Ho-Ho-Ho friends and Merry Christmas!
I hope you're all having a wonder filled December and are ready for the festivities.
We're just a few days away now and I'm getting really excited.
To be honest, it's been a very different kind of December around here.
I guess the best way to describe it, is to say it's been a slow month.
Oh don't get me wrong, the days have been whizzing by, but I suppose I mean that I've been moving slower.
Enjoying the small things.
Taking time to do what I really want and not falling victim to all the holiday shoulds and coulds now the kids are grown.
And you know what, it's been lovely.
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| A Beautiful Gift From A Dear Friend |
I've literally been taking time to watch the flowers grow.
Decorating my house over a few weeks, rather than rushing through the process to get it done.
Putting out only the special things that make me smile.
Including - for the first time in a decade - a string of colored lights for my family room tree! Can you believe it?
I just craved a little extra Christmas color this year to blunt all that white, white snow.
Overall though, I leaned into a lot of the same decor I used last year, because I'm still loving those paper trees.
I spent some time in thrift and vintage shops, for a little thrifting and gifting of my own. Spreading joy around the country.
I've watched old black and white holiday movies, my favorite kind, with Barbara Stanwyck, Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Robert Mitchum, Natalie Wood, Bing Crosby, Gene Lockhart, Jimmy Stewart and more. Hallmark is great, but for me, the oldies are the best.
Except for The Holiday - mainly for that house - and this one, that's become a silly classic for our family.
I also made time to bake cookies with a little one, have dinner with friends and a few very brisk walks through my darling Christmas village.
I even caught a glimpse of one of Santa's reindeer yesterday afternoon. Training for the big day.
So it's been a magical month.
Funny thing though, the one activity I haven't had a lot of time for is crafting...which is highly unusual.
December is traditionally one of my most creative months.
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| //TRASH TO TREASURE CHRISTMAS CRAFTS// |
Normally, I'd sit by the fireplace, listening to carols, glancing at my memory filled Christmas tree to paint, glue and stitch.
But for some reason, this year, all I managed to do was learn the basics of crochet, make a few watercolor cards and build a lampshade Christmas tree.
Granted the crocheting and watercolor painting took up a lot of my time, they are not quick DIYs.
Oh, and I've been cooking up a storm, trying new recipes and loving the process. Another shocker!
Don't get me wrong, I definitely miss all those those fabulous Christmas crafts. I hear their siren song every single day, so I plan to dig into that pile soon.
It just might take me the next 12 months to get them all done!
But for the rest of the month, I'll just be sitting by fire, listening to carols, caught up in the magic of the season.
Hoping that you will be, too.
🎄
Oh and if you want to know what those holiday movies were, here's the list:
- Christmas In Connecticut
- The Man Who Came To Dinner
- The Bishop's Wife
- Holiday Affair
- Miracle On 34th Street
- White Christmas
- A Christmas Carol (1938 is the best)
- It's A Wonderful Life
Merry, Merry Christmas!!
Hi Kim. Isn't it amazing how as we get older and wiser we find joy in peace and little things. This time of year goes so quickly but I have been like you and have taken time to watch a Hallmark Movie which I never have done and I cut back on all the baking and just did a few faves and that has been so nice. Your tree is gorgeous. It has to be so nice to sit at night and just enjoy the sparkle and twinkle. Merry Christmas sweet friend. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, too, Kris! Yes! Slowing down has been lovely. I really have found joy in sitting by the fire, listening to music and taking my time to wrap presents. It was also fun to bake just one kind of cookie when the kids brought a little friend over. Simple, uncomplicated, not rushed, and you know what, just as delicious! I wish you a fabulous holiday my friend! Cheers to you and your family!! 🥂
DeleteI have been taking time to enjoy the season too. You named every old Christmas movie we look forward watching. We have watched them all and a few on repeat. This weekend I baked up a storm. I can't help myself.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a happy and healthy New year. Cindy
clochesandlavender.com
Baking up a storm, eh? Too bad we don't live closer, Cindy! Old movies and cookies are a great combination, especially when shared with a friend! Merry Christmas!!
DeleteWe are taping "The Man who came to Dinner" tonight, and "Fitzwilly"... love them both~
ReplyDeletebobbie
Bobbie, they are two of my favorites. Fitzwilly is a great movie, too! Dick Van Dyke is always fun to watch...and I love The Man Who Came To Dinner. Bette Davis is one of my all time favorites, but Ann Sheridan is fabulous in this one. Merry Christmas!!
DeleteDear Kim, your photos are absolutely stunning. I am glad that you are showing down and enjoying the simple things. I think life can be very difficult and stressful when we are so rushed.
