Over the past few days as Rob and I have been decorating for Christmas, we have had the Christmas music streaming loud and clear. I love the sounds of this time of year. It's almost as if these songs fill the air with joy and put a spring in my step. I heard the song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" many times as we decorated. I love this song because of the nostalgia that I feel as I reminisce about going home for the holidays.
My parents and grandparents have always done so much to make Christmas a magical time of year. Ever since I can remember I have enjoyed all the simple things that fill the holidays with anticipation and excitement about the birth of the Savior and the visit from Santa. There is always beautiful lights, yummy food, special decorations, Grandma's homemade chocolates, fresh cut trees, and plenty of fun to be had with family.
Moving away has made me appreciate even more all that happened at my home during the holidays, and Rob and I have tried our best to replicate the love and joy that abounded in our homes. We look forward each year to returning home for Christmas to spend time with family and participate in long running traditions. This year is no exception.
However, this year as we hung ornaments on the tree I couldn't help but think of a different home that I've been dreaming of even more than I usually do....my Heavenly home, and this song took on a beautiful new meaning. I couldn't help but imagine the special preparations that must take place in Heaven as they anticipate the celebration of the Savior's birth. I imagine the colors are beautifully saturated and the halls are decked with boughs of holly. Can you imagine the magical sound of the angels singing the beautiful carols? I am sure that our little Branson inherited the love of this season from us, and as I contemplated this idea of the Heaven's preparing for Christmas I couldn't help but envision him being the master tree decorator just like his daddy. I'm sure he's right in the thick of these preparations.
As the words "I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me. I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams" sounded in my ears, I felt an intense yearning to be truly "home" for Christmas. Although I can't return there this year, or even next,I will be there in my dreams! My son and I walking in a winter wonderland, exclaiming to all the world that the Savior was born and that he still lives today. Branson, one day daddy and I will be "home for Christmas"...you can count on us! What a joyous, magical Christmas that will be.
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3 comments:
You have made my heart burst as I read this lovely message. What a wonderful and glorious vision you have about the way our eternal outlook should be. Thank you for sharing your poignant feelings and for the love that we feel from you. We'll remember every day as we enjoy the Holidays that Branson is spending Chrismas this year with Jesus. May God Bless and Merry Christmas Season to you and Darling Branson. My Love, Mom
Natalie as I read your wonderful post, I couldn't help but imagine little Branson and you hand in hand walking through a beautifully decorated winter wonderland. You are such an amazing woman. You never cease to inspire and amaze me. You always have such a postitive outlook on everything and your loving spirit is felt by all. I can't wait to see your decorations and thanks so much for helping me with my blog and just being my friend! Love, Mariah
I absolutely LOVE this post, Natalie. One of my favorites you've written so far.
Isn't it amazing how an experience like this makes you think about things in a completely different way? The Millennium seems so much more real to me, and it has more physical detail than ever before in my mind.
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