Candlelight Christmas Nights Tour 2020

I’ve gotta be honest… I can’t say I’ll be sad to see 2020 go.

It’s been such a hard year for so many of us, and really, I count myself extremely lucky to have a healthy family and a tummy full of food and a roof over my head. But my goodness… 2020 has taught me lessons I will forever be grateful for.

In the last few evenings leading up to Christmas, after the kids go to bed (and Robert is usually snoring on the couch), I like to make it a tradition to turn off the screens and reflect in the quiet glow of our home.

I’ve joined in with my blogger bestie Rachel at Maison de Pax again this year who is hosting her 5th annual Christmas Night Tour where a group of home bloggers share their candlelight tours.

If you’re visiting from Janine’s beautiful home at Happy Happy Nester, welcome!

I’m so thankful for this tour tradition because it allows me something that no other post of the year truly can provide: Peace.

No shopping links or messy home improvement projects… just a moment to breathe.

As stressful as this year has been though, I find myself constantly thankful for the unexpected things.

Because I didn’t lose jam-packed weekend plans. I gained time to slow down with my kids.

I didn’t lose the chance to travel. I gained the chance to focus on our lives right here at our roots.

I didn’t lose the opportunity to see far away friends. I gained the chance to be a good neighbor.

So while I really hope to have a house full of out-of-town guests and big family reunions next year, I can’t help but feel a little gratitude for my change in perspective.

Never again will I take a date night in a movie theater or a Sunday in church or a good meal in a restaurant for granted.

And never again will I take for granted this house, our home, for welcoming us right back in when life does get back to normal.

This year, more than ever, I’ve never felt more motivated to give to those who have been hit so hard. And there is a fire in me to use all God has provided to pass it on.

So I guess I have 2020 to thank for that.

Through everything this year has thrown at us though, I have been so thankful for you.

There are days when I think I truly don’t deserve this job, this house, this life. And I’m my down days when I feel completely inadequate, your sweet comments and messages lift me up.

I hope in some way I give that love right back to you in return on this blog.

Whatever this year has looked like for you, I hope you know you are so loved. You are so worthy. And good times are just around the corner.

And if you’re like me, if you need a moment to just turn off the TV, put down the phone, and reflect by the dim glow of the tree and crackle of the fireplace, do it.

Take a moment for you. Because sometimes the quiet, the calm, the peace is exactly what we need .

This year more than ever. 2020 taught me that.

“Be still and know that I am with you.” – Psalm 46:10

You can see the Christmas Nights Tour from the very beginning at Rachel’s beautiful home at Maison de Pax.

Wishing you and your family and merry Christmas, friends! See you in 2021!