It's our turn to have Thanksgiving dinner on Friday.
We alternate with our DIL's family.
Our kids seem to love two Thanksgiving dinners in a row.
On Saturday the pumpkins and autumn colors will go away
and Christmas will show up at our house.
This year we got a pre-lit pencil tree and are leaving our
big tree tucked away in the attic for next year when hopefully
my knee will be totally healed and we'll have more energy!
"Not so little one" wrinkled up her nose when she saw the very thin tree and said it looked
like it belonged to a great-grandmother in a nursing home.
She has one of those, so knows just what she's talking about!
But simplifying is my goal this year and the smaller tree will help
Do you consider making things simpler as Christmas approaches?
I've had some time to think this year as our December calendar starts to fill in.
All such good things.
But does that mean we should try to do them all?
As I get older I find I'm yearning for more time to read and think and just be.
I enjoy the Christmas season so much, but should I fill the calendar
so there is little time for reflection?
In the book Radical Hospitality, the author says,
"We do not even know how to imagine our lives without all the bustle."
I don't know if I'll slow down this Christmas––
But I hope so.
I long for quiet and stillness.
Time for slow conversation with good friends.
Time to savor thoughts of the Christ Child.
And to worship and adore.
I didn't decorate as much last year and I'll probably do even less this year. I like some pretty things around but not so much clutter. I'll want to concentrate on cards and crafts when we get back to Florida. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI'm ready to decorate on Friday. I am changing up some things this year. I've never done snowmen or santas, I tend to do greens and ribbons and candles etc. But I am thinking maybe not all the garlands this year, so perhaps that is simpler.
ReplyDeleteI've already got a lunch date on my calendar for the end of November, a party on the 1st that I am hosting and then a tea at church on the 7th. After that my calendar is wide open and I'm okay with that!
Finding quiet is hard at this time of year, yet it's important for me to really focus on what Christ's coming means. I'll slowly start decorating next week, maybe a little bit this weekend, but I like to wait until December for most of it. I'm anticipating though.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Dotsie, to you and your family.
I get the mental burden, Dot, if it's that. We have a 3 day Christmas celebration with all sides of the family, and this year a twenty- one year old darling's birthday. I love all of my family, but I feel exhausted thinking about it. I host the 23rd of December party, as well as a Christmas morning brunch. Try as I might to be ahead, I still miss the real reason of the season so many times. Sheesh, I can only pray others feel it.
ReplyDeleteLove to you and a Happy Thanksgiving.
Jane x
I am so with you on this, Dotsie...I am all about finding time for quiet and reflection during this way-too-busy time of year. The photos you shared of your simple yet elegant Christmas decor are beautiful and I love that glass ball with the rolls of ribbon (?) in them! I will be getting mine out this weekend and hope to be all decorated by next week...We will be having a early Christmas on the 8th since the TN bunch will be in town. I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving gathering today! ♥
ReplyDeleteDotsie, I understand the dilemma all too well. Last year I decided to leave a few things out that usually make an appearance at Christmas. If I put up all of our Christmas decor it would give the eye no where to rest. I think after being married for 50 years we have accumulated too much. Take care and I do hope your knee is much better. ♥
ReplyDeleteOh the grands do have very specific demands for Christmas trees. I had to chuckle at your granddaughter’s comment remembering one “I feel so sorry for you” comment I got one year. Thing is, my knees are acting up this year and I am going simple this year as well. I seriously doubt that in your beautiful home that there’ll be any less comfort and joy. 🎄
ReplyDeleteOh, Dotsie... I do feel that same longing. And, I love that you are simplifying this year (hopefully with great success!). Our (not so) Littles have very clear ideas about how they like things, don't they? LOL! I am sure you are getting ready for your Thanksgiving gathering about now; I know your table will be filled with love and deep appreciation for all the blessings of that love. Take good care of yourself. Have a wonderful day! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteps yes, all of our Littles have moved on to "real" china. How quickly they grow up. :)
Your table looks beautiful-I'm a day late here. I'm sure your family had a wonderful feast.
ReplyDeleteLove the quote from your book because it rings true for many of us. I do plan for 'simple' every year, and it gets away from me. I usually work at it until I drop. I'm hosting a very large party on the 23rd, so it's important I don't go overboard because my home is small, and too many decorations will make it insane.
I hope your knee is mending well. Do what is important to YOU!
Jane x
I'm sorry to hear your knee isn't totally healed yet! I know what you mean about just wanting to read and think and just be. I had that for a few years but then I had grandchildren! I've been decorating my house today. We have houseguests coming Wednesday for our youngest son's wedding on Friday. It will be a busy month. I can say already that I'm looking forward to January!
ReplyDeleteDotsie, I love your goals for this holiday season . . . quiet, simple, time for reflection and adoration. Isn't that the best way to celebrate His coming?
ReplyDeleteI hope to incorporate some quiet times into our celebrations too. With a high school student with several musical practices/performances, and with the busyness of a large extended family, it won't be totally quiet or simple, but my heart yearns for those times to be still and worship.
A blessed holiday season to you!
Beautiful....I too went with my smaller tree cause I was not sure how my new kitten and a tree would get along! haha
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts Dotsie, much agreed. We have so much to be thankful for, and it a time for being thankful and worshiping the Lord. Blessings to you today :)
ReplyDeleteThat is something to truly ponder, Dotsie. I am picking and choosing what I use in decor, ridding myself of one more box hopefully (will know tomorrow,) and saying no to a few social things just to do the same. I sing in choir so whilst we sing it DOES keep up from quiet reflection during service. So I try to find it in other times.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a very blessed Advent Season.
Come on over and see my adorable little grand daughter I posted about. ♥