olive june

the magic and true meaning of christmas ~ merry christmas eve to all

olive juneDecember 24, 2013

As I sit here at Amelie’s French Bakery, my very favorite spot in Charlotte, with a cup of hot peppermint tea, mushroom soup, and a coconut macaroon, I reflect on my life here…
I have been more than blessed to be given a supportive family, a beautiful city, a God who is always there for me, a rewarding career, great friends, a safe and loving village to explore as a child, good health (most importantly)
and a husband who loves me with all of his heart.

Although I am happy; my heart is so full of gratitude- it is also breaking inside …

this is my first Christmas apart from my family and a small part of my soul simply hurts.
However, I sit here and remember all of the ways that both of my parents always made Christmas so special …

-a hard candy christmas-

{as i walked through the south park mall (with every other male in charlotte:)) last night- i heard this song and knew God was looking over me …}

Christmas Eve was the most magical night of the year- the sparkling lights, the record player, dressing up {usually in an awesome matching outfit with my sister} having both sets of grandparents with us for an incredible dinner- then driving around to look at the beautiful lights, going to see baby Jesus, and finally coming home to see that Santa had arrived – the reindeer biting off the carrots and then a night of excitement with my little sister- I miss her dearly. We were always so excited that we couldn’t contain ourselves- love watching this on home videos. “jessie- santa came!!!”
Getting dressed up and going to see the Nutcracker in the city with my mom and sister
The smell of the German smokers/incense around our house
Playing in the snow with our neighbors- forts, snowmen (charlick), riding around on sleds all day
Baking and decorating Christmas cookies
Listening to Kenny and Dolly Christmas- love.
Spending Christmas Day with all of my cousins- lots of games, laughter, and horsie rides on my Uncle Mike’s back – & lots of dancing around that small and intimate farmhouse
Looking for the pickle in the tree
St. Nick arriving to pick up our letters
Going to the Christmas farm with the Meirings to cut down our tree- Rosie the donkey, yummy hot chocolate, the cozy fireplace, cute cats, and I Spy books
Reading Twas the Night Before Christmas
Opening english crackers on Christmas Eve
Handmade cross stitched stockings – made with love by Gram
My dad saying the prayer/reflecting on the year- while watching the snow fall outside the dining room window
Going to church with the entire community that I was raised in … it’s beautiful.
The annual Ternasky open house on the 23rd and my parents open house on the 26th
Watching Elf, Home Alone, and Christmas Vacation
The way my parent’s door is always open to anyone at any time… 🙂
Lots of games of ‘screw your neighbor’ {it is innocent- just sounds really bad;)} and ‘shut the box’ around the bar – with shots for Gramps
Our annual puzzle building – Jess’ little love.
My Grandma Schmiesing’s excitement each year and the way my Grandpa Wolf sang ‘O Come little Children’ in German – not being with my 84 year old grandmother is the hardest part for me… she’s the sweetest person I have ever met and I just adore her… and her love for The Little Drummer Boy.
The love around me – the joy, the laughter, the way I can always be myself and never feel judged- so loving, fun and so carefree- sending my love up to Ohio today to all my family and friends- wishing you a very Merry Christmas <3 and another year of health, peace, and lots and lots of love.

my perfect way to spend christmas eve morning- amelie’s- so at peace.

you made this- a christmas to remember.