I don't know.... I think that the build up to Christmas might just be more fun than actually getting to Christmas!
I read in a magazine that someone keeps a sign hung during the holidays to remind them that 'the joy is in the journey' and mentally, I hung the very same words in my heart and have had such a lovely month! It saved me from unneeded stress and ridiculous expectations and very often reminded me to stop and purposefully look - notice - appreciate - all the wonderful things happening around me - things that should not be missed! (For example, my two eldest boys arguing about the very best way to decorate the family tree and, then, peeking in and seeing the captive fir trussed up tight! I mean, I might have missed it if I hadn't stopped and considered! ;-) )
It's a wonderful thing to be alive in the moment!
Anyway, this month....
I've sung in an all acapella Christmas concert with our community choir!
I've decked a few halls!
I've spent some priceless time making memories with my family!!!! (FUN! =D)
We had our annual Christmas open house!
My young friend, Kyrionna, from up the road came and we spent the afternoon making gingerbread houses from scratch - giggled quite a bit and discussed Doris Day! (She didn't know who she was - gasp! We'll save Bing Crosby till next time. ;-) )
We've shopped for trees, shopped for presents, read in our advent book and opened the doors in the calendar, made cookies, falalaaaed, helped out with the live nativity and, tonight, we just had our Christmas Vesper's Service at church and I sang 'Oh, Holy Night!' It was a beautiful time!
...and, I've had a lot of time to pray and to reflect, this month!
Now, the excitement mounts for my boys and the feast approaches!
~ It's all really, really just wonderful, isn't it?! ~
Anyway, I have just a very few scattered pictures....
(Mommy's tree....)
The day of the solstice was beautiful but stormy!
The Open House
(not a good moment for me to attempt photography! =/)
Santa came! ;-)
building a Thomas the Tank Engine track all over the family room!
I'm wishing you, also, the very Christmas that you wish yourself!!!
Extra hugs and smiles to you and yours at this Christmas-time!
=]
xxoo
Hello Katy Noelle,
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post, full of joy and happiness. Your Christmas tree looks wonderful.
I like the idea of the Christmas Open House. In France, we do not have such a tradition.
What a good idea to hide the bird house in some branches of pine. So cute.
I wish you a beautiful Holiday season. Enjoy.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année !
Hélène G.
Merry Christmas to you too my dear friend! XO
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful setting my dear Katy! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was quiet. Perhaps even a bit too quiet. It made me a little sad this year. It usually doesn't but for some reason this year I was missing being around extended family. Oh well...I hold to the joy at the fact that hubby, son, myself and kitty were together. Wishing you Peace, Health and Joy for 2013 dear friend!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
It all looks lovely Katy! Wish I could have helped you out in the kitchen or joined you in the festivities. The tree looks wonderful! Is it the same tree as in the photographs on your latest post? Somehow it looks different, but I am not sure. I have to have one more look :-). I love the colours you chose for the decorations. Purples and pinks are my favourites too, although I chose white and silver this year.
ReplyDeleteHope your start of the New Year was good! Wishing you and your family all the best for a Happy, Healthy and Sparkling New Year!
Love, Madelief xox