All who know me well, are aware of how crazed I often feel right now: the middle of December. Chanukah, Solstice, Christmas, two birthdays, an anniversary of sorts... lots of celebrating to be had. Lots to do. Lots to plan. Ever since my head-clearing walk last week, I've been making different choices each day. Wednesday was a perfect example. An early morning snow storm delayed school from opening on time. Instead of stressing about harsh driving conditions, missed work opportunities, and the myriad of other thoughts that could have raced through my head... I made a choice. Hooky (skipping school). My children and I spent the day, listening to holiday music, hanging snowflakes, baking cookies, and playing in the snow. Slow-down time. No agenda. No rushing. Enjoying what this season is about. Together time. Cozy time. I have a big baking day coming up, but these cookies were for us. Just us. My children and I reveled in our unhurried day.I share this with you, because I know you're busy, too and I feel like I've stumbled upon some secret. A solution of sorts. Slowing down and eliminating anything unnecessary this month, is allowing me to embrace the beauty of the season with so much more peace than I have previously. It seems counterintuitive, when there is so much to make, do, see and attend. But I will continue to make choices of less, rather than more and I encourage you to give this a try, as well.
And in the theme of less is more and my big baking day... I'm working on a wonderful packaging tutorial that allows me to use what's on hand, rather than going out to a crowded store. It's coming up!
Deep breaths and peace to you all...
A fabulous idea! I'm all for the 'less' part of the equation. We are forced into it (bec we're not home right now) but I'm definitely going to keep it up once we get back in the house.
ReplyDeleteNow I just need to convince my non-baking tendencies to take a break because cookie making is something the kids love to do. ;)
Thank you for the reminder. I just declined an evite for the only open weekend day. It will be good!
ReplyDelete--Vicki K.
Thanks for this post today, it was just whatI needed.
ReplyDeleteSlow down and just breathe.
Happy holidays,
Jo
I've parred down the list this year, and although I feel a little guilty that I'm not handmaking all of my gifts (like last year,) I am making memories with my family in their place that are priceless.
ReplyDeleteApparently this is the message we all needed :) Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeletesnow days are magical.
ReplyDeletebeautiful thoughts! when i was near panic attack status last week, i took a deep breath and slowed wayyyy down...dumping things from the schedule and eliminating unrealistic expectations. Just simmer.... :)
ReplyDeletemmmm.... thank you. A much needed reminder that time well spent with the ones we love is what matters most in this life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maya, you seem to always post just what needs to be heard.
ReplyDeleteLiz x
I agree with you but I have a hard time paring down the birthdays. (the 8th and the 28th!)
ReplyDeleteI always feel like I can breathe after the far-away family Christmas gifts are shipped. (which is not yet!)
peace, baby!
I love that you kept them home from school. My dad was my principal and my mom a teacher so that would be quite unorthodox in my family!
ReplyDeleteWe're having a in-your-jammies day today. Made cookies, too. Just want we needed to get ready for a crazy weekend.
Cheers!
This morning I went over to the mall to pick up a gift my mom sent to Sears only to find out the store didn't open for another hour. So I started to stress and then I realized that the mall was open and my little one and I had a nice morning of window shopping. I never get that time when we aren't rushed so it was really nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that, Maya. I needed it today. I already feel more relaxed. You are lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you Maya. I made the decision that if I couldn't make it from what was on hand, we didn't need it. And if it was too difficult to get everyone out the door, we didn't need to go. I'm all about letting this season happen organically, if you will. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe finally have a weekend with no soccer, no family events etc. Rain is forecast, my husband is working and I've been looking forward to it: just hanging out indoors with the kids.
ReplyDeleteoh thank you! i needed to be reminded of this today. have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWell put!
ReplyDeleteI have just had this type of slow down forced upon me and wish I had thought of it before!
I'm now in the hospital...totally healthy but just needing my fluid level to increase...(33 weeks pregnant!) It was so strange to have an entire day/week planned of Christmas projects and now stuck in bed. So I say take advantage of all the slowing down time you can! (your blog is keeping me company...thanks!)
This is just where I'm at too. I shut down my shop and am spending the next few weeks enjoying my family, finishing projects for them that have been shelved for far too long, reading stories whenever I'm asked (which is a lot), and reminding myself that I do know what is most important.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time, your holidays, your break. :D
Thank you, Maya! So well said. And exactly what I needed to hear!
ReplyDeletelove the star and snow...and time with your kids, way to go mom!!
ReplyDeleteI love it. I am working on slowing down and at the same day getting it all done. I hope to follow your lead a bit this year and even moreso next.
ReplyDeleteYour message is so needed at this time of year when there is just too much to do. In the midst of all the rushing, we often miss the big picture. Thanks so much, Maya, for sharing your insights into achieving a happier family life.
ReplyDeleteDearest Maya
ReplyDeleteHi this is Maya Hill from Australia i live in a tiny country town called Kyogle in NSW. Thanks so much for your honesty in this latest blog. I adore your blog and look to it with a kind of wistful longing and slight panic because i never seem to accomplish anything near the creative output that you manage. I think wow, how wonderful and lovely and i must do that too, ( i have made my first advent calender for christmas out of the inner tube of the wrapping paper) but i also think Oh dear how do i keep up with that!!I guess its a mother thing, but i often wonder how you manage your everyday routine life as well as being able to create and come up with new ideas! So yes i will try my best to simply do what i can! Thank you for the inspiration, i love your blog and visit daily.
Just what I needed today. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteSending peace and love to you and your family this season :)
That's what it's all about. It's really the "little things" that are the "big things" in life.
ReplyDeleteJody
When I have a "found" day -snowstorm, car breakdown that keeps me at home, etc) I try to NOT do things on the home to-do list, but take the day as a gift and do something fun and special. Wednesday's snow gave me the opportunity to make homemade jams for my husband- ginger pear and apple marmelade, two of his favorites. He was happy, and so was I. The to-do list will be there for another "regular" day! Peg
ReplyDeleteI love your choice - glad you had such a lovely day :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to recommend that you check out www.slowfamilyliving.com... I think you would love it! Very in line with your kind of thinking... such a great message for the holidays from you, thanks so much!
ReplyDelete