Wishing you a Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you are all having a beautiful day. Whether you are at home with family, spending it alone, or doing something entirely different, your story matters. Today, I want to share mine.

Before Christmas, I told my partner that I wanted to celebrate the day in nature, and we mutually agreed. I have always been drawn to nature: oceans, forests, parks, anywhere quiet and natural. Nature feeds my soul and reminds me that God is with me. It’s a living reminder of His presence. If God cares for the trees, the rain, and the birds, then I know He loves me deeply, too.

Nature settles me. It reminds me that life has seasons: a season to plant, a season to wait, and a season to harvest. No matter where you are, your life can still move toward a new blossom. That feeling is something I cannot fully explain; even pictures cannot capture what happens quietly in the mind and heart.

I had planned to spend this Christmas morning in a National Park here in Scotland. But as we know, sometimes life has other plans.

Before leaving, a small disagreement over making the bed turned into something deeper. I have been burdened with a heavy heart lately concerning my sister, and I did not want drama; I needed understanding.

I asked him to help me make the bed, but he refused, saying he had already folded the blankets. I told him clearly: if the bed is not made, I will not leave the house. To some, it’s just a bed, but to me, it was about effort. He had become too comfortable making excuses for not doing it properly, claiming he "couldn't do it like I do." To me, that felt like he didn't want to put in the effort to learn, and I didn't want that attitude to spill into other parts of our life.

Instead of understanding, he simply said, "Okay, we don't have to go," and fell asleep. In that moment, I faced a choice. I decided to pack my bag and head out on my own. As I walked, he called and said, "You spoiled our Christmas." I didn't argue. I simply told him, "You have your truth, and I have mine." I refused to stay in a cycle of blame.

I headed for the bus stop, not realizing that buses don't run on Christmas Day in the UK. Since I usually spend Christmas at church or home, this was new to me. I walked all the way to the central station, the air cold and the streets of Glasgow completely empty.

At one point, my bag strap snapped. In the past, this would have overwhelmed me, but today? I just adjusted and kept walking. I saw my own growth in that moment. At the station, the only options were expensive trips to Edinburgh or Stirling, and I realized I wouldn't make it to the park after all.

As I stood there, I started to tear up. I realized it wasn't just about the bus or the bed—it was because I hadn't taken my burdens to God in prayer. I had been trying to carry the weight of what was happening with my sister on my own shoulders.

The Holy Spirit whispered to me: “I carried you through the whole year, and you are crying over this moment?” Peace returned. I remembered that if God waters the trees, He surely has me. I thought of those in hospitals or in pain today. I am alive, independent, and breathing freely. That is a blessing.

I walked back home with sore shoulders but a light heart. I didn’t have a big feast, but I had bread, sardines, and tea. I turned on a small light I received as a gift from work, played my music, and enjoyed my own company.

My message to you is this: Never let anyone take a moment away from you. Plans change, and people may lack empathy in moments, but you can still create joy. Learn to enjoy your own company and protect your peace. Secondly, remember that burdens are lifted at Calvary—take them to God in prayer.

I’m sharing some photos of Glasgow on this quiet morning. It was beautiful to see the city so calm. Tomorrow is another day, and God willing, I will finally make it to nature then.

How did you spend your Christmas? Was it what you planned, or did you find beauty in the unexpected? Share how you spent your Christmas day in the comment section.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Take care of yourselves!