{"id":23947,"date":"2019-12-02T21:26:01","date_gmt":"2019-12-03T02:26:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/debmillswriter.com\/?p=23947"},"modified":"2019-12-03T07:37:08","modified_gmt":"2019-12-03T12:37:08","slug":"monday-morning-moment-advent-begins-and-christmas-memories-follow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/debmillswriter.com\/?p=23947","title":{"rendered":"Monday Morning Moment – Advent Begins and Christmas Memories Follow"},"content":{"rendered":"
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[Adapted from the Archives]<\/p>\n

In our attic, there\u2019s a space is filled with bins of Christmas loveliness. Tree decorations, wall and room decor, linens, and nativities from around the world (including a few of the made in China<\/em> sort).<\/p>\n

This time each year I clear out some of the stuff, albeit still lovely but nothing my kids would cherish.<\/p>\n

Driving to the thrift store with the bags of what will become someone else’s treasures, my thoughts filled with memories of Mom.<\/p>\n

In those bags, among the bits of stuff, were several sets of Christmas placemats and cloth napkins. During our childhood, Mom used to decorate our small rancher with so much beauty at Christmas. Most of it either homemade or bought at the local discount store. Still\u2026when the family gathered around all the tables scattered through the house, it was magical. Color and light. Wonder at how she brought the fragrance of loveliness out of so little.<\/p>\n

I had a hesitation in the thrift store parking lot. Could I let go of them? In that moment it was like peeling away a part of my memory of Mom and my heart ached.<\/p>\n

Still in the driver\u2019s seat, with the car running, a song I\u2019d never heard on the radio came on. It was Michael W. Smith\u2019s Somewhere In My Memory<\/em><\/a> (from his 2014 album The Spirit of Christmas<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In this song, his granddaughter Audrey sings (when did Michael W. Smith get old enough to have a granddaughter?!). The song was actually originally featured in the film Home Alone. <\/a>The\u00a0<\/a>musical score was composed by John Williams<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Have a listen<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Candles in the window
\nShadows painting the ceiling
\nGazing at the fire glow
\nFeeling that gingerbread feeling<\/p>\n

Precious moments, special people
\nHappy faces, I can see<\/p>\n

Somewhere in my memory
\nChristmas joys all around me
\nLiving in my memory
\nAll of the music, all of the magic
\nAll of the family, home here with me<\/p>\n

Precious moments, special people
\nHappy faces, I can see<\/p>\n

Somewhere in my memory
\nAll of the music, all of the magic
\nAll of the family, home <\/span>here with me*<\/span><\/p>\n