So my plan for a slow, calm December seems to be working out so far. There hasn't been any manic dashing to the shops. Father Christmas has been sorted for a while now and I've enjoyed visiting some local craft fairs to find presents.
I've made our Christmas pudding and ordered a capon cockerel for Christmas Day. I'm hoping to do some Christmas crafting too. Our tree will be decorated next weekend.
There aren't less things needing doing this year. I've just prioritised the important things and prepared better. I've made a conscious decision to reduce stress. I'm not pressuring myself into unnecessary extras. After being very unwell last year with shingles, I want to relax and just let the season unfold.
I'm going to enjoy our Christmas festivities and traditions. The school nativity, our annual visit to Father Christmas, going to the Christmas markets and seeing friends. Beyond that, I am anticipating some precious down time with my lovely family.
So, what about you? Festive craziness or calm this year?
Thank you for your lovely comments on my posts recently. They always make me smile.
So, what about you? Festive craziness or calm this year?
Thank you for your lovely comments on my posts recently. They always make me smile.
It makes me feel very calm just reading this post ;) We did a little bit of crazy shopping in the big city yesterday, but honestly, I told my family I'm not doing this next year. It wasn't as fun as it has been in the past. We discussed it together and hope to change it up to be more interesting, relaxing and fun next year. Shopping was rather poor too, so I still have most of that to finish up. I go out in the evenings and pick up one or two things until finished. I always go with a list and stick to it. Baking hasn't happened yet, but my kitchen is almost back to normal so that will start soon. Enjoy your week Bee and keep up that calming mood. Wendy x
ReplyDeleteI also am making an extra effort to have a calmer Christmas this year. I think it's a little easier as our kids get older. A little less shopping, a little more crafting and enjoying spending time together ... I feel really good about it :)
ReplyDeleteGood decision Bee! Just enjoy the good things in life and cherish your family...
ReplyDeleteThis will be such a great Christmas for you! Love from Mirjam.
I like the idea of letting it all unfold. It's nice to get the main stuff done so you can relish the nice bits. I do hope you enjoy the capon, I feel responsible!
ReplyDeleteLove the little details in your photos x
Hi Bee, feeling your calmness too. I shop throughout the year. making items too and popping them in the 'Christmas' blanket box on top of the stairs. I can also empathise with the illness as I have just had shingles. I feel better now just an itchy pile of spots on my back and left hand side of my face. I wondered why I have felt so ill for 2 weeks - now I know why. Jo x
ReplyDeletePretty calm here - unless trying to get the plumbing finished so we can have some heating for the first time in 5 years counts as uncalm?! All presents bought and not a shopping centre in sight! x
ReplyDeleteBee, I feel calmer just reading this! I love this idea so much and think you've got it spot on. The run up to Christmas will be frantic for us this year, but I'm hoping for some serious down time between Christmas and New Year with crochet and a jigsaw or two. x
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're having such a calm time, Bee. I mostly am too; I shopped much earlier in the year for gifts than I normally have and that helped a lot. I hope your December continues to be nice and slow. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly calm, but sometimes it's hard when everyone around seems to be manic. Like you I mostly have Father Christmas sorted. I shall make a list of food and a list of cards to send, but I don't anticipate any wild hysteria this year. I'm looking forward to some downtime as well. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteA lovely post Bee. I'm trying to be calm - we tried to prepare well and early especially as the ABO is working away in the run up to Christmas. Father Christmas needed to be organised well in advance. I'll be looking to sort bits and bobs of food in the coming week or so, so there's no mad dash!! Enjoy your preparations x
ReplyDeleteI hope that you enjoy your slow December! xx
ReplyDeleteI guess the best way to describe what's happening here is festive inertia. It all feels like too much bother at the moment. Although like CJ I seem to be surrounded by manic folk who keep pestering me to do stuff. I'm thinking next year I might just rent a cabin in the middle of nowhere for the last two weeks of December.
ReplyDeleteIt's busy here at the moment but nothing too crazy. I've still got a few pressies to buy but I know what I want to get so I'm not anticipating too much stress. I hope! Enjoy your quite and calm Christmas. It sounds lovely! x
ReplyDeleteIt sounds really lovely. Good to plan to avoid stress. Last year sounded awful, poor you. Enjoy the things you have planned, keep it nice and easy. X
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a calm December. I too feel calm, lots happening and being made but so far no rushing it dashing and plenty of time for enjoying. I still have not bought everything or made everything but feel ok. Wonder what the next week ell bring. Hope your December remains calm x
ReplyDeleteHey! Just sat catching up on a few blog posts ive missed and read this on yours. I suffer from shingles and have done since I was 20! I get it at least twice a year and I know the early warning signs and just have to stop, calm down, slow down and chill out! (Easier said than done with 3 active children)...take it easy...and slooooow dooooown is all I can say!!! Xxx
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