Christmas Eve has always been a day of reflection for me. I consider myself a deeply spiritual person, but I don’t feel affiliated with any particular brand of religion. I grew up Catholic, but I’ve chosen to take what I call a “cafeteria approach” to spirituality, picking and choosing what resonates, and discarding the rest. I celebrate Christmas, because for me, the holiday is ultimately about love, generosity, and giving. But even more than that, for me, it’s a time to slow down.
We live in such a fast-paced world, but Christmas Eve seems to be a time when many of us take a breather. To me, there’s something powerful in such a collective slow down. Restaurants and stores close early, streets are quiet. There are specials on television. Radio stations play commercial free holiday music.
Now, more than ever before, I think it’s vital that we take time to turn off all the outside noise, and Christmas Eve is the purrfect time to do so. Turn off the news, shut down the computer with its endless social media feeds, and silence the smartphone. Put on some Christmas music, turn off all the lights but the ones on your Christmas tree, and just let yourself be. You may be surprised at what you find in the silence.
For many years, part of my Christmas Eve routine has centered around quiet time in front of my Christmas tree. I take time to remember Christmases past: the Christmases of my childhood, spent in eager anticipation of the moment when I was finally allowed into the room with the Christmas tree my parents had decorated earlier that afternoon. In Germany in those days, we used real candles, and for a child, that was pure magic. I remember Christmases shared with other cats: with Feebee, Amber, Buckley. I remember the love we shared, and the many ways they enriched and changed my life. And as I reflect on all these blessings, I take time to be grateful for all that’s good in my world.
Christmas Eve, with all its promise, and its magic, is an opportunity to take a spiritual deep breath. And perhaps it’s an opportunity to reflect on how we can make the promise of Christmas last all year long.
I know Allegra and Ruby will remind me on this Christmas Eve, and throughout the coming year, that sometimes, it’s enough to just be.
May your Christmas Eve be filled with peace, love, and purrs.
Merry Christmas, Ingrid. I appreciate you.
Thanks, Ingrid – my childhood memories are similar to yours, Austrian Christmas was always magical. And the real candles on the tree! Now that I have a cat who likes to climb the tree I put up one year, I celebrate with my daughter and her family and their tree but I do put up lights. A whole string along the wall around pictures and a big mirror, it’s a good substitute although my son said it reminds him of an Italian restaurant. I grew up Catholic too and have chosen not to follow any religion. My life is complete with my two kitties at home and the grand kids to visit. Merry Christmas everyone.
Your son’s comment about your lights reminding him of an Italian restaurant made me laugh, Monica! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I remember you saying how much you love to do this, and that is the biggest thing I miss about my ex husband. He was Catholic and I used to decorate for Christmas. We had a tree, which I LOVED! I would turn out all of the lights and do exactly what you said. It is beyond magical…one of the most beautiful and peaceful things ever. Enjoy!! xoxo
You could put some lights on a plant to somewhat recreate the effect, Caren, although it won’t be quite the same!
Love and Merry Christmas to you Ingrid, from Will, Jan, Anya and Oscar. Thank you for helping to make every day better for kitties and their humans.
Thank you for you wise words, Ingrid. As always, you, Ruby and Alegra bring me back to what is important in life. From me, Dante & Puck, have a Merry Christmas and Peace to all of you.
Lovely thoughts, Ingrid; your words took me back to my childhood as well, and brought me joy in reflecting on that time. I am blessed to spend Christmas this years with my posse: Izzy, Louie, Oliver, Lalo and Sweetie Pie. May you have peace, love and mucho purrs in the New Year.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Janine, Miss Waikiki, Kapono and Madame Pele
Wonderful post. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you and yours Ingrid …
Merry Christmas Ingrid, Ruby and Allegra
Diana, Rikki and Lucy
Ingrid,
After reading your article, I feel exactly the same. Feel it is a good time to reflect & appreciate, over the holiday season! And, relax & enjoy!
Ingrid, hope you, Allerga, Ruby enjoy your holiday season!
Nancy
Merry Christmas!