us that though we may have differing beliefs, we can all live together in peace and harmony. So when you bake your holiday cookies, don't hesitate to pass a batch over to your Muslim Neighbor. Merry Christmas!
UGLY SWEATER SEASON
I had to incorporate the Ugly Sweater trend in my blog. Ironically, I’ve never owned one. And that, my dearies, is my cue to let you all be jolly as I shop for my very first ugly sweater (stay tuned and come back for an update to see what I chose.)
This Christmas, you hold my full permission to go, 'Rockin' around the Christmas tree.' I attached my favorite holiday songs below my name. Take a look and if there is one you love, request it in the comment section below, and I will add it on as a special request. Have a Happy and Jolly Christmas. Most of all, stay safe and be well.
Whimsically Yours,
