This is a difficult season for many and it’s been a struggle for me most of my life, but it seems I’ve gone back to my roots. Every Christmas, Mama moved a piece of furniture out of our den to make space for the tree and one of my older brothers was nominated to climb into the attic to retrieve the 6 ft. cardboard box where the tree was stored until ready to use. This was one of the few times I remember seeing Mama happy. She was humming Christmas carols while preparing the tree, one methodical moment at a time.
This month hasn’t been a struggle and mainly because I haven’t let it. I’ve dropped everything I could to settle into this magical month and actually enjoy it. Over the weekend I caught myself moving the den around to make room for the tree, just like Mama, but this house doesn’t have storage space, so I went and bought a real tree.
Here are some things that helped spark the spirit of Christmas, while living solo.
- My favored radio station, KLove, started playing Christmas music the weekend after Thanksgiving and hearing those classic songs in late November softened my heart for December. I downloaded the KLove app to play Christmas music every day and I started feeling a spark of Christmas.
- A local church was selling Christmas tree to raise money for missions, so I strolled through their tree selection. The person who helped me was extremely knowledgeable about the trees and I learned more about them that day that I ever imagined. I chose a 5 ft. tree instead of a taller one, so it would be manageable.
- I gave myself plenty of time with the tree. Once it was in the stand and watered, I added a light dusting of flocking to it and let it sit overnight to dry. The next day, I emptied the water from the stand and hauled it inside to place it in the corner of the den. The hardest parts were done and now the fun part began.
- Last years lights were too numerous for a tree of smaller size, but instead of trying to get them all on and perfectly placed, I followed my heart and let the excess drop to the floor along with all my expectations of a perfect tree.
5. Christmas cards-I purchased 2 boxes, one for far away friends/family and another to give my neighbors. Instead of writing and addressing them all in one sitting, I wrote a few each evening and got them ready for the mailbox the next morning.
6. The tree can look lonely without any presents underneath, so I decided to change that. I thought of a few things I wanted this year, but didn’t need and ordered them. Once they arrive, I don’t open them, but wrap them and place them under the tree. If you’re anything like me, I’ll forget what I ordered by Christmas.
7. Light-I had purchased some outdoor solar lights for the backyard, but taking them out of the box, they reminded me of Christmas, so I strung them across the front of the house. They came with no instructions and I forgot to turn the solar panel on to charge, so no light that night, but just like with all these tiny acts, I can be patient.
I hung the gold star from this previous post and last years Christmas wreath is on the door. While washing dishes I hear Christmas music and find myself singing along. Being single doesn’t mean we muddle though December because each of the things listed were once very special to me. I pray you hear the whisper of your childlike heart to help spark the spirit of Christmas this year.
Inbarbsworld 
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