It’s been fun highlighting the five senses this week. Today, we’ll look at the fifth: the sense of touch. In what way can you add your personal touch to Christmas? Make an extra effort to send cards? Add a distinct flourish to packages? Even attention to details on a gift card can make someone feel special because their name has been emphasized.
What makes you feel cherished? Chances are, sharing that gift with someone else will bless them too. I grew up in a home where we held hands around the table as we prayed for God’s blessing on the food. We passed that gift of touch on to my family, even though it was a stretch for teenagers. Now, I’m reaping that contact with my grandchildren and I’m soaking it up!
Be generous with your hugs. We all need connection.
Terry Willits pulls it all together by saying, “The God of all Comforts came to this earth as a child and experienced for himself loving human touch. Christmas is about giving. Touch is about giving, too. And touch is a precious gift to give in our homes at Christmas. Just as Mary gave Jesus her tender touch, we can share loving touches to make our homes a place of comfort this holiday.”
Let the touches you add to your home say, “You are welcome here!”
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words
Leave a comment: In what ways do you add the sense of touch to your day?

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Looking for Christmas

What are the sounds that sing of Christmas for you? The choir practicing? The bell-ringer standing at The Salvation Army bucket? A favorite carol?

One of my favorite albums is Amy Grant’s: A Christmas Album. And I love the day after Thanksgiving, when our radio station plays non-stop Christmas music! However, in Simply SenseSational Christmas, Terry Willits says “At least one night this Christmas season, when the kids are in bed, turn off the television and enjoy the precious sound of silence. Take in the beautiful silence of a snowfall or a quiet, starry night. Sit on the sofa and talk with a loved one, or read a book in front of a crackling fire with no more sound than the turning of a page.”
I have to admit that the silence of Christmas is just as precious as the music. I love that time of the evening when everyone else is asleep and I can sit in front of the tree with all the rest of the lights off. The popping of the firelight casts images across the ornaments and settles me into a reflective mood. Yes, there are wonderful resolutions made in those quiet moments. Maybe that’s why God chose a silent night so long ago to announce the birth of His Son!
Lord, fine-tune my hearing, that I might be receptive when you speak. Amen
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words
Leave a comment: What are your favorite sounds at Christmas?

Related Posts:
The Tastes of Christmas
How’s your Sense of Smell?
The Five Senses of Christmas 
Looking for Christmas

Boxes of Christmas decorations come down from the attic and create havoc in my home. But the treasures that emerge overrule my dismay. Joy of joys, the kids are eager to help, and I am letting go of dictating where things must go. Their excitement at being involved is a greater gem!
One of my favorite jewels to unpack is a book by Terry Willits: Simply SenseSational Christmas. It provides candy for the eyes as you saunter through the pages.  Today, for Day One of Five, I want to highlight what she says about the Sights of Christmas.
Terry says “Beauty attracts. Making our homes visually appealing for Christmas will hopefully draw others in so relationships can grow.”
The idea that your home is a place for relationships is a motivator to make it charming! As people feel cherished, they will relax and connect. But Terry warns against making it complicated. Keep it simple! Here are four areas she suggests to highlight: the front door, the mantel, the Christmas tree, and the table and chandelier where you will serve your holiday meals.

It perks me up to dress up the house! Setting up various nativities, greenery and candles builds anticipation and entices me to make more time for hospitality. Did you know that people enjoy being invited into your home? It gives them a chance to see you in your natural element. At the holidays, it lets them observe your favorite traditions and feel included in your life.
So bring out the twinkling lights, the colors of Christmas and the treasures in your attic. It’s time to prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate the birth of our King!
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words

Leave a comment: What are your favorite Christmas decorations?