It's the holiday season and my house seems a bit empty; some days a bit too quiet.
My sons are grown with children of their own. So, there is no need for me to bake dozens and dozens of cookies and candy goodies. Nor am I semi-overwhelmed because I'm working full-time, shopping and prepping to entertain a group of twenty on Christmas day.
I do miss the sound of scampering feet and the laughter which filled the house before day-break each Christmas morning. The general chaos of torn wrapping paper, scattered bows, and then searching through the debris for the missing parts to a brand-new toy.
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| A bit of Christmas humor! |
But with time and dedication to family, laurels are gathered and there is time to enjoy a new chapter of ones life. Time to listen and enjoy the Christmas carols, or the silence of the house. Time to sit in front of a fireplace and enjoy the crackling of a fire. Or watch the "Yule Log" the cable station will stream to your television set or computer.
I have discovered that a pair of warm slippers, a mug of hot cocoa, and a warm fleece blanket make me happy. My two pups cuddle up on my Lazy Boy couch with me to watch a Hallmark movie, and for two hours, there is bliss.
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| Slippers from the Grand Canyon (gingerbread boys and candy embroidery) from youngest grandson. |
I have also discovered that when we are able to spend time with loved ones and friends again, I will host a hot cocoa bar. I will bake my cookies, gingerbread cake, and all the goodies everyone enjoys. There will be laughter, music, and candid photos being taken and shared via emailed to each other.
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| credit: Party City |
I have also learned (which was a difficult concept for me to grasp.):
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| A widowed rancher and his young daughter rediscover the joy of the holidays from an unlikely source. A beautiful woman with a mysterious past who's gingerbread cookies and kind heart bring comfort and joy and can melt the most hardened-of-hearts. |
Thanks, for pointing out there are thing to enjoy in the quiet moments that are ours only. Happy Holidays to you, Connie. Love all the pics. They fit the mood perfectly and cheer me.
ReplyDeleteNora, I'm so glad I could add joy to your holidays. Happy Holidays to you :-)!
DeleteA wonderful post, Connie. This season is too quiet for me this year, but I'm hoping the care we're taking will promote wellness--a wonderful gift of the season!
ReplyDeleteLiz, Blessing to you and yours. Thank you for posting.
DeleteThere’s simple joy to be found in the quiet times, too and I think you’ve found a way. Cozy clothes, favourite movie and your pups. Love the recipe! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays, Bonnie. I enjoyed sharing the recipe.
DeleteYes, hot cocoa and warm slippers are so comforting! We should all use this time to bask in the joy of simplicity!
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays, Kari.
DeleteI'm doing exactly what you just posted about!!!! It's my favorite thing, too!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Kara. Cheers (with a mug of hot cocoa)!
DeleteSuch a lovely post, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathleen :)
DeleteThat hot chocolate bar looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteLaura, thank you :-). Comfort and Joy in a mug.
ReplyDeleteLove your post. Alone time gives us the necessary time to reflect. This year we were on pause and that is not always a bad thing. Still thinking about why Cinderella's shoe slipped off, perhaps it wasn't exactly the perfect fit.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post, Connie. Authors are lucky. We can wear our warm slippers to our offices. Best to abstain from the hot cocoa too often though. I love your hot cocoa bar. Genius idea.
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