ReplyDeleteWe miss the little things that often bring us the most joy when we are rushed.
Thank you so much for sharing, and I also want to thank you for your visits and kind comments on my blog.
I appreciate it so much.
Merry Christmas 🎄 to you. I wish you good health, happiness and peace now and always.
Yes, it's very true, Linda. I think I've always tried to take it slow during the holidays, but when the kids were home there was always some clock to punch. It was very exciting, but exhausting. I've really enjoyed the slower pace this year. Thank you for all the lovely wishes. I wish you a Merry Christmas, as well, and much joy in the year!
DeleteI'm all for slowing down and enjoying the season...
ReplyDeleteI'm almost ready for Christmas and looking forward to spending time with family.
Merry Christmas Wishes and a happy and healthy new Year.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan! Merry Christmas to you, too! I hope it's a lovely holiday and a blessed new year.
DeleteHello neighbor, it's a great time to walk around the neighborhood looking at the holiday decorations, baking, and crafting - (like learning to crochet)! I hope you'll have fun making a lot of different crochet projects. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year Kim! :D
ReplyDeleteHello Julie!! It is a great time for all those fun things, even in the snow and cold!! I have to say, I'm really enjoying crocheting. I'm still in the stitching and ripping stage though, haha. Hopefully, I'll get it down soon. I have a great friend who is helping me, and I'm working on a small lap blanket, so it's pretty basic. I can't wait to go back to your blog to revisit all the beautiful things you've made over the years, that I'd like to make myself!! Hopefully soon! Thank you for the lovely wishes and I send them all right back to you and your sweet family!! 💕 Merry Christmas!!
DeleteA nice, relaxing holiday season sound perfect, Kim. Merry Christmas to all of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I hope you have a nice, relaxing holiday season as well! Merry Christmas!! 🎄
DeleteYour house always looks so lovely. While you are much younger than I am - I retired about 4 years ago, I thought I'd have lots of times to do the things I always wanted to. It's been quite a shock to find out I really don't. I guess it's a combination of old age ailments (nothing serious, thankfully!) and because it somehow takes me much longer than it used to. But it is so nice to be able to do some projects, gardening, finding some good gluten free baking receipes and just being able to putter around the house to my heart's content! I haven't even found time to watch many of the good old movies! But life is good. Have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy time with your family!
ReplyDeletePat you are so sweet! Thank you! I've heard a lot of my retired friends say the exact same thing...and I totally understand. Now that the kids are grown, I thought I'd have tons of time, too and oddly enough, I'm busier than ever. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying some projects and activities...especially puttering, we are definitely two of a kind! Maybe one of these days you'll get to watch some of those golden oldies! If you do, you'll have to share your favorites with me!! I wish you a wonderful holiday season as well and a super Happy New Year!! 🥳
DeleteEven though it's not considered a Christmas movie, I personally think of "An Affair to Remember" with Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant as one. I guess because the ending takes place during Christmas. I still cry at the end even though I've seen that movie so many times. Your home looks lovely, by the way. Merry Christmas! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteOh Briana, don't get me started!! I think last year, in the week between Christmas and New Year's, I watched that movie on repeat and cried every single time!! I just adore the two of them together. I've watched Love Affair, and I love Irene Dunne, but I just can't see Charles Boyer as another other than a creepy scoundrel after watching Gaslight! Haha!! I hope you have a fabulous Christmas and wish you a lovely New Year filled with those old movies! 🍿
DeleteA slow December is indeed the loveliest thing, Kim! I was happy to hear that you've been enjoying walks in your neighborhood and taking some leisurely time for yourself! These are the precious moments of the season that really speak to our hearts, and I wish you and your family a special and very blessed Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Marilyn! It's been wonderful reading your posts and seeing how well everyone is doing. I wish you, and your sweet family, nothing but the best in the New Year and a very blessed Christmas, too!!
DeleteThat sounds like a lovely December! Your home looks beautiful. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Joanne!! Merry Christmas to you and yours, as well!!
DeleteMerry Christmas, Kim! I have been leaning hard into slow December and it has been a balm to me. I am working on my puzzle, puttering around my house, doing some artsy stuff in my sewing room, having things calm and quiet here with barely any music playing. I have been giving myself the grace I need to move through the days in as peaceful a way as possible - so I am doing minimal cooking, too. Slow December is the way to go!
