My Christmas Stocking

Yes, my stocking is hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be here.

My Christmas stocking is the same one I have had all my life.

It is worn and not exactly the prettiest stocking, but it has certainly been loved for many years. When we bring out the Christmas decorations, it feels so good to hug my stocking when it comes out of the storage box.

I smile. How many people can say they have had the same Christmas stocking all their life?

Christmas Past

I have such a weakness for vintage Christmas decorations.

I am not sure where I picked up these candle holders. I am always drawn to Christmas items when I see them at flea markets or garage sales. Sometimes I will stand, teary-eyed and wonder who owned them, and cherished them before me. I feel compelled to bring them home, knowing I will appreciate the timeless look and find a special place to display them at Christmas.

I guess it is like collecting memories of Christmas past. Charles Dickens would be proud.

Peace

I knew it would happen eventually. I didn't know the when, or the where, but it happened tonight.

I was doing some last minute Christmas shopping and for a few seconds, everything seemed to slow down around me. Maybe it was because Madeline and I finished the Christmas cards today and I dropped them off at the post office. Or, maybe it was because I bought my mom her favorite perfume as I do every year. Maybe it was because I changed the ring tone on my phone to a quote from the movie Elf.

Whatever the reason, as I drove down the street, the Christmas lights seemed brighter, I felt at peace and the tasks I know I need to complete over the next few days didn't seem so daunting.

Suddenly, it felt like Christmas.

Snowman Quilt

When Andrew was about four years old, he and I made a snowman quilt. Every year, we hang it in the foyer. We picked out pieces of fabric and I remember the small boy who was excited to build the snowman.


I am so happy I made the time to complete projects with the kids when they were little. Right now, their lives are busy with many activities, and it is a time for me to adjust to them growing up.


My life is surrounded by so many of the projects we completed together, and they make me smile.

Just Breathe

I try and give 100% to everything in my life, but this week, I need to remind myself, without a doubt, I always do my best.

Most importantly, I need to remind myself this week to breathe.

Just breathe.

Christmas Books

Every year, I love to see the look on Madeline's face when she opens the large container containing all the children's Christmas books we have accumulated over the years.

She opens the box with a smile on her face, finds herself a comfy spot next to the container and begins the process of shifting through the books. Her eyes light up when she pulls certain books out of the box, as she sorts them into two piles.

The first pile is one with books she just wants to scan, but not necessarily read. The second pile is the books she wants to place in a large basket and keep them out for the Christmas season.

As she sorts them, she comments and laughs about the books. You can see the excitement on her face when she finds the book Christmas is Coming and she giggles as she reminds me she use to keep the book out year round in her bedroom. Of course, there is The Crippled Lamb, The Tale of Three Trees, A Wish to be a Christmas Tree, Arthur's Christmas, Merry Christmas, Biscuit, Winnie the Pooh's Christmas and many other books.

I think I raised a daughter who loves to read.

A Sweet, Thoughtful Gift

Today I received the sweetest, most thoughtful, gift from Benjamin.

When I picked him up after school, he told me he made me a gift, and would like to give it to me today. I asked if it was a Christmas gift because he could put it under the tree for me.

He said, "No, it is a present I want to give to you today."

When we arrived at home, he asked, "Can I give it to you now?"

"Sure, as long as you don't want to wait until Christmas..." I responded.

With a proud smile on his face, he held out in his hands, a mouse pad. As he turned it around so I could see the front, I was so surprised to see a picture of me as a little girl!

"I made the border olive green, Mom, because I know it is your favorite color."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I reached out, pulled him close and hugged him. It was truly a sweet, thoughtful gift.