My sister-in-law, Ellie, knows all the magic words, all the beautiful quotes, and all the phrase that make your read crack wide open when you hear them. On more occasions than I can count, she has comforted me by borrowing words from others and sending them my way when I’m in need or brought a smile to my face and joy to my day by sharing the happy sentiments I feel that others have so poignantly written down. She has a vast library of quotes, phrases, and well written words to pull from that I feel lucky to be the recipient of. They are quotes that warm the heart, bring me back to childhood wonder, make me feel far from alone, or just make me feel cheerful.
How does she know them and where does she collect them? I honestly don’t know but it is something I will always associate with Eleanor and attribute to her. On the beautiful Christmas card Ellie made for her enchanting family this year, she included the following quote by American poet Grace Noll Crowell,
“Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.“
I have read and reread these words over and over again since receiving Ellie’s card. Grace’s words feel like they could be written in 2021. Perhaps every generation feels this way but, it seems perhaps now more than ever, that we need to remember the true meaning of Christmas and get back to our childlike faith. There are many reasons to question the world and to let it get to you this year and this holiday season but there are MORE reasons to celebrate, gather, sing, rejoice, give thanks, and to keep Christmas shining.
Merry Christmas 2021 From Our Family To Yours
With that and the beautiful words introduced to me by my sister-in-law that Grace Noll Crowell expressed so well, I want to wish each and every one of you a merry Christmas 2021 from our family to yours. Thank you for reading my blog this past year and for your support. In sum, Edwin, Rowan, and I wish you a joyful Christmas with loved ones and a happy new year full of happiness, health, and good fortune. xx
Photography by Kacie Q Photography from September 2021.
