What do you remember the most – your Christmas presents or the people who are present?

For some, the thrill of the countdown is part of the Christmas excitement that they have this time of year and for others, it is just a reminder of there being one less day to get everything ticked off their ‘TO DO’ list. However it makes you feel, I invite you to join me each of the 12 days till Christmas, as I share daily Christmas Reflections and of course an accompanying Christmas image! (I just love taking photos & sharing pictures so it’s only right each post is inspired by my own photos.)

Today’s chosen image is a beautiful display of Christmas pressies. How exciting would it be to wake up on Christmas morning and see this pile of presents waiting there to be ripped open and find out they are all for you!

Well sorry to disappoint and burst the bubble of illusion, but they are actually fake. My friend Tara is AMAZING at arts, crafts, DIY and decorating, so Christmas is the perfect time for her to show off her skills by decorating the house. These are empty boxes saved throughout the year so at Christmas, they can be transformed into these beautiful pressies.

presence over presents christmas reflection helens journey (1) — Chosen Christmas image for Day 2 of 12

This got me thinking, can I really look back over the years and remember all the presents I’ve gotten for Christmases past? No not all of them, I certainly can’t. But I can look back at Christmases past and remember all the people that were actually there, who shared in celebrations with us, who was playing along in all the Christmas games.

I’ll always remember how much of a cheat my Nan is at Pictionary, writing down words then scribbling them out trying not to get caught! I cherish even more the presence of my late Grandad being there for all those Christmases past, now he can’t be here for any more, wearing his Christmas ties that lit up or played a Christmas tune when you pressed it. *fond, fond memories*

It’s moments we remember!

The presents might as well be empty, as in years down the line it’s people’s presence we remember – not all the presents we got.

Life is so fragile and precious. I know in my Grandads last days on earth, feeling the presence of those around him being by his side and feeling the presence of love and care in the air – I know it brought him peace and comfort. Your presence could mean the world to someone and you could miss that because you are so focused on what present you got them, if they will like it or what present they got you.

So of course enjoy the whole ‘presents’ side of Christmas; the planning, the buying, the wrapping, the giving, the receiving. But at the same time remember to be present in those moments as they happen, savour and enjoy the people in your presence this Christmas time. ❤

Click here for the wholeCHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS COLLECTION to have a quick read of them & they are all relevant to make this the BEST CHRISTMAS DAY ever, with perspective, clarity and a joyful heart. Or see below for a list of all my short reflections & click on the title you’d like to read:

Here is my ‘CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR’ board on Pinterest you are welcome to follow:

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