Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve traditions. Going to mass and leaving an angel ornament on the tree at the church. Sitting on the floor in the family room eating Chinese food while watching the film Elf. Being allowed to open one Christmas gift and it is always pajamas.

How can I not smile?

My Crooked Tree

I saw a beautiful tree last week at The Henry Ford museum. There is currently an exhibit on the Wizard of Oz and a Christmas tree near the entrance is decorated to match the theme.

Sometimes when I see a beautiful tree, I imagine myself creating and displaying such a magnificent tree in my home. However, I am quickly reminded when I look at my crooked, live tree with needles falling on the carpet, decorated with ornaments my children have made over the years, my tree has some thing more magnificent.

My tree has love.

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.