This year I find myself slowing down, wanting to enjoy the days leading up to Christmas rather than trying to fulfill the Christmas in my mind. The sales, the cooking, the lists, the mental noise of “just one more thing” from someone’s list. Somewhere between all of that it’s good for me to pause and realize that we have enough.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of what’s next whether it be the next goal, the next deal, the next round of whatever. I think it’s important, especially during this time of year, to slow down, pause, and simply enjoy the season and spending time with those we love. To look within our homes, our shelves, our lives, and realize we have enough.
It’s a quiet, powerful shift in perspective. Because once we slow down, we can make the time to enjoy what we already have. So, let’s slow down and enjoy these days leading up to Christmas. Let’s enjoy our homes we’ve worked hard in all year to provide a warm, safe haven for ourselves and our family. Our safe place secure from the outside world.
When I open my pantry at this time of year, I realize the food there comes from the well planned choices we’ve made all year long. Canning jars filled with nourishing food, bulk buys from sales throughout the year, soups made with hearty ingredients, filling meals preserved for other days. All of which represents time, effort, and careful planning.
Our shelves might not look magazine worthy to others, but to me they represent the work we put forth all year and that to me represents security in these uncertain times.
So as we get closer to the big day, let’s be grateful for what we have, what we’ve learned, and how far we’ve come. For the skills we’ve gained this year, the peace we’ve built, and the community we’ve grown.
This Christmas I have been busy but it has not been about shopping to find perfection. I have been purposely spending time with friends and people I love.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great way to spend the holidays, Anne.
DeleteVery well said. Enjoy each day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl.
DeleteDear Belinda, you did so well with your shopping, meal planning and living frugally and I am so proud of you and very happy for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you and your posts, I have gotten ideas that I would perhaps not thought of...the book exchange is one.
I have been looking into programs and seeing if there are some of these in my own area.
Thank 😊 🙏 you so much, dear friend.
You are proof that one person can make a difference.
God bless you.
Oh, thank you, Linda. If you have any questions about book exchanges, let me know.
DeleteWhat a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder of what is important.
💕 Thank you, Kathy.
DeleteI'm just not letting myself stress this year ( other than gasping in the grocery store). The last two years were absolutely horrible for me in just trying to get through the season. This year, I'm doing what is enjoyable and intentionally avoiding complications.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a good way of handling this, Sam. I hope this year is more peaceful for you.
DeleteVery much agree. I try not to stress too much about the holidays & really just lean in & enjoy them. We have one Costco tub of inside decorations & one for outside lights. That's it! Oh, and a tree we've used for 20ish years. I make one item (cardamom bread) & don't worry about baking a lot. I do spend time & energy making sure I get gifts everyone wants, but that's about it. We keep our shopping list super short, which also helps. - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great way to enjoy a stress free holiday.
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