At first, I began to feel sorry for myself that things were so very tight this year. Being unemployed can easily strip away the joy of the season. But, as I drove to my sister's inlaws for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, I turned to a radio station that played Christmas music. Before long, I was singing Feliz Navidad, Do You Hear What I Hear and some of my all time favorites. In that, I realized that the Christmas carols are what brings joy for me...even before baking and gifts and all of that.
I'm a very sentimental mushpot when it comes to Christmas so I try to bring excitement into the house, no matter what the situation is. This year, though, instead of being able to head out and Christmas shop at regular stores, we've decided to Christmas shop at the thrift stores or make our gifts for one another. Both of my girls love vintage items and there's no better place to find vintage than at a thrift store or garage sales. Baby Boo isn't old enough to realize that her gifts (toys) will be used and not brand new so I've also found some pretty cute toys for her.
Every year, as a family, we have a Christmas ornament making party where we make ornaments to either give as gifts or for the tree. We have done this since the girls were little so you can imagine that my tree is loaded with so many precious memories. This year, since we are all in different locations, they will each make Christmas ornaments to exchange with us. I can't wait to see what they come up with.
I also love the idea of a gingerbread house but with the ants around here, I've decided to decorate a wooden one and allow Baby Boo to stick on the "fake" candy. That way, she can have fun taking off and putting on the candies.
I'm looking forward to the smell of fragrant pine candles and candy of some sort (have to still figure out what kind I'm making this year.)I'm looking forward to the color wheel that TV Boo surprised me with last year. I'm looking forward to playing board games and the laughter and hopefully, at least one day where it's cold enough here that I can wear my scarf and mittens.
What are some of the traditions that you have?
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13 comments:
Wearing cozy clothes if it's cold enough is a wish of mine too!
Going to try to decorate today. Out with the fall, in with the Christmas! YAY!
Simone, I believe you are going to have a most magical Christmas. You have the spirit, you have the most loving philosophy and you have summed up what this season is meant to be about.
I'm taking a page from you and remembering what really matters and not going to get lost in the sea of insanity, commercialism and "pomp".
For me it's going to remain simple, easy and joyful and all about love, spirit and hope. I love this season for all that it brings and all that it allows me to give.
You have the right spirit, and that's most important!
Like you, I love the Christmas carols and the scent of pine. I've been playing Christmas music and burning candles today and am feeling "Christmasy". We are doing less for Christmas this year too, and trying to think about the real reason!
Christmas music always helps chase the blahs away! I like to bake treats for the neighbors as a holiday tradition!
Hello again Simone... the jeweled Christmas tree was a treat I got for myself a few years ago on eBay. I just love it. It is made up of mismatched vintage costume jewelry earrings.... The "silver" piece behind the little tree was from an after Christmas sale at Lowes last year. I believe I paid $1 for it!!!
I'll bet this is your best Christmas ever because you are stripping it down to what it is supposed to be about!
well that was lovely to read!!
i so understand what money being tight is.....
i am hoping for all new pajamas for all of us on Christmas eve and we plan to decorate stockings and fill them!! yeah!! i love having a full house!!
Nothing like that and I wish we did it really is what makes the holidays special. I guess it's never too late to start something new.
Now that my kids are grown up, we celebrate Christmas reverently and quietly. (Thanksgiving is raucous)
The commercial aspect of the holiday is not important to us. Doing BIG decorating is not important. I'm now about lovely little touches. The whole thing, for me, is about Christ's birth and the wonder of it. Music plays a HUGE role.
Right now with the kiddies, Christmas is more about the tree, the lights, the decorations, Santa, presents... We're slowly trying to introduce the real meaning of Christmas to them, but I don't think they really "get" it just yet. :)
Simone - Having less money makes us sift out those things that are not important. In some ways it's a blessing.
I love your post.
We exchanged names this year with my sister's family and I am making my sister a sweater even though I did not get her name (I am a bad girl!)
We will be driving to Colorado for a few days over Christmas to be with my sister and her family and I am looking forward to that.
May the Christmas spirit fill your heart with peace and joy and love.
Christmas will be wonderful for you and your family. Your humble and thoughtful gifts will probably bring more happiness and joy than any expensive, extravagant one. Homemade gifts are very special. I hope you continue to feel magical and sing your carols loudly!
You are in the holiday spirit!!!! YEAH!
I love the idea of vintage shopping this year. I'm sure you will find some treasures.
xo
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