Category: Memory Keeping

December Daily – Day 26

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Culmination

I feel a mix of relief and disappointment and complete OVERWHELM. The holidays were amazing and my family was so very generous. Now, it is my job to figure out where will I put all of these new items. My daughter wants to open every box and immediately play with the toys ranging from painting projects to slime and the dreaded GLITTER component. I did use today to clean the clutter from the table and organize some of the items. I put half of my daughters toys away on some advice I received from a friend. On a rainy or boring day we can peruse the box looking for things to do and new toys to play with. This will help to remind us of our Christmas blessings many times during the year.

December Daily – Day 25

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Nice Family Photo

Remember

Christmas eve and Christmas day passed in a flurry of activity this year. We were able to take lots of pictures to remember the day but it seems like there are never enough. The kiddos always seem to be looking off in opposite directions or making strange faces. These pictures are not perfect but they are funny. I always save a few blooper pictures to enjoy later. On Christmas Eve we try to take family pictures in front of my mother’s Christmas tree. The kids are getting to the age now where they are taking beautiful pictures. Even though the years seem to rush by, it will be nice to view these pictures next to each other as they get older.  

The Real Deal

December Daily – Day 24

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Story

My favorite holiday story is the Nativity Story. This story is powerful and compelling and sets the tone for the power of Christmas miracles. Whether or not you believe the Nativity Story, there are lessons to be learned from it. The power of giving as well as the power of miracles at this time of year. Tales the encourage the kindness of strangers are always important for children and adults alike. Sometimes kindness can be forgotten in the rush of this season, stories like these are good reminders to keep kindness in your heart.

December Daily – Day 23

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Movie

My favorite Christmas film is the live-action remake of the grinch.How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey. I find this movie to be heartwarming and humorous. Jim Carrey plays a perfect grinch. This movie is a mix of Christmas cheer and cautionary tale of getting too grumpy around the holidays.It is nice to see that someone so full of anger can have a change of heart. I am sure this is not on the list of Christmas classics but I do enjoy it. And the baby grinch is super cute.

December Daily – Day 22

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Weather

I love a white Christmas. Unfortunately, that is not in the cards this year. Our winters in Northeastern Pennsylvania are getting warmer and warmer. I believe white Christmases will be very rare. There is something magic about a snowy Christmas. I do, however, remember a a Christmas in which we were struck by a horrible storm that stranded us at home. So, I could be wrong about the changing weather pattern. I know that my daughter would be please by a white Christmas, so we will keep it on our Christmas wish list for now.

December Daily – Day 21

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Prepare

Preparing for the holiday can be stressful. It can take a lot out of you. Hopefully, the stress and preparations will all pay off on Christmas Day. As you prepare there are several obstacles you may run in to; traffic, busy stores, sold out items, and the most frustration, miserable people. It is easy to become overwhelmed in preparation for the holiday. Just remember to take a breath and try not to let the obstacles overwhelm you. Make sure to take care of yourself by enjoying quiet time or by engaging in practices that allow you to calm down after a hard day of shopping.

December Daily – Day 20

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Receive

Receiving gifts has been an uncomfortable feeling for me in the past. I am not sure if anyone else feels that way. I am always afraid that I won’t be able to demonstrate my appreciation enough. However, as I get older and have more life experience, I really appreciate the gifts that are given to me. I know that my family and friends are trying to demonstrate their love for me and who I am as a person.

The best gift I have ever received is difficult to pin down. My circle is great at gift giving. I am extremely fortunate to have such a caring family. They know me very well. I do my best to try to make sure they receive gifts that are meaningful to them.

December Daily – Day 19

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Gifts

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The Gift of Gifting

Christmas brings many gifts. Not just the physical gifts that are given and received. Also, the gifts of happiness, family, and love. Gifts have the ability to show the ones you love that you understand and appreciate those things they enjoy. It gives the opportunity to demonstrate your appreciation for the receiver of the gift. My favorite gifts to give are to the kiddos in my life. They are at the age where they are struck by the wonder and excitement of everything. I know that this time is limited for the wonder that Christmas brings for the kiddos. Maybe that is why I love this time with them, because I know I need to savor it because it is limited.

December Daily – Day 18

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Lights

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I have a love affair with white lights. I think they are so beautiful and classic. My husband loves color. He would put colorful lights up everywhere if he could. And so, we learn to compromise…white lights everywhere. Just kidding, of course. We have mostly white lights around the house. Our front porch has blue icicle lights, which are very pretty. We also added a cool snow fall effect this year, which I was able to get for a steal at LTD Commodities. Tell me about your lights.

Urbinwoodcraft (The Mr. to my Mrs.) wrote this response to my blog post:

I have grown to really enjoy the white lights over the years. Although adding some color isn’t a bad thing, the white lights, just like you babe, are classy and beautiful, and I really enjoy them.