Nostalgia: (a noun) “A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or a place with happy personal associations.”

As I sit and write this post, I am transported back to my childhood in my grandmother's home. My mother's mother, Oline Allie McCord Purdy, was the magic of Christmas that I hold in my heart to this day. Her spirit of the season was passed to my mother, my sister and I; and on to our children. She made sure we knew how loved we were through the way she filled her home with the spirit of Christmas.

My Grandmother Purdy taught me so much - especially about the beauty of a gift intentionally wrapped. She said it isn't just about what’s inside the box - the outer wrapping of bows and paper add anticipation and beauty to the gift being given. Everyone couldn’t wait to open their special gifts nestled under the magical tree. She also knew the perfect way to make the holidays even sweeter - candy! I loved her glass candy dishes full of the old fashioned soft peppermint sticks and silver Hershey kisses; she called them ‘silver bells’ - the perfect name for this time of year!

My sister and I would help her wrap each gift, carefully finishing our beautifully wrapped packages with stick-on bows and placing them under the freshly cut cedar tree. The bright, colored lights, tinsel, and star ornament reflected in the warm light as we were wrapping; Pure childhood magic!

“Though we loved the pretty things of Christmas, my mother and stepfather made sure we looked beyond the tree's twinkling lights, presents, and wish lists. Our parents reminded us that our savior, Jesus Christ, is the reason for the season, and that true gifts aren't wrapped under the tree. The true gift of Christmas is in the giving of ourselves to others in need.”

PAIGE

Growing up, my dad would pull a large lighted mold nativity set out of storage and methodically set up the "Holy Family" in our front lawn for everyone to see. You could see it from our Living Room window, and I thought it was beautiful. It felt as if Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and all stable animals were a part of our family too. Looking back, I’m pretty sure it lit up the entire neighborhood.

“Christmas magic is silent.

You don’t hear it - you feel it.

You know it. You believe it”

KEVIN ALAN MILNE

Today, our home feels a little different from the Christmas of my childhood. Our nativity set is a little smaller and indoors to view at any moment. The fresh tree is strung with white lights, ornaments collected over the years, and ornaments my adult children made through their younger years. Gold tinsel hangs from the branches, and an angel in a beautiful organza garb sits at the top as if to watch over us. Our childhood tree had a white angel who watched over us, and I love carrying the tradition on with my family.

Being one with nature during this season is so important and special to me. Upon moving to the farm, my love of foraged branches, pine cones, and greenery for garlands and wreaths grew immensely - we have so much beautiful forage here! I make our magnolia cedar garlands and wreaths and we have started our own tradition of cutting a very large cedar tree off the land each year. It graces our screened porch, standing almost 12 feet tall, with white lights and hand-strung garland made of dried oranges. It nods to the past and the memories we hold in our hearts in this season.

One of my favorite moments this time of the year is being the last one to see the tree lights glowing and the first one to light the trees in the morning as the sun is just rising above the barn. As I watch the world ‘wake up’, I turn on the tree lights and join the sun by shedding light inside and starting a new, beautiful day. I treasure this ritual during this season, and invite you to try it too!

Another favorite of mine is Christmas Eve with my family at church. As I look around at the soft glow of the candles and flowers and all the beautiful souls sitting in the pews, hearing the message of the season, singing the seasonal hymns, watching the lights dim and single candle lit as we all sing " Silent Night”; my heart feels like it might burst with the love of faith and family.

Our family has a dinner on Christmas Eve as well; one gift to be opened - new pj's for everyone. I am so thankful for that gathering, and the memories we make. Christmas morning, we’ll host and gather a large group of family members for a traditional breakfast, and we end our day at my mom's for dinner, games, and a movie in our comfy clothes. It’s so nice to relax and enjoy each other’s company, especially with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of wine!

While there is so much joy in presents and family, we know that not everyone celebrates the same; or even have the opportunity to celebrate. Let us not forget: for many people, the holidays are a time filled with sadness, loneliness, and grief. My family and I like to give help to local nonprofits through volunteering and monetary giving, and we encourage you to do the same! There are so many ways to help others during the holidays - like clothing or food donation, or just volunteering your time to be with people who may not have anyone to share the season with. I like saying it like this: “We’re all on a unique, individual journey - together.”

Together is the best place to be, especially during the Christmas season. There is much healing, care, and love that happens when we choose to be together - with our families, and those in need. Blessings from our family to you this holiday season.

Hugs,

from PAIGE, THE THORNTONS, & THE STF TEAM

How do you plan to gather with those you love this season? What memories are you reminiscing on while reflecting this season? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

FUN FACT: Blair and I are both very sentimental, and we cherish the gifted treasures we’ve collected over the years. They all come together as pieces of our story and family legacy. Blair, like me, had a strong relationship with his grandmother, Clara Margaret Poole Thornton Heath. Fondly known to our children as “Gigi”, she made these three carolers in the 1960’s from a Good Housekeeping How-To, and we were gifted them after her passing. A DIY’er years ahead of her time!