12-10-2024 1:24pm

The Coming of Christmas

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE COMING OF CHRISTMAS

I love Christmas. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Each year brings new challenges to each of us. Whether it's health issues, financial issues, or family issues, we all have issues. But as we head towards Christmas, a particular energy begins to rise. It feels like a shared emotion. The "positive energy of Christmastime" refers to the feeling of joy, warmth, togetherness, and generosity that often surrounds the holiday season, stemming from traditions like spending time with family and friends, giving gifts, decorating our homes, and reflecting on gratitude, which can collectively create a sense of well-being and happiness for many people. What are you grateful for? We can address that in my Question of the Week section below.

Key aspects of the positive Christmas energy:

Nostalgia and positive memories: Christmas often evokes cherished childhood memories and traditions, bringing a sense of comfort and happiness.
Social connection: The holiday encourages spending time with family and friends, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Acts of kindness and generosity: The spirit of giving gifts and helping others during Christmas can boost feelings of goodwill and altruism.
Festive atmosphere: Decorations, music, and festive food contribute to a joyful and uplifting ambiance.
Gratitude and reflection: Christmas can be a time to reflect on the year and appreciate what one has, promoting a positive mindset.

What if you don't like the holidays? What if they bring you down and make you sad? If you are one of these people, maybe it's a good time to take a vacation. Sometimes being around family can be stressful. Perhaps you'd rather spend the holidays alone somewhere far from home. That's fine. Or it could be a good time to just stay home alone and work on some projects that you've been putting off. Or perhaps do nothing but relax. Whatever brings you joy, do it. You have to be happy.

I'm born the day after Christmas, so I love this time of year. I understand that many people don't find it joyful. There is so much beauty in the world, but there is also a lot of bad news. Don't focus on it. During the month of December, try to embrace the beauty that is all around us. Make good choices. Do something fun. Step out of your day-to-day routine. Break things up. There are a lot of holiday events in towns across Long Island, and beyond. Check your local newspaper or online listings. You can always bundle up and take a walk around your neighborhood at night with someone, of course. The constellation, Orion, is fully visible in the morning western sky. Arms raised, it's majestic. The sky always brings me comfort.

Holiday decor can bring out the best in us. In a recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General, sixty-four percent of consumers feel happier when surrounded by festive décor, and fifty-seven percent say it gives them something to look forward to each year. Psychologists note that early decorating can increase dopamine levels, enhancing energy and happiness. I leave some decorations up year-round. My home is whimsical. This makes me very happy.

"Holiday decor sparks a neurobiological shift that's great for our mental and physical wellbeing. And by inviting festive decor earlier into our lives elongates the time we get to enjoy those benefits," says Deborah Serani, Psy.D. professor of psychology at Adelphi University. 

“There’s something magical about the sight of Christmas décor that lifts our spirits and invites us to embrace cherished family traditions, enhancing our mood by fostering deeper connections with loved ones as we come together to celebrate,” said Mac Harman, ACTA member and CEO of Balsam Hill, the world’s leading retailer of artificial Christmas trees and related holiday décor products.

Some of my favorite customs associated with Christmas are listening to Christmas music, caroling, sending cards, giving gifts, and setting up a nativity scene. I actually have an assortment of angels and other Christmas porcelain statues that I leave up year-round. This is my nativity scene. These holiday traditions can evoke positive memories and feelings of nostalgia.

When I was in grade school, we made a paper mache life-size nativity scene. My teacher wanted real hair for Mary. I went home one afternoon and asked my mother if I could donate a braid that she had cut from my hair a few weeks before. She said yes. I was very proud. It was perfect on Mary. I still think about her.

This really is a unique time of year. There are lights everywhere. Each evening on my way home from work, I turn down a different street to look at the glistening lights against the night sky. It's my time to reflect on the coming of Christmas. I imagine how happy the people are that live inside these houses. This really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we never lose the wonder of our childhood Christmas. Believe.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - ART MARKET AT TOAST IN PATCHOGUE

This Saturday evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at Toast in Patchogue, there will be an Art Market filled with something for everyone on your Christmas list. From illustrators to print makers, handmade jewelry to artisan foods and merchandise, you will have so much to choose from for that special someone. There will also be an outdoor screening of It's a Wonderful Life with raffles and Holiday Carolers. It's sure to be a night to remember.

Visit www.toastcoffeehouse.com for more information.

SKYLARK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

It's been quite a week in the headlines. I'm grateful to the McDonald's worker who recognized the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, and to the law enforcement in Pennsylvania who arrested him. This is a very unfortunate event. Let's pray for all involved and their families during this time.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

As the coming of Christmas approaches, let's think of others less fortunate. Amen

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are you most grateful for this Christmas season?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the heart. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

Support your local news!

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER) by JOHN LENNON

LYRICS

Happy Christmas, Kyoko
Happy Christmas, Julian
So this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas (war is over)
For weak and for strong (if you want it)
For rich and the poor ones (war is over)
The world is so wrong (now)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
For black and for white (if you want it)
For yellow and red ones (war is over)
Let's stop all the fight (now)
A very merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas (war is over)
And what have we done (if you want it)
Another year over (war is over)
And a new one just begun (now)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
We hope you have fun (if you want it)
The near and the dear ones (war is over)
The old and the young (now)
A very merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over, if you want it
War is over now
Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas!

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My Brand - Skylark Live - 60 and Beyond with Skylark was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. One day, I'd like to conduct in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. Stay tuned.

My Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

My Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO SUPPORT AND FOLLOW ME

Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!