Pinch punch the first of the month. Hello December. The pinnacle of the year. The month we seem to work towards for half of the year with all of the planning and hopes that go into it. Today the kids can crack open their Advent Calendars and enjoy their first festive treat and the Elf on the Shelf can start going crazy around the house.
I got myself an Advent Calendar this year. The Bonne Maman one. Yes, it was a real splurge, but I reckon I am worth the occasional splurge. This morning, I have enjoyed my toast with a little pot of Wild Blueberry and Maple Jam. What a great Canadian sounding combination. But does it work? I am not sure. It was tasty, the blueberries nice and tart with an underlying sweetness from the syrup, but I couldn't really taste the maple once it was spread onto my toast.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
There is some bad weather coming our way beginning tomorrow night. A real Nor-easter. Intense wind gusts, heavy rain and a hefty snowfall, although where exactly any of it will land, remains to be seen at the moment. Expect the stores will be busy with people gathering supplies just in case, today and tomorrow. The risk of the power going off is always great. I usually fill up my tub with water just in case (so I can flush the toilet). I have candles for light and a high-powered flashlight. Lots to read. A portable power thingy for my phone. Lots of blankets and throws.
We could get snow. We could get rain. We will get weather.
I do have an eye appointment on Thursday so hopefully everything will have blown over by then. We shall see.
The best part of the holiday season for me has always been in the anticipation. The waiting. There is so much more to Christmas than Christmas Day. I love the buildup. It's easy to get yourself involved in the pre-Christmas hysteria of buy, buy, buy. It seems from "Black Friday" onwards we are bombarded from all angles by people wanting to sell us something.
I like to approach it all in a much gentler way. Slow and steady . . . savoring all of the sights, smells and feelings of this very special time of year. Advent, days in which to ponder the true meaning of the Christmas season without all of the commerciality that seems to put everyone into a frenzy.
For me it is about celebrating the birth of the Savior and that is uppermost in my mind, but it is also about spending time with family, sharing some delicious food and memories with each other, perhaps a meaningful gift or two, but nothing too elaborate. Doing something to remember and help those who are not as fortunate as we are.
I like to donate to the Salvation Army each year. They do so much good for people that the serve. But there are countless charities that you can give to. Both within our own small communities and further abroad.
I like a slow Christmas that lasts the whole month through with the spirit of love, remembrance and giving . . . time and service to others, in small and meaningful ways. Nothing need be elaborate. People just want to be remembered. A phone call. A card. A meal. Simple acts of service.
What will be will be. The easiest thing would perhaps be to just call a taxi.
In any case, I will leave you now with a thought for the day, and be back tomorrow with a regular post.
A thought to carry with you . . .
☾ ° ★° * 。
• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
*Doing nothing is
my favorite kind of busy.
~unknown• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。
• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。
In The English Kitchen today . . . Ecclefechan Tarts. A Scottish festive treat. Very yummy!
Have a beautiful day whatever comes your way. Stay safe, warm, dry and be happy. Don't forget!
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And I do too!
