I have never in my life been so prepared for Christmas. Really! It feels great. Sure I still have things to do, but if you could rewind and see me on December 20th in years previous, you'd find a much less calm me walking running around. I attribute it to a few things like starting my Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving. I've never done that before. I ordered everything online and have only been to Target twice, once for scotch tape and yesterday for Rylie's Mary Janes. I have set the intention of a peaceful holiday season, and stuck with it day in and day out. I think it is a worthy goal for the New Year, too!
Approaching this time of year with a sense of quiet calm, has allowed space for some very wonderful moments to happen.
* We have taken several walks through the neighborhood to see all of the festive and inspired decorations.
* We made our Christmas cards by hand. Something I've always wanted to do, but is usually the first thing to get cut off the list when time is running short.
* There have been plenty of delighted surprises as we've made a sizeable dent in the Advent Bonanza.
*We've wrapped most of the presents and reflected on how it is so much of a nicer experience when not done in the wee hours of Christmas morning.
* We've watched a Christmas movie or two with a hot mug of cocoa complete with whipped cream, sprinkles, and yes, even a splash of Kahlua.
* We have enjoyed an abundance of treats that have come through the door, and have sent out an equally abundant amount of treats to friends and loved ones.
* We had a laugh at Rylie's confusion over all of the fabric and layers that comprise her Christmas best.
* We've made a huge mess of the whole place. But the best kind of mess, the mess of making!
We are headed out to meet Santa tonight and to pick up a few last minute things. Last year, we gifted this book to Rylie and want to continue the tradition of picking out a Christmas or seasonal story for her each year. Maybe this one. And last, but not least, I need to make Rylie's stocking. She points to our stockings and says, sosh, her word for sock, every time she walks by them. Must get busy now and make her one of her own.
How about you? Are you feeling ready?
Hello! I'm Liz Scott - mama to two little ones, maker, and all around curiosity chaser. I live with my family in Los Angeles, where we seek to fill each day with adventure, joy and creativity. I write about it all here on the blog. Thank you for visiting.
