| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| TheSoapMaven |
Posted - Nov 25 2005 : 08:10:57 AM
With this holiday season approaching and so much to be thankful for, we might do well to try and not stress about things that we have no control over...like long lines and traffic...and rude people when we shop. I have made up my mind...I am going to be very nice this year...VERY. If I am crowded or crunched or pushed or shoved, I will step back and smile and say excuse me, instead of my usual/natural response of "Hey, who do you thinking you are crowding here!? You better back it up!" Yeah, I don't do well in tight situations. But you know, life is too short. And there is too much joy to be had.
Around here we celebrate everything...literally. It comes from my childhood I suppose...my mom even acknowledged Ground Hog Day with a cake or something. In years passed we have tried to tone down the commercial issues surrounding all holidays...and successfully I might add. Being poor for many years helped I must admit.
My mom unpacked her holiday decorations this past week and found many she no longer had use of or wanted. Some of them are so dear to me. When I was a little one...maybe 3...my granny made me a Santa pitcher, cookie jar and mugs. She also made my mom a set of holly desert plates. She did ceramics and these items are lovely. Mom asked me if I wanted them and before I could answer, Benjamin was gathering them up! You know our children are growing up in such a different world. It takes a lot of our energy to keep things in perspective. To see joy in things when so much is askew. But the extra effort is worth it. We are going to celebrate this holiday season in full regale and surround ourselves with things that make us smile!
Many years ago, we began to examine what we believed religiously. We came to lots of conclusions...I am not sure this is the time or place for them...but we lost a lot of joy trying to mesh it all and come to terms with what we already celebrated. So suffice it to say I am going to do what feels right to ME. I am going to practice NOT straining at gnats. We are going to celebrate Christmas in a big way. And we are going to be happy and thank God for the day...and our health...and our families and friends who gather with us. I am going to place my keepsakes in my kitchen along with the 1000 other Christmas decorations, plates, mugs and nicknacks I have accumulated over the years. This year the Dahlem Home with be A HOLIDAY HOUSE!!!
We will make memories this year. Memories my children will hold dear as I do my own. I have come to the conclusion we are meant to be happy. We are meant to enjoy our families and friends and being too tight about minor details robs us. We will sing and dance and be merry! And feel blessed while doing it. As Tasha Tudor says "Choose Joy!"
Now here are a few of pictures of my Christmas Kitchen.
Susan
Proprietress of Dahlem's Soapworks http://www.thesoapmaven.com
|
| 4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| junebug |
Posted - Dec 03 2005 : 2:45:15 PM
Just adorable Susan, I can only imagine what the rest of your house looks like! I too am decorating our house this weekend and I will keep your wise words close by when I start my shopping this week. Thanks for sharing the holiday spirit with us! Blessings!
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| Tatiana |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 6:08:18 PM
I know what you mean about getting crowded in the kitchen. I really have to focus on not getting snippy. I will try to remember your pledge as I get moving with all the activities of the season. I love your pictures too. I love keeping all of those old things around that remind me of family and friends. Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas made extra special because it is on Sunday.
Tania |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 25 2005 : 09:23:51 AM
LOVED seeing the pictures Susan!! That Prayer for little houses print is Susan Branch right? I love her stuff...all of it, and that is one of my favorites. Along with Mary Engelbrieght.
We are getting out the Christmas stuff today. We do it in a big way too and most all of our stuff is nostalgic in some way, colleced over the years. We have dishes that we use the whole month with snowmen on them and special placemats and napkins too even. We will get our tree tomorrow...I can't wait for the house to SMELL like Christmas....digging out the Christmas music today too..I love it.
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
| Linda Houston |
Posted - Nov 25 2005 : 09:03:05 AM
Dear susan, Thank you for the reminder of the real meaning of this season. I am decorating my home this week-end...have the Christmas carols going and digging out 40 years of Chriustmas past memories. Yes, it is a wonderful time to enjoy and make merry
Thank you, again. |
