Friday, December 18, 2009

I can't believe how quickly this season is flying past. It seems this one got away from me. I still have shopping to do, I have called it quits on decorating more than the minimum this year. I have lots of lights and candles up, but little else. The Christmas tree is finally decorated thanks to my dear daughters getting together this morning while I was at work and hanging the ornaments. Thank you girls! I haven't baked one cookie (I don't want to eat them!) but I have had so many cookies baked by other sweet hands that I couldn't hold one more, (In other words, I ate them anyway!) My baby brother picked up my youngest earlier this week and brought her home . He stayed for a little Christmas cheer and I can hear him snoring on the sofa in the next room.  Victoria is wrapping gifts at the table and Earl is cleaning up the kitchen (oh happy day!) I just got home from my last day of work for two whole weeks. 

In spite of the minimal decorating and the rush of the season all is well. My family is home and healthy, God has provided for all our needs and even some of our wants, which are surprisingly few.  It is time to relax, quit fluffing the decor, stop worrying about making everything perfect and just enjoy this coming week. Some things are more important than one more bauble right?

I hope that if you are feeling rushed, you can stop, grab a hot cup of something good, put your feet up, and consider what is the most important thing you can do this week?  Who do you want to spend it with? What do you want to do with your time that will make a sweet memory that will last so much longer than the excitement of one more gift from the store that will not be remembered at all in a few years?  Think about the precious gift that we have been given already. This time with each other. This joyous time we share.  Some gifts are meant to be opened slowly, maybe all week long :>) I wish you all one of those gifts, spent with the ones you love.

21 comments:

  1. As always Kathy, your photographs tell such a beautiful story!

    My tree is only partly decorated...youngest has 4 of his school friends over (last day of school) and they are playing Beatles rock band so I can't get near the tree!!

    There comes a time when we say "it is enough" -- I hear you on that and we focus on what really matters -- it's not all the baubles and do-dads...it's the people and what it means to spend time together!! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your tree must look de-lightful, de-lish, de-vine. I have never seen one of those chicken ornaments before, toooooo cute. Love it, love it, love it.

    Hope you can stop by my garden and read the tale of the wired christmas mouse today.

    www.thegardenbell.blogspot.com

    Hope to see you there. Now on to read more of your wonderful posts.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I haven't baked one cookie this season and don't plan on it. I will bake a few pies but that's about it!

    I love my earrings from you so much that I got another pair from your etsy. There's no rush to ship them - after Christmas is just fine!

    Manuela

    ReplyDelete
  4. Another beautiful post Kathy! I can just picture your family all together and cozy in your cottage. Two weeks off, that is awesome! I wish my boys were done, they have school Monday and Tuesday of next week.
    Merry Christmas sweet friend,
    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you so much for this beautiful post...
    I know for sure that I have already "opened' a very special gift...my friendship with you.
    I KNOW your Christmas is going to be Merry and Bright, just like mine...'cause we are going to have our family with us!!
    love, bj

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the lovely wish. you're right we need to stop and think. I'll take your advice
    Cheers
    Helen
    PS Have a great time with all your loved ones too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful post Kathy...I just stopped in to wish you and your wonderful family a Merry Christmas. I will be back after Christmas...see you then
    xoxo
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Kathy
    What a lovely post. You have your priorities straight! It's all about the people not the presents isn't it?
    Hugs, Rhondi

    ReplyDelete
  9. This lovely post was a reminder for everyone to exhale already!

    There wasn't any rushing around that first Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I should be feeling rushed, but I don't. I have so much to do in the next hours before and after I sleep! Our kids and grandkids are coming to celebrate Christmas together at our house tomorrow. They will go other directions next week. There is much to be done but it will get done. My sweetheart promised he would help me. And we will make it - if something doesn't get done, it wasn't important anyway! What really matters is that the food and the gifts will be ready and we will have a great time. Just being together!
    ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Kathy,
    Yes, this has been a different kind of Christmas. I gave myself permission to not be super woman this year and just relax. Not as many lights sparkling, nor a gazillion gifts underneath the tree. Yet somehow this has been a lovelier more mindful kind of Christmas. Funny but it seems that this year it is more about the true meaning of Christmas.

    Your ornaments are lovely on your tree.

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  12. You said that so well sweet Kathy. I am breathing more easily already.

    I'm so glad you have the whole crew home. Me too. :)

    If I don't talk to you again before...have a very Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a beautiful post !! Glad that everyone is healthy and Happy at your house :) Things are happy and healthy here too. Sending you Hugs and a Merriest of Christmas's ! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have been bogged down with so many emotions that I have decided to stop and smell the roses!

    Thank you dear friend for an uplifting post!
    Your pictures are beautiful and I am glad your girls are home for the holidays!

    Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your family!
    XXOO
    Dolly

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are so right, Kathy....my daughter and I are baking today...memories......

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kathy...it sounds so nice at your house. I wish we were neighbors.

    We are all contentedly at home today awaiting a big snowstorm. The fire is burning and we are all reading, napping or on the computer. Happy together...

    xoxo,
    annie

    ReplyDelete
  17. Everything looks BEE-U-TI-FULLLLL!....And, of course you're totally right about the bits and baubles....It's a good time to re-group, remember the reason for the celebration and enjoy family! Right on Sweetie!

    Huggies,
    Spencer

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am all about grabbing the moments with friends and family from here on out. That has been a goal of mine this Christmas. Kathy, I hope you enjoy your two weeks off to the fullest measure!
    Hugs,
    Lallee

    ReplyDelete
  19. This Christmas I have cut back on my decorating and gift giving. I was finished way before I normally am and I'm really enjoying the season for the first time in a LONG time. I don't think family will remember this Christmas as the one where they got ____ number of presents....but they might remember that i wasn't a lunatic trying to get it all done!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family...and enjoy THOSE TWO WEEKS OFF! Lucky GIrl!
    Robin

    ReplyDelete
  20. Merry Christmas Kathy

    Kathy :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dear Kathy,
    I know what you mean. I thought I had everything planned out, but now it feels like Christmas Day is rushing closer and closer. I still have a few gifts to buy, but other than that, I'm letting everything go. Those "extras" are not what's important. It will be a beautiful Christmas no matter what.
    May this Christmas fill your heart and home with the true Spirit of the season. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year!
    Patricia

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to say hello :)