A different kind of Christmas.

My friend Dorne, from Write Dorne asked me to do a guest post about why I do not celebrate Christmas.  Thank you for having me in for a visit Dorne.  I really would like to try your mince pies and sherry.  Now, that would be a celebration! The reason we do not celebrate Christmas is because both my husband and I are Buddhist.  Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.  In the past, when all our children were home with us, we celebrated a combined Christmas with a tree and all trimmings for the children.  At the same time, I paid homage to Buddha and our ancestors by lighting incense and saying special prayers.        

This is our home altar for Buddha

I light three incense as a woman, (men can light one) one for Buddha, the next for the Dharma, and the last for the Sangha.  I have candles that I light also.  I try to meditate at least twice a week near my altar.  I feel refreshed after my contemplation. Inside the cabinet are pictures of our deceased parents and siblings, and deceased pets.  I have pictures of my husband and myself, our children and grandchildren in there too.  I say special prayers for all of our family and friends. I ask for protection from the evils of the world.

From Left to Right: Savanna, Alexandria, and Steven

Last year, was the first year that we saw our grandchildren at Christmas.  We are an Air Force family and our children and grandchildren are spread far and wide throughout the United States and overseas.  We have two other grandchildren that we have not seen for a few years, Maleah and Arianna.  The fact that we live far apart is normal to us.  Our children chose their paths in life much the same way we chose ours.  Military families are used to being apart.  You don’t always like it, but you do accept it.

This Christmas, my husband and I will celebrate with a wonderful meal.  We will not have any family with us this year, so we tend to keep things simple and more for us.  We have surf and turf (steaks, shrimp, and halibut) planned as the weather here in Florida promises to be beautiful.  I have made chocolate chip cookies which I will take to some of my neighbors, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our driftwood Christmas Tree – our new Florida Tradition

This time will be spent doing the things we enjoy, listening to music, sharing some drinks, playing Wii, barbecuing, and just being together.  The funny thing is, we do this all the time, not just because it is a holiday.  That is the essence of what Christmas really is about I think – living a good life by helping others, and by being good to each other, and enjoying each other’s company.  Not just because it is a holiday, but because it is the way you live.

How will you celebrate Christmas with your family?

Thanks again to Dorne for having me visit her wonderful blog.  I enjoyed meeting all of you.

Blessings of Peace and Happiness to you all.

~Silver Threading~

I hope you enjoyed that inspiring piece of writing from Colleen: check out her blog sometime. I think it’s important to not lose track of the fact that not everyone will be celebrating Christmas. Each of us, in our own way will find some way to enjoy this season.

So, thanks Colleen.

I’m taking a few days break now; to chill out, catch up with my favourite bloggers and tidy my blog up. I’d heard on the grapevine that things quieten down a bit now, so it’s an ideal time to work on stuff behind the scenes. Like that ghost story that needs to be finished off. Will it be ready for New Year’s Eve? We’ll see.

Finally, to all of my readers and followers I say a BIG THANK YOU !  You have truly amazed me, with your support and comments and inspired me to improve my blog. It hasn’t happened yet, but we live in hope…LOL!  It’s great to be a part of this big blogging family, whether you blog, or not, thanks for reading me.

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS.

And a special thought for those who have recently being bereaved, who are living in war zones, or sleeping rough. For all of those who are suffering, may they find some peace as well.

I’ll be back later on in the week.

Until the next time.