Embrace the Season: A Holiday Reflection on Gratitude, Joy, and Making Memories

There’s something sacred about this time of year—the soft glow of Christmas lights, the laughter that fills kitchens, and the quiet moments when gratitude settles deep in our hearts.

For women over 50, the holidays can carry layers—sweet memories of years past, tender reflections of loved ones gone, and new opportunities to create joy right where we are.

The Advent season invites us to pause, breathe, and remember that Emmanuel

—God with us

—is still true today.

Embrace a Heart of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you”—it’s a posture of the heart. When we focus on what we have instead of what’s missing, our entire perspective shifts.

Start your mornings this season by whispering,

“Lord, thank You.”Thank Him for simple things—the warmth of a blanket, the taste of coffee, the sound of your favorite Christmas song.

These everyday blessings remind us that God is present in both the grand and the ordinary.

And if this year has been heavy, gratitude can still anchor you. Even in the waiting, even in the unknown, you can say,

“God, I trust You are still good.”

Embrace the Advent Season

Advent is a sacred countdown—not just to Christmas Day, but to the miracle of hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts, not our schedules.

Over the last several weeks and as the season draws to a close, my children, family, and friends have been...and will continue to

• Be Hopeful – God keeps His promises, even when we can’t see how.

• Choose Peace – Rest in His presence, even in a busy season.

• Relish in Joy – Let joy rise up, not from circumstances, but from His goodness.

• Share Love – Remember you are deeply loved by the One who came for you.

  
  

Advent reminds us: the waiting is holy too.

Have Fun—Don’t Just Host, Enjoy!

Sometimes we get so caught up in doing the holidays that we forget to experience them. This year, give yourself permission to have fun! Dance to Christmas music in your living room. Bake cookies just because. Wear the fuzzy socks and sip cocoa by the fire.

And if your family traditions look a little different now, create new ones. Invite a few friends for a “Holiday Movie & Mug Night.” Visit local light displays. Send handwritten notes of encouragement instead of just cards.

Joy is contagious—spread it freely.

Make New Memories That Matter

Memories aren’t just made by what we do—they’re made by how we show up. Be present. Laugh often. Take photos, but also put the phone down sometimes and soak in the moment.

This holiday season, choose to be fully here. Because the gift isn’t in the wrapping or the plans—it’s in the people, the laughter, the prayers whispered around the table.

Final Encouragement

As the year comes to a close, remember this: You are part of a beautiful story still unfolding. God isn’t done with you—He’s inviting you to live, love, and shine brighter than ever before.

So this holiday season—be grateful, be joyful, and make room in your heart for wonder again.

Affirmation for the Season

I choose gratitude, joy, and peace. I embrace the beauty of the Advent season, and I will make memories that reflect God’s goodness and love.

Let’s Stay Connected! ✨If this message encouraged you, there’s so much more waiting for you!

Join me on my YouTube @lashaymjohnson for weekly faith and lifestyle videos created to inspire women over 50 to live boldly and beautifully in this season.

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