I'll be headed into town tomorrow evening for the final food shop, and then again on Friday for the final present shop. And then, yes, I will be ready! Today and yesterday were spent doing the pre-Christmas clean, which resulted in a new reading space for me: I rearranged the furniture in the kitchen and put a seat by the stove. This will, in the new year, be replaced by a small sofa my mother doesn't want anymore. I'm so happy with this because the study is so very cold, and sitting with Little G the parrot isn't too good for concentrating!
And I do love this period. I like making lists of things (you may have noticed!) and I love buying presents. I've come online to figure out what to make for the Boxing Day lunch, but I've seen a great meme from Jillian (and no, I don't just like it because I'm mentioned in it! But that did make me very happy!), which I'll do in a separate post. I'm looking forward to the week between Christmas and New Year, too. The reflective period: I'm excited about writing about this year, looking back, thinking it all through, and then looking forward to 2012: the book challenges, the New Year's Resolutions, the "How I Will Be A Better Person" plans that fizzle out, or not, by February. I don't care if they do, Christmas / New Year week ought to be peaceful, reflective, positive, and inspiring, and I hope with all my heart that it will be for everyone reading this post. I feel like this period begins tomorrow, the first day of Winter. I'm not religious, but I do take note of Solstice and Equinox and like to feel "ready" for them with a clean house and a good attitude. I may not be ready for Christmas, but by tonight I will have my lists!
I love the reflection winter encourages, too. Happy Holidays to you, o!! I am eager to read your survey post. ♥
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm starting it right now :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I'm a firm believer that just because things may be sleeping outside doesn't mean things have to be sleeping inside! Perfect time for reflection :)
Gorgeous, gorgeous post. I agree, Christmas and New Year, as well as the weeks immediately before and after, are so good for thinking. I like taking some time to reflect on the year I'm leaving behind and make resolutions and plans for the year that's coming. I like to think about the people and things I'm grateful for and appreciate Christ's sacrifice all the more for it. It's such a beautiful time and I love to absorb it as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this post, I think I needed to read it :)
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what, though? There is a massive part of this post that was deleted: I came across two challenges I wanted to join, and I spent a while gathering titles (and making a mess of my desk!) and as I was doing it, I was thinking, "Is this wise?", so half way through I left it to work on my 2012 Challenges page. I then decided it wasn't wise at all and deleted the new challenges section!
And yes, honestly, this is such a lovely time of year :)
Amen to the fresh start, reflections, and New Year's Resolutions.
ReplyDelete