The countdown is on, friends...and I hope you've been enjoying each day of December doing what brings you joy, laughter, and peace at this special time of year. When the kids were little, they would say, "Do what makes your heart happy." and you know what, it stuck...we still say that.
So I pass that childlike wisdom along...do what makes your heart happy!
For me, it's been pulling out favorite ornaments, some handed down, some made by little hands, and decorating the tree with only those.
I wanted to keep things really simple...these little elves were made with the very bottoms of table or chair legs - I'm not sure how old they are, but each year they make me smile.
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On the old Boone cupboard, I keep the tambour door raised and each season change what can be seen...again, it's simple. A rusty snowflake lantern, an old recipe book with a gingerbread man, vintage jingle bells, and door hooks I found in the barn. Nothing special really, but just a little holiday spirit and glow.
I've always wanted one of these (I have no idea why, is it just me or do you sometimes simply find things that catch your eye?)
It's an old Campfire Marshmallows tin from the 1920's...yep, rusty and worn, but now it's holding s'more goodies by the fire. (yes, yes, a little gift to me, from me...I just may be on the naughty list now!)
My son's home from college and as my daughter always says, "The balance has been restored!" We're enjoying favorite movies, eating cookies, sleeping in, and I'm hearing whispers of secret surprises. We're also laughing about the kittens first Christmas...they are quite a handful!
I was recently asked what we named them...Poppy, Salem, Charlie, and Lola. Poppy is just a sweet name I like, Salem is all black so it seemed to be a good choice to choose the name, Salem Saberhagen - a black cat on a TV show, Charlie and Lola was an animated British show the kids loved watching when they were young!
I've been trying to avoid the frenetic pace that often comes with this time of year. Taking it slow, trying to plan ahead...be in the moment...not miss it.
Are the Christmas cards mailed? Nope...and that's okay. They're on tomorrow's to-do list, maybe I'll just make them Happy New Years cards, why not?!
Thank you for stopping by here and at MaryJanesFarm...I appreciate you visiting to see what's happening in my little corner of the world. I know your days are busy...it's been wonderful finding so many kindred spirits.
I hope all is well where you are...enjoy every day as each one counts down toward Christmas!
It sounds like you are enjoying the season. I’m sure it makes it special when everyone is home again. Those kitties are a gift of joy. I hope your holiday is filled with the magic of the season. Blessings, daisy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Daisy, the kittens are a joy, but full of energy! Kipper, the older one just ignores them🙂. I do like seeing Charlie curl up with Bailey though – I think she misses Azzie. Have a wonderful Christmas, I learn so much from your blog truly, I do, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Christmas blessings to you
DeleteMerry, Merry, Christmas Mary...to you and your sweet little family. The togetherness evoked by your description of having the kids home and resurrecting holiday family traditions is so very heartwarming. I am trying to adjust to the "new" type of Christmas that I find myself having. So much has changed and it so difficult for me to let go of all of those traditions and expectations that, to me, are Christmas. I should embrace the lessening of the frenzy of baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, etc. but it leaves me bewildered and, if I am truthful, melancholy. So I will soak up your words...and photos of your amazingly beautiful home. ~Robin~ (PS...Love your old Campfire tin. I have a "thing" for old marshmallow tins and have a small collection. I know I posted about them at some point so perhaps you'll stumble upon it. And thank you so very much for your always kind comments and sweet words. I can't reply to you given that Blogger has made everyone "no-reply" and do not have your email, but I want you to know that they mean so very much to me. It truly touches my heart that you have taken the time to explore older posts as well. I am humbled.)
ReplyDeleteHi Robin, merry merry to you as well! While we're at different stages, I do very much understand trying to adjust. Sometimes I'm still caught up in the "I'm the mother of kids still in school" feeling. Some things we've always done, they're simple too old for now, yet some traditions remain. It is hard and to be honest, I don't like it, even though I know it's how it's supposed to be. Oh my, it's so hard...motherhood never ends, but childhood does. So here's how I am facing it (just my own thoughts!) I will do things for ME that feel right...baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating. If I want to take a winter walk or watch a silly movie or head out to visit the zoo lights, it's 'an open invitation..they may or may not feel up to it, or, they may be with friends their own age. That's what I find hard...when traditions seen to shift with age. SIgh... And that's okay...at least, that's what I'm trying to learn. Oh yes, you need to live next door...I have a feeling we would spend may a day chatting as we tried to solve the world's problems! Until then, you do you...bake a few favorite items, turn up the music, dance in the kitchen...I do!!! Sending wishes for a lovely Christmas, Mary
DeleteThe kitten names are precious. Having family traditions like you do is even more precious. I sent my cards out on the 18th. Very late for me too. No cookies baked. I use to have one of those campfire marshmallow tins. Not sure what happened to it? Merry Christmas my friend. Janice
ReplyDeleteHi Janice, my cards went out the 23rd - I was really slow this year, but they also say Hapoy New Year’s on them so that’s OK, right?! The Campfire tin is much bigger than I thought they were, so it’s just right for holding all those goodies. I can see you putting a feather tree in it for Christmas! Thanks again, for all the inspiration you share. Merry Christmas!
DeleteI feel like many more of us are embracing a simpler Christmas, this year.
ReplyDeleteMy warmest wishes to you and yours, Mary. Xx
That’s nice, isn’t it? I need to make an effort to always do this - keep things simpler. It’s evening for you and you’re into the Eve moment now - enjoy it al! It’s going to be a lovely Christmas.
DeleteSo enjoyed reading your Christmas memories and I love the way you are decorating. Such a wonderful idea with the old tin and smores! Wishing you a wonderful merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I just stumbled on the tin and it was on sale, yay! It looks authentically, old, fingers crossed😀 . Have a wonderful Christmas, enjoy it all
DeleteWishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by Staci, put your feet up and rest now that you’re busy season is behind you. Enjoy the peace and quiet and beauty of winter – merry Christmas.!
DeleteDear Mary, I love your idea of having a simple Christmas and enjoying every moment of the preparations as well as Christmas itself. I always try to do more than my health will allow and spend ages recovering, even though I know better. Enjoy yourself with family and friends and your delightful kittens. Merry Christmas, hugs, Rose xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, it’s already Christmas where you are, I hope you’re having a wonderful day! Simplifying doesn’t come easy, I think we all have.a tendency to want to overdo and it just causes stress I’m going to make a new goal for the new year-simply! Have a great holiday season, I’ve loved seeing your gardens and all that you’re doing in your corner of the world. 🤗
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