This is the time of year when people (generally speaking) get a little crazy about things that don't matter. The further down the very windy road (intentional living) that we travel, the clearer our vision is about what really matters in life. My favourite motto is said over and over in my head as we are bombarded with the festive season's (perceived) demands.
People first, things second.
Brilliant and so clear, these 4 words recalibrate me instantly.
We've been spending time with the people we care about, doing things like baking
and sharing
and crafting
and cuddling
and generally rejoicing in the fact that we have each other in our lives. We've been making gifts and the kids are wrapping up surprises. The excitement builds as handmade decorations are being displayed indoors and out.
Soon, we will kick off the festive season with a sledding party. Many cookies will be decorated and much hot chocolate will be poured. I suspect a few rum and eggnogs will be supped, too ;)
However you celebrate, may it be with those you love XO
I agree. Physical possessions are superfluous but family is always the top priority.
ReplyDeleteYes, so true. We learned that the hard way when baby Owen was in hospital through October. We nearly lost him, so that had a very sobering affect on our outlook toward life in general.
DeleteLove, love, so much. <3 Wishing you and yours every blessing. Thank you for being my continual source of inspiration on motherhood and home life and all the domestic-like things I'm still figuring out!
ReplyDelete-Jaime
Jaime, you are doing a FINE job XOXOX Loving up those babies is priority ONE!
DeleteDefinitely words to live by!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think so, too! I wish I could remember where I heard that motto so I could give credit where it's due...
DeleteFamily is the most important. We try to spend time together doing things rather than buying things. I completely agree with your phrase.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful family, Kevin :) You are doing an amazing job with your girls and your homestead - I love seeing what you get up to together!
DeleteI agree that it is a time of year where people get wrapped up (pun intended) in unimportant ideals. We've been doctoring a lot this fall and winter...too much...it's been scary and it has brought into perspective what is truly important. Normally our tree would be up by now; I would have already run out of ideas with the Elf on the Shelf, and the pressure to have the "pinterest perfect" holiday home would be crushing. Not this year. We are doing crafts and baking, our favorite things, and discussing why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. My four year old requested we reread the children's bible "to see what this is all about anyways". We are not overly religious but the idea of giving and being grateful for the plenty that we enjoy, for the health that we are so blessed with, for the lovely home and family that we have is something we are stressing with our kids more than ever. I want them to be as excited to give as to receive: the other day as they put their change in a salvation army Christmas kettle I saw their eyes light up with understanding. It can be a crazy time of year--people rather than things is a really great motto to remember! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you've been dealing with medical issues... so scary. As I mentioned to Harry (above), when our Grandson, Owen nearly died, it was life changing for all of us. We came to realize that nothing in our lives (or homes) mattered as much as the people we love. Total recalibration...
DeleteThe relief in knowing that Owen was "out of the woods" was so massive - it was the purest joy I have ever known and I want that feeling to permeate my life on a regular basis. We now seek joy together in small ways every day...
I really like the last picture of 'the cuddle'. My girls all being grown up, I do miss the sincere cuddles of a small child. All the best of life's blessings to you and your family.
ReplyDeletePhil, I know what you mean! Our youngest child is 10 so no more little ones in our home after 23 years of babies and toddlers. The cuddles of our Grandchildren are absolute joy. We love them so much, it's hard to describe actually - it's different than the love we have for our children somehow... We are very fortunate to live close enough to see them each week and ALL of us are really eager to spend more time together over the Christmas holidays. It's going to be so fun :)
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