November 29, 2023

Today’s post is a little different. I’ll catch up on everyday events tomorrow! One of which is that even the horses on the hill are bundled up!

I have heard it said that things that come easy are not appreciated as much as those you work hard for, or have to go through trials to accomplish. I think quite possibly that is my sentiments on my Christmas adventure this past week. It seemed so much more difficult and labor intensive this year to dress the house in its Christmas finery.

The bins and boxes seemed heavier and less organized than other years. The garage felt colder and the house smaller; where did all this stuff GO? I carried treasures throughout the house, placing and replacing and moving them around, again and again. Sometimes two or three days later I would be struck with an idea, and rearrange one item after another.

But the end result (maybe not the end YET!!??) is that every little item that I placed, every ornament that I hung up, every set of lights that I strung, every strand of tinsel that I draped on the tree branches, and every holiday Snoopy that I carried around from place to place, now speak volumes. Every little item draws my eyes to it, and I find delight in all of it. Every last piece. Even the window stickees seem to be in the perfect place. This morning I walked into the living room and smiled at the Williamsburg tree that I struggled with yesterday as it seemed so scrawny as I put it together. And when I get to writing out Christmas cards, it will be like Bing Crosby sings in the Irving Berlin song: I dream… with every Christmas card I write.

Above all else, every room has a nativity of some sort, and I am drawn to them. Maybe it’s because of baby Cameron, and how tiny he is — like baby Jesus. I think of the next few years and how every string of lights, shimmering glitter, and bright colors will excite him, and I can’t wait to watch his delight! Autmn explained to him already that every year Mimi (me) would tell him the story of baby Jesus and how important He is. And I will. UPSTAIRS Nativities:

DOWNSTAIRS Nativities:

So I will sing with the Christmas CD’s, watch the holiday movies (sappy or not), drink tea from singing mugs, eat York Peppermint Patties in the shape of snowflakes, and enjoy sharing my small, over-decorated home with family and friends. And I will be glad for the hard things, because it makes me appreciate the holy holidays so much more!

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TOMORROW November 30th is:

National Personal Space Day; National Mississippi Day; National Mason Jar Day; National Mousse Day (at least it’s not MOUSE day!); Stay Home Because You’re Well Day; Computer Security Day.

Mason Jars have their own day? Well, ok! Tomorrow I am going to call the plumber – my drains are still gurgling! Have a happy day and may your drains all be clear. God bless…