I was in the Hallmark store today picking up a few things and a young woman looking at the display of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments caught my attention. She was carrying a baby in a Snugli and had that tired but contented look of a new mom on her face. I watched as she stood at the display and imagined what she might be thinking as she took one step, then another, to see the rest of the display.
It reminded me of being in a book store a few weeks ago and seeing a young girl sitting on the floor beside a display of books. She would carefully select a book, turn each page slowly as if savoring the experience, then return it to the shelf and select another.
Remember the scene in The Christmas Story where kids faces are pressed up against the window of Higbees department store to see the Christmas window display? In Vancouver, Canada a popular Christmas tradition is being revived this year with the Christmas window displays at the old Woodwards store. I can imagine the wonder that young and old will experience as they watch the display brought to life by talented window designers.
What these three things have in common is that they provide an opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face and ignite a spark of imagination, all without spending a cent. Perhaps, if we slow down and appreciate simple things rather than rushing about spending, spending, spending, those of us who find it difficult to muster up the joy that the season is supposed to bring, might rediscover the wonder that we felt as a child during this month.
That’s my goal this year: to experience the wonder of the season with the eyes and the heart of the child I once was.
It’s day 3 of the 31-Day Gratitude Journaling Challenge and today I am thankful:
- for red velvet cookies (deadly delicious)
- for the Holiday Pops channel on SIRIUS XM radio
- that it was a sunny day
- that I have a clean house for the weekend
- for Gerry, Laurinda, Gord, Makiya, Michael, Robin, Brandon, Nicole, Jaxon, and Todd. (counts as one thing – family!)
As we head into the weekend I am inviting you to join me in slowing down and experiencing life through the eyes of a child.
We were just watching a tv show that involved a department store unveiling the special Christmas displays in it’s windows, and it reminded me of how much we loved seeing the animated display in Sears’ corner window, and shopping for a tree on their parking lot afterwards.
I love that movie and that scene — we have a night light that is that lamp and we haul it out at christmas 😀
Oh, Kat, I must look for one of those night lights!
Nice post and nice objective, Linda. I remember the scene in The Chrismas Story. It’s a timeless image. I’m a big fan of the Alistair Sim version of A Christmas Carol. There’s something about that old black and white movie, and Alistair Sim was such a great old British actor. There’s a scene with Tiny Tim looking in the window of a toy shop; his eyes are filled with wonder at all the mechanical toys. It’s the same look Ralphie and his friends have. Truly timeless. And very nice.
Simple pleasures are always the timeless ones, arent they? Thank you for stopping by, Kendra.