The holiday season can be a very stressful time for many people. The rushing around, cooking, shopping, wrapping... Many times we get caught up in the negatives that are happening in our lives. We get distracted trying to make everything perfect, that we lose sight of what already is perfect. Won't you join me in sharing 12 happy things that you will focus on in the coming days?
Here are mine:
1. My Family, both immediate, and extended, blood and non-blood! I could go on for hours listing all of my family members...without these people, I would not be whole! I love each and every one of them for different reasons. Their quirkiness, loyalty, and the intricate part they each play in my life.
2. My Friends. Ooooh, my friends. None of you know just how important you are to me! You are my chosen family. :-)
3. Seeing things from a child's perspective. This is the kind of thing I wish I would remember from my childhood. Can you imagine seeing this huge tree as a kid? No wonder they stare at them in awe for so long! I tend to do the same sometimes.
4. The crafts. I know, I know. There are tons of crafts to do throughout the year, but come on! The hand print wreaths, felt Christmas trees (or construction paper like we made!), the foot and hand print reindeer, construction paper chains. Love them ALL!!! And the kids enjoy them, too. Maybe this will get me into a crafty groove, and the crafting will continue throughout the year.
5. The snow!!! I LOVE THE SNOW. It is beautiful. Beautiful. I love how it sparkles when the moonlight hits it just right. The way it looks when it's falling lazily out of the sky, floating every which direction. It's so serene...so peaceful...so pure.
6. The decorations and lights. One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas because of the lights. The kids are following in my footsteps with this one as well, and I love it. Every time we go somewhere in the car, they start asking "where are the pretty lights, mommy?" So we all look around pointing out all of the buildings and trees that are decorated with lights. Sometimes we come across a scene that would put the Griswold's to shame. Like the house in our old neighborhood: They had the big inflatables, TONS of lights, and even Santa in his sleigh! We drove by that house on purpose on many occasions.
7. Spending time with loved ones. Yeah, this kind of overlaps into the "rushing around" part that stresses many of us out, but really...how many of us take the time that we spend with family completely for granted? I know I probably do. All year, even. So, from now on, especially during the holiday's, I'm going to focus on the fact that I can spend time with family. Not that we are being pulled in five different directions in order to do so.
8. Our health. I am so happy that we are all alive and well. Even when the kids and Michael come down with colds, it's better than the alternative! :-)
9. Fires in the fireplace. We moved into this house back in April, and obviously there wasn't really a need to put a fire in the fireplace during the summer. Well, fall hit, it started getting cold, and we lost power. That was when we had our first fire in the fireplace. It was awesome! It has only happened a few times since then, and I can't wait to have one 'just because'.
10. The goodies...oh the goodies. Cookies...gingerbread houses...cheesecakes...FOOD in general. MAN. That alone would make this time of year my favorite. I love all of the goodies that come along with the holidays! Add in that I made my very own full Thanksgiving dinner for the first time this year, and you have the makings of a very happy girl.
11. Christmas clothes. Ok, this is a new one for me. I ordered outfits for all three kids with Christmas pictures in mind! I'm still waiting for them to get here, but I can't WAIT to see all of them together in their new duds!!!
12. The memories. This particular one is why I love my camera and being able to capture the little things. The memories we create may fade over time in our minds, but I want to do my best to save many memories for my kiddos. They deserve to see their childhood. At least to the best of my abilities.
So, what are your 12 happy things that you will focus on? I know you're out there...don't be shy!
God bless,
~S
Yay for linking up! Love your post :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE that you have a real fireplace. We have gas, and while I'm not complaining since it's mess-free, I do miss the crackle sound of my fireplace growing up. I also love your passion for snow! Always cracks me up -- but I agree, it glistening in the moonlight is the best!
Can't wait to see pics of the kiddos dressed up. Merry Christmas to you all!
Nice list! We have a real fireplace as well, but it's not in working condition right now. I miss it!! So glad you get to enjoy yours. Have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to have a real fireplace. Having a bonfire during the summer is about the closest we get. So peaceful and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the view of children - makes me almost want to sit on the ground and look up at the tree... I bet it'd put a new perspective on life.
Nice to meet you Local Friend!
@Mrs. Weber - Thanks! I think my love of snow annoys some people...haha! Oh well, it's part of what makes me, me. I'm still waiting for the shipping notification for the clothes. :-( Might have to call and see what the hold up is!
ReplyDelete@Kerri - Thank you! The only times we've enjoyed the fireplace so far have been when we lost power...haha! I think there will be a "just because" fire on Christmas day. :-)
@Amy - Bonfires are so neat. I just love watching the flames dance. It's really intriguing to look at things the way a child would see them. Imagine seeing a grown up from their perspective! We probably look like GIANTS!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Great responses. I love seeing things differently from a child's eyes. I love how my child shows me things that I wouldn't dream that I can do. I also posted a 12 days of happy. They are fun easy post to do. -Amanda
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