Being Grateful for Holiday Memories

Showing gratitude daily allows us to remember all that we already have and not focus on what we do not have. Every day we wake up is a gift to be thankful for. During the holiday season, many people tend to overlook the many blessings that God has allowed them to enjoy throughout life and center their attention on lack.

“What are some things that most people should be incredibly thankful for but usually take for granted?

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God, what we already currently possess, and the fond memories from the past and present. Memories serve as a place of reflection and also a place of your identity. If experiences make you the person you are today, then memories of those experiences are the path to understanding and identifying yourself.

Memories

In this blog post I will share a few holiday memories. I am grateful for my memories because, without them, I have no ability to know who I am or my place in the world.

Memories are a gift and your personal identification. Be thankful for your memories — the good, the painful and the boring. They identify you to who you have become, so never take them for granted.

Once you’re done reading my short glimpse into holidays’ past, I encourage you to share your favorites.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORIES: What Are Yours?

A Stone Mountain Christmas

One of my fondest, most recent memories of Christmas was celebrating a family day out at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, GA. The park features a variety of things to venture into during the holiday season. One December day my two brothers and our families got together for a chilly fun-filled day of adventure. We purchased day passes to take advantage of a full day of activities.

During the day we tubed down Snow Mountain over and over again, went to the top of Stone Mountain in a Swiss cable car, and experienced spectacular views of Atlanta’s skyline. Afterward, we left the park for brunch and went back to the park for the nighttime festivities. Upon evening the chill in the air gave us a sense of a wonderful winter Christmassy night.

As we explored the park, we were all like kids with our eyes wide and taking in every wonder we came across. It was an amazing time with my family. We drank hot chocolate, watched the Christmas parade and Light Show, walked the park, then topped the night off watching Polar Express in a 4D movie theater. Clearly this is a day the thirteen of us will never forget!

A Childhood Christmas

Growing up we didn’t have much. My mom was a single mother and provided us with all she had to give. I can say we did not go without. There were many things we may have wanted but food, shelter and warmth we never lacked.

One Christmas Eve, my brother and I could not sleep and did not want to go to bed. My youngest brother was not born at the time so it was just the two of us. Our mom told us that if we did not go to bed that Santa could not come and if he arrived and we were awake he would put ashes in our eyes. Thinking back, some of the things they told us were quite traumatizing.

The next morning, bright and early, my brother and I ran to the living room and tore into our gifts. I remember opening one of my presents and finding a white, fake Barbie with a detachable head. Sorely disappointed I threw the doll down, pouted that St. Nick did not bring me what I had asked for, and stomped back to my room. Seeing the look on my mom’s face as she tried to explain Santa’s mix-up is still in my memory bank. I had no idea she was the giver and had only bought what she could afford.

Married with Children and All Families Gathered

Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family and my husband are awesomely rewarding. As a young married couple, we made sure we spent time with both sides of our family. It was settled! We would rise on Thanksgiving and Christmas morning, allow the children to open gifts, get ready to attend church service, afterward go home to change clothes, then off to the first grandparents’ house we went. There were a total of three grandparents and our parent’s homes on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve to show our appearance. This was our tradition. We appreciated doing this more once we were older and realized what a blessing this was to our family.

Another cool memory was the time Derick and I had Thanksgiving at our home in Atlanta, GA. Our parents and siblings were invited to dine with us and stay the night. We had guests at our home and my brother’s house. The invitation stated “Holiday this Year at the Pope’s. Join Us This Year!”

Without a doubt, we took care of the cuisine, games, shelter, and fun. Everyone showed up including a couple of friends. What an energy-filled, incredible time. There were food and game stations in various locations and when night came we turned off all of the lights, blasted the surround sound, and played a movie. People perched everywhere. On the steps, the landing, the floor and couches. We laughed, shared stories, ate, and enjoyed our families all weekend long. Breakfast, Black Friday sales, and touring new home sites in the area were a part of the next morning’s enjoyment.

Just the Two of Us

Now that our children are adults, Derick and I create memories and make sure we have our own merrymaking. When we are not traveling to see family in Memphis, TN, gathering with Atlanta family or getting together with our children, we plan time to visit one of our favorite holiday spots, Pigeon Forge, TN. With our cabin rental booked and a list of pastimes, we appreciate each other’s company. Although there is absolutely no cell service, we always take pleasure in our serene getaway.

Outside of the cabin life with outdoor fires lit, a Jacuzzi, and shooting pool in the wee hours of the night, another amazing focal point in the Smokies is The Pigeon Forge Parkway. There is dining, shopping, and plenty of other things to do on this five-mile strip of the city. Taking a hike at the Great Smoky Mountain park and locating a breathtaking waterfall is a must during your stay as well. We have taken advantage of our visits to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN over the years with our children, friends, and just the two of us!

Impressions

Be yourself and impart the love of Christ when you are spending time with family and friends. The Lord created us as individuals and He never wants us to imitate anyone else. We have the most fun and the best memories when we operate in our authentic selves. It is imperative to share truths and not lies.

Invent a variety of beautiful memories, always be grateful, give what you have and share the Kingdom of God, the Spirit of Truth, with everyone.

There are many more memories I could share like office holiday cheer, kid entertainment and productions, snow days, and special time with grandparents.

Cheers to Inspiration

For another delight, click this link to connect to A Blog That Inspires podcast and post where I share a few details about LisaKPope.com and my inspiration to write.

Now that you’ve read some of my favorite holiday traditions and memories, please take a few minutes to share yours with us.

We can’t wait to read them! Leave a comment below or email us at contact@lisakpope.com