Giving Thanks, Jingle Bells, & Lots of Nostalgia

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

With the holidays upon us, my memory can’t help but reel back a few decades. Our parents were still alive, all of their grandkids were young, and those big, noisy family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas were anticipated with excitement. Sure, giving and receiving gifts at Christmas time is rewarding and fun (in that order), but what I truly miss is ‘the noise, the laughter, the chaos, the loved ones’ (section 2 of my book). And I remember when our daughter and son were precious little bundles of joy. The elation my husband and I felt when our family became 3 then 4, and then complete. Don’t misunderstand though – returning to the past isn’t my wish, I’m simply reminiscing. So, I’ve shared this poem before that you’ll find in the same section of my book. But because these images have come to life once again, I’d like to share it one more time. I hope you don’t mind, and perhaps, you’ll relate to my nostalgic frame of mind…

First Breath

With every new miracle of life
answers aren’t scripted in the stars,
but I knew since your very first breath
my life would become yours.

Through innocent eyes and curious touch
each new discovery you shared,
your smile grew bigger than the sun,
your heart’s elation declared.

You stowed dreams in the clouds,
imaginings rose higher than the heavens.
Cuddling you in that first euphoric light
made me fall in love with you in seconds.

Life has blossomed into delight and wonder
in every part of its glowing greatness,
and with each ounce of my being,
my enduring love for you is ageless.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
The first 3 photos of our daughter, Stephanie, and the last 3 of our son, Michael.

Click on the image to purchase your copy. 💚

Our babies are now 32 & 28, so they’re not babies anymore,
but I suppose they will always be our babies no matter their age. ❤️

I appreciate your visit today and wish you a wonderful week!
~ Lauren 🩷🙏

85 thoughts on “Giving Thanks, Jingle Bells, & Lots of Nostalgia”

  17. Oh Lauren, these are some precious ruminations. 🙏🏽 I love your poem and your adorable pics, and I can just imagine you rocking in a rocking chair, looking at one of many family photo albums, feeling verklempt! 🥰💖😘💞😍

  18. When children grow up and get married the Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving celebrations continue for a time until their children grow up and in todays world find jobs where they can often thousands of miles away from each other. Then all we have is memories and they are precious so enjoy your family celebrations while you can and store them away to gladden your heart when the family scatters and visits are infrequent or not at all.

    1. That’s exactly what we’re doing, Ian. Things have changed as is the normal order of life, and we enjoy each precious moment as they come with our son and daughter. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I wish you a peaceful and wonderful holiday season.

  19. Oh, to hold them as babies just one more time! Busy and hectic times, but so fulfilling. This time of year calls for reminiscing. 💗 I grew up in a large extended family, so I know what you mean about missing the noise. Beautiful poem, Lauren. 🌹

      1. I am beyond proud of the woman my girl has become, but yes, sometimes I’d love to hold her tiny self once again. 💞 You’re welcome. Thank you for the opportunity to share. 🌻

  22. Awwww… This post brought a huge smile to my face Lauren and a lump to my throat… We too used to have huge family gatherings… And the fun we all had… 🙂

    I am organising one for my son and daughter to attend with family soon, and you gave me an idea of bringing out those old embarrassing baby photos LOL 😀

    Loved seeing those beautiful loving moments with your Children Lauren… Precious Memories indeed… xxx

    Much love my friend xx

    1. I’m glad you liked this post, Sue. I think it’s fun to look at those old photos, but you’re right, some baby photos can be embarrassing. I didn’t share those. 🙂 I’m glad you can also relate to those big family gatherings. Life has changed as we know it will, but at least we have the memories (and photos). Much love to you too! xoxoxo

  24. Your poem, Lauren is so loving and sweet. Your photos are more than adorable. I know what you mean about missing the noise and the chaos. Christmas isn’t the same without small children who believe in magic. But as you wrote in your poem: love is ageless. That perhaps is the true magic! ❤

    1. Thanks so much, Carol! These are some of my favorite photos, and I’m glad you can relate to the noise and chaos. You’re right, there is something so special about little children running around on Christmas Day with excitement in their hearts, believing in the magic. But yes, love is ageless and I would say that is part of the magic. The remainder is what’s in our hearts even as adults. 💞

  25. Thank you, Lauren,for sharing these adorable photographs. I had read the poem. Seeing the pictures makes it complete.
    Love the picture of you holding your daughter.
    Time flies, doesn’t it? I’m going through the same emotions❤️

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Smitha, and I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. That one of my daughter and I is one of my faves. Yes, time flies and it’s mind-boggling! It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this nostalgic mindset. 💞

      1. I totally understand why that picture is your favourite, Lauren. It speak volumes. I remember feeling comforted when I read the post on how you felt when your youngest left home. It was sometime last year. Your words gave me strength. XXX

  27. In my family, we never participate in Thanksgiving, and that is what hurts me the most. I really wish to see my Mom and Dad and all my siblings gather together and celebrate Thanksgiving.

  33. This heartfelt reflection on holidays past evokes a beautiful sense of nostalgia. The author’s reminiscence of noisy family gatherings and the joy of parenthood is both touching and relatable. The shared poem, “First Breath,” encapsulates the enduring love and wonder experienced from the first moments of a child’s life.

  36. Love the pics!
    Love the poem!
    Nostalgia is a cool thing.
    I get this way, and I understand the deep emotion.
    Boy, have we ever lead different lives.
    Nonetheless, we each hold dear our precious pasts.
    xoxoxo

  37. Awe, Lauren, such beautiful memories through your words and photos here! This brought on emotions reflecting back on the birth of my two sons, now 37 and 41; so long ago those vivid memories of the exciting hours in the delivery room awaiting the boys’ arrival. Such a time to be cherished always! Your children were so precious, and surely have influenced your life in a tremendous way!

    My best to you and your family always!

    Don

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