Hello Friends! It’s been SO long since I have shared on the blog. I’ve come close to writing many times throughout the autumn months but just haven’t managed to do so, and now, we’re already starting a new year!
October was my birthday month and what a special treat it was to take a uniquely solo trip back to California to see my parents and soak in some wonderful West Coast sunshine. Upon my return, I was equally blessed to go on a lovely trip to Mallorca with my family over half term. It was delightful to have a complete break from cooking, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, and have some rest!
November went full speed ahead toward Thanksgiving with Christmas right behind. We actually did two Thanksgiving feasts as my sister-in-law was visiting earlier that month. It was lovely to have the two celebrations of all we are grateful for along with the classic pumpkin and pecan pies and other dishes like Green Bean Casserole which only come out once a year.
As it often is, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day was a whirlwind of so many beautiful memories all rolled together into the full holidays season. As I’m sure many others feel, I found it difficult to just be in the moment at times. My mind tends to jump a few weeks and months ahead in order to plan what is needed, however this tendency can distract from enjoying a specific moment right in front of me.
Now that the Christmas decorations are taken down and the children are settling back into school, I am reflecting on the season just gone.
I love our holiday traditions.
I love that the opening holiday is Thanksgiving—a time to feast with friends and family and thank God for all of his many blessings.
I love the perfect excuse to bake like crazy—pecan pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate mint brownies, gingerbread, reindeer cupcakes, etc.
I love the festivities that mark the season of advent—attending a carols service, making Christingles with the children, and reading our Christmas books that only come out in December.
Though, if I’m not careful, all of the festivities and traditions can distract from the simplicity of the true meaning of Christmas.
Without fanfare or any extravagance, Jesus entered our world in the most humble of ways as a baby, and God demonstrated his greatest love story to us. He is the reason for the season.
The food, the presents, the annual Christmas party, a Christmas fundraiser at the school, and a train ride to see the lovely lights were all enjoyable, yet they faded away as quickly as they came.
My prayer for us all this season as we enter 2026 is that Jesus, the true Light of the World will fill our hearts to overflowing. When the darkness creeps in, may Jesus shine his presence even brighter into our lives.
January is not my favorite month, however I am still determined to focus on finding Jesus’ light all around me and hopefully sharing that light to others.
The mornings and evenings are still dark and the garden is missing all its lovely blooms. It is still cold outside and in my case, very wet and damp in the UK. Yet God is still growing good in us, in our families, in our communities.
Focus on Jesus, the Light of the World!
He will keep guiding us through the winter months toward his light.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”—John 8:12
Joy A. Mead 
Leave a comment