Every year I do it. Get over-excited. Plan too much. End up feeling a bit less jolly and a bit more postal.
Not doing it this year.
I do have a few things planned – I mean a girl can’t just go cold Christmas turkey now can she?
But mainly I’m just trying to be present. In each moment. And yes, I know how trite that sounds but I am still committed to doing it because I think it is worthwhile.
And my window of opportunity to have little girls looking at the Elf on the Shelf in wonder is swiftly closing.
In fact, the older one already maintains that she’s sure the elf comes from Ebay and not the North Pole.
You have to believe to receive, I say. And that puts paid to her scepticism. Out loud, at least.
In the meantime I’ve been looking back through some of my posts from past Christmases. I’m re-posting some of my favourite projects and hope they might give you some festive inspiration…or just provide a bit of xmas eye-candy at the very least.
Click on the “Christmas ” in the righthand sidebar to see all these and many more Christmas posts. There aren’t really tutorials for most of these but if you want any details , drop me an email (on the contacts page above) and I’ll be very happy to oblige you with a quick set of instructions.
I love the wintery-ness of a Northern hemisphere Christmas. Which is completely at odds with the searing heat of antipodean celebrations.
Don’t get me wrong, I relish everything about an Australian Christmas but I simply cannot help but emblazon things with snowflakes. Feels so wrong and yet I can’t stop. Christmas crack.
This cosy Christmas in July was a natural progression for one so taken with the thought of roaring fires and snow-trimmed windows.
There’s a white Christmas in our near future. I feel it in me waters.
What about you, my darlings. Grand Christmas project plans? I love to live vicariously so let me know in the comments if you feel inclined. Oh go on, do.
twirlingbetty.wordpress.com 
No Tiffins???
Argh! How could I forget the Tiffin Tribe. It is NOT Christmas without them. Can I do a whole post on them? With your permission? Discuss.
Well, 15cm of the white stuff is due to fall this weekend, but a couple of hours north of here. So, we’ll make due with flurries. And to get into the Christmas spirit, I secretly put up Christmas lights outside AND wrestled a 7 foot Canadian Fraser Fir tree into my car, into my house, and thanks to my dad into the tree stand in our family room. That was Tuesday. The girls noticed right away after school, perhaps because of the presence it takes in our main room, perhaps because of the glorious smell throughout the main floor. Well, my darling husband, who as you we’ll know, suffers from a case of the Scrooges sometimes, hasn’t yet noticed…yup. That was Tuesday when it went up and it’s now Friday!!!!!
Awww. Chris, I NEED a white Christmas. Sounds so v beautiful. Has J noticed the tree yet? I’m tipping no. xx
Loved the remembrances! Anytime you want to spend Christmas in Pittsburgh, there is a Little House waiting and LOTS of opportunity to decorate, etc. etc. Would love love love to have yinz! xoxo Jamo
And we would SO love to come. That little house…such fond memories of your place. We love you so. x
I’m doing so very, very little this year, at least as far as making things goes. I’m doing my usual “goodies” box with handmade ornaments (20 or so), a few simple gifts for special friends (plaster votive holders), and one knit hat. Yet, somehow I’m still feeling a little postal. Perhaps because of a serious lack of planning.
Your photos are lovely!
Thanks Gretchen. Your Christmas gift plans sound so lovely – but I hear you on the postality. A new word. Owning it. Plaster votives sound esp beautiful. Look forward to seeing them…I hope. On your blog, I mean. Not dropping hints for a pressie on the doorstep! Haha. xx
Christmas plan this year was mainly focused on the little one that showed up on the 10th of December. What a perfect present, right? I had still time to prepare some few decorations in the house. But coming from Europe, I agree I don’t feel the Christmas spirit without the cold. Surfing Santa Claus doesn’t look right!
Well yes, what a beautiful gift you’ve received – babes and little ones bring such joy to this time of year. And you know, I come from the Southern Hemisphere and sometimes I don’t really get surfing santa either! Thanks for commenting. Have a lovely Christmas. x