I’m getting married this New Year’s Eve. The jazzy song that questions, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” holds a whole new meaning for me (and yes, I do plan on playing it at my wedding).
Twinkle lights, snowflakes, presents wrapped in shiny red and gold, mistletoe dangling overhead – all of this will not only mean the season for celebrating the birth of my savior Jesus, but it will also hold excitement for a whole new season in my life. This brand-new season of marriage that my soon-to-be-husband and I are embarking on together.
Christmas has always brought out the little girl in me. I am in my twenties, but I still have trouble falling asleep on Christmas Eve night, and I still get a flurry of excitement when I hear Christmas music playing in a department store. But now, a time that brings out the little girl in me, is going to be quickly followed by my wedding day. Someone asked me, “When you get married do you think you’ll still be your silly, girly self?”
I can honestly say that the mature woman walking down the aisle to her new husband will be the same silly, girly woman who whispers, “Happy Birthday,” to Jesus when she wakes up on Christmas morning.
Winter is often a metaphor for things coming to an end, with bare trees, the pure blanket of snow so resembling the purity of a fresh start. I find it beautiful to choose a season that is so metaphorical for new beginnings to start my new marriage in.
But, I think to discover a new side of yourself does not always mean to deny another side. These past few years I have discovered the womanly side of myself that prepares for my future, and makes grown-up decisions – but none of that has stopped me from being the wide-eyed girl from my past. Growing up isn’t always the same for everyone; I understand this. But for me it didn’t involve an eclipse of who I once was with who I am now, but instead it involved discovering even more of myself. Growing up for me isn’t a series of erasing, but instead it’s adding more to the image.
I feared planning my wedding around the Christmas season might overshadow the importance of remembering our Savior’s birth; but instead, it is just giving us more to celebrate.
Nancy R says
Hi, I love that you aren’t giving up your silly side. I found when I had children it gave me “permission” to be silly again. Now that they are out of the house, I have to work to maintain that silliness. My dogs and cats are now my audience along with my husband!
Kelly Blackwell says
Lovely story. Winter is magical to me and more proof of our Father in Heaven.
I held onto my silly side when I got married. My husband is fortunately just as silly and embraces the fun stuff as well as the serious when it is called for. 🙂
anna {girlwithblog.com} says
Love this! Thanks for sharing your sweet and silly heart here =) And BLESSINGS on your upcoming wedding!
Gerald Black says
I did not know how amazing you were. Your Mom and Dad must be so proud.
Uncle Gerald
Marisa Slusarcyk says
That is awesome! My parents got married on December 20th so that their new life as a couple {aka after the reception} would be the first day of Winter! Though I think at times they regret never having the money to do anything like travel for their anniversary I definitely understand that they were starting fresh with the season and I think that is beautiful. May the Lord bless you throughout the holidays and especially in your marriage. Being grateful for an amazing hubby during the season of Christ is just another way of giving Him praise and thanks for what you have!
Steve Scheller says
WOW!!!That’s beautifully written! I’m so proud of you. I wish I could be there for the wedding but, Jennifer and the girls will be there. I love you so much and congratulations on the addition to your already wonderful life!
Uncle Steve
Sarah Goad says
I love how you wrote this and am happy you are not giving up your silly self and that you too get excited every Christmas. I turned 30 this year and still wish Christmas could last longer than 24 hours. May you have a wonderful marriage with your new husband and Christ! Congrats!
Bobbie says
Beautiful thoughts – God bless as you embark on this new phase of your journey. Happy new year!!
Marinalva Sickler says
That’s lovely! I’m 58 and in a couple of weeks my fiance is arriving from a working trip overseas for us to make the final plans for our wedding. Your story gave me the hope for the waiting. Have a beautiful new year with your new you and groom.
Beth WIlliams says
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I wish you and your fiancé all the happiness in the world!! 🙂
Never ever give up the child in yourself. Always be true to who you are. Growing up is so different for everyone. Some of us grow up slowly aka late bloomers. I will always treasure the silly side of me and my hubby, yet treasure the loving side of us also.
Congratulations again on the upcoming nuptials.
Julie Sunne says
“Growing up for me isn’t a series of erasing, but instead it’s adding more to the image.” Love this, Becky! After all, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” I pray I never lose that childlike me.
Congratulations on your wedding!
Tara says
I so enjoyed this post! As a fellow bride to be, I relate all too well with this new preparation stage as a soon to be MRS. It is such a sweet, refreshing season of life! 🙂 Happy wedding planning lovely!
Monica says
Love it!❤New beginning & a great adventure. May God bless your marriage as you make glorifying Him the highest goal of your marriage. Thanks for this encoragement today.
Joann Elser says
Beautiful!! Keep it up and congratulations on your upcoming marriage. Love God, love each other
Shelli Littleton says
Congratulations, Becky! I just celebrated my 27th anniversary. We were married just five days before Christmas … before you were even born! Wow … I feel old!
Sylvia Schueller says
YES!
Kara says
Many blessings on your new marriage! Your feelings about Christmas really resonate with me. 🙂 I hope we never lose the child-like excitement we feel for the holiday season. My husband and I celebrated two years of marriage this December, and I must say that I LOVE having our anniversary during my favorite time of the year. It just adds to the magic and heartwarming feeling of thankfulness that I always experience during Christmastime. Thank you for sharing your joy with us!
cathy says
Congratulations! May the Lord bless your marriage with joy and hope ~ ALWAYS!