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me, Gina!! It was moving slow at the start of the month, but I kept feeling like I should be doing more and then I read your post and thought, hmm, it’s ok to slow down…and I let those “shoulds" go…Thank you for that. I really do wish you a peaceful holiday, my friend. I hope you find joy in your family and I’m serious, I think you should write a book. ❤️
DeleteKim - I am so happy hear how much you have enjoyed slowing down, and spending more time 'in the moment' compared to rushing on to the next thing. Christmas and this time of the year can be as much about celebration as it can be about time alone with your thoughts and feelings, and simply taking in the beauty around you. (Would LOVE to have a little Christmas village to walk through! ) I've had a very 'social' Christmas this year, and have really and truly enjoyed it. But in classic introvert-fashion, I am happy everyone around me is busy with their families, so I can enjoy a little peace and quiet and solitude. We had some beautiful snow, but along came the 30's so it melted. And yes to the fireplace, Christmas carols on the car radio, pictures and updates in the Christmas cards, and taking cookies to my doctors who do so much for me. (Yes, I baked....a lot!) Best wishes for the merriest of Christmases to you and your family. So looking forward to all the creativity you will bring us in the new year!!
ReplyDeleteHello Kristine!! Social is good!! Although, being an introverted extrovert myself, I get it. Two parties and I'm good for months!! Heehee!! You are so sweet, bringing cookies to your doctors. My daughter used to work in a dental office and they were always touched by that kindness. It really does make a difference! I wish you the merriest of Christmases as well, tucked into your warm and charming home. I hope you enjoy all the season has to offer and a wonderful new year, too!!
DeleteI have not watched Holiday in Handcuffs, but the trailer did make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteNow tell me, what did you make with that lovely yarn?
Have a blessed Christmas my dear friend.
Love, Carla
Hi Carla! Merry Christmas! As far as the yarn goes, I’m trying to make a basic lap blanket. We’ll see. So far, I’m still in the stitching, ripping and restitching phase! 🤣 Much love my friend! Xo
DeleteNice paper trees, you never can get enough paper trees I always say. Looks like someone forgot to include the legs in Santa's pants.
ReplyDeleteI do love those paper trees! They're much easier to put up than the large artificial ones, that's for sure!! And yes, Santa's definitely got some floppy legs! ☺️ Happy Holidays!
DeleteI enjoyed this leisurely holiday fun with you, Kim. Slow is my favorite speed these days. The last few years have been so jam packed, it is a joy to slow down and breath again. Happy holidays,
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Happy Holidays, Amalia!! It is nice to take it slow, glad you have been enjoying the month!
DeleteMerry Christmas Kim. Your home looks lovely. There is nothing wrong with slowing down and enjoying life. I took my time this year with decorating. I also hosted some dinner parties. I love it, however it is a lot of work and planning. Last night I hosted an Italian theme dinner party for neighbors. Everything was homemade, except the breadsticks. Bolognese pasta, stuffed giant shells with chicken and Alfredo, String’s copycat salad, tiramisu and carrot cake. I am taking the day off. Enjoy your 🎄 Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Linda! It sounds like you've had a super busy month, you deserve a break for sure. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
DeleteMerry Christmas! I love your cottage all decorated for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI watch The Bishop's Wife every year! It's great!
Merry Christmas, Deanna!! Great movie, isn't it?
DeleteI’ve flew through the house decorating like a mad woman because I wanted everything done by December 3. Largely because I was having my first party of the season on the seventh, but also because once everything was done, I could coast until Christmas Day and I liked that. Now I absolutely cannot wait to get everything down. Foolishly I invited people for coffee on the 29th so I’m not going to be able to get things down according to my general plan, but I guarantee the house will be back to normal by December 30th. I am not one of those people to leave things up into the new year.
ReplyDeleteI watched a lot of the same movies that you did, I love those old classics. Another of my favorites that is not listed here and that you may enjoy is “Desk Set” with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
Haha, Pattie, we are very similar. I already packed up a lot of my Christmas decor and the trees will come down by New Year’s Eve. I’m an impatient decorator. Once Christmas Day passes, I feel the need to clean it all up for a fresh start. Oh and I love Desk Set. Hepburn and Tracy are one of my favorite pairs and Joan Blondell is also a favorite of mine. I hope your coffee party goes well on the 29th and Happy New Year, my friend. ❤️
DeleteI have been enjoying very quiet Christmas for the last few years. Christmas movies are a big part of it and like every year The Bishop's Wife was top of the list. It's my all time-favorite!
ReplyDeleteThe Bishop's Wife is a lovely one...I watch is every year, too. Several times during the season if I have time. Such a sweet story!!
DeleteAw I hope your coffee party is fun today. Thank you for sharing, I love Christmas movies, and tend to rewatch the same every year, but I might continue the holiday spirit and watch a couple mentioned. Have a happy New Years!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years...and yes, I watch them long past Christmas on TCM. There are so many it's hard to get them all in during December!! Thanks for the visit!
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