I'm looking at a stack of dishes right now. But before I finish cleaning my kitchen, I want to chat with you for a minute. I'm spending almost all my time with family or taking care of family lately. We went shopping today. I found a gorgeous, timeless jacket along with some things for the Thanksgiving guests I'm expecting.
It was a beautiful afternoon. But all around us were the remains of two days and nights of severe storms. Leaves, tree branches, pine straw, and all kinds of debris are scattered in nearly every nook and cranny. Men went by our house in machines this morning to clean off the road.
Tonight, we'll shiver in the cold behind the front that roared over us. It will feel like winter tomorrow, quite abruptly. But I don't mind, since Thanksgiving is around the corner, and I'm pondering things like Christmas cards and table decorations.
The rush is on!
Just for fun, I'm going to be writing about the holiday season and how to live with joy in the middle of it. I believe we can enjoy meaningful, satisfying lives even in busy times, if we just notice the gifts each day brings and relish the beauty we have in front of us.
Because I'm going to be visiting with family or traveling on Fridays, I won't be able to do the Window Views posts for the next two months. I won't be able to link up other blog posts as they arrive, and that would not be fair to bloggers who have spent time writing them.
So I'm suspending Window Views until January. This doesn't mean I'll be leaving the Moonboat, however! I'll still be posting at least three times a week, bringing you passages from the interior landscape of my life.
If you'd like me to continue Window Views after Christmas, please leave me a comment below or a note on Twitter saying so. For that matter, tell me what kinds of posts you like most here at the Moonboat. I'm looking to reader interest to guide some of my decisions.
If you have a window views post now, go ahead and send me the link this week. I can list you below. Next week, we won't do any.
1. Amy Kiane's October Window View
2. Tricia's Rain-Soaked and Sunny
3. His Firefly's Ready Now
4. Sandra's Chicken House or Shed
Has the busyness of the holiday season started affecting you yet? I have a theory that most of us feel it long before Thanksgiving. Do you feel it yet?
Photograph of elder berries on Sam's Knob Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, copyright 2010 by Cassandra Frear.
17 comments:
I no longer go to malls and only to the grocery because I have to. I avoid the kinds of stores that put up Christmas decorations before Halloween. I've reached the point in life, finally, where I have no problem saying no. It's so freeing, and I get to enjoy serenity and quiet and not let the madness dictate.
I wish you a peaceful and joy-filled season.
That's really great, Maureen!
I'm looking forward to more peaceful times, but right now I have so many people to take care of -- all coming and going -- that's it's busy, busy!
Still, I intend to find many peaceful and reverent moments in the middle of it all. Then I'll blog about it!
Nope. Don't feel it. We celebrate pretty simply. We don't entertain. No company. We will go "up north" to my sister's for that weekend for extended family dinner.
Tradition calls for the gals (Sissy, me, daughter, and niece) to shop on Black Friday morning in a small town starting at 5 a.m. Eat breakfast out. Hit a kitchen store where they offer snacks. Fool around and act goofy. Sissy and I love trying to embarrass the girls. Actual gift buying is secondary to fun and bonding.
We buy only for our family, my mom and dad, Sissy and niece. This year since we have two babies, adult gifts will be limited, and traditions may be adjusted--especially since my niece may have to work that Friday.
We spend Christmas Eve at church where we usually eat after the service. Home for a gift apiece. Christmas Day at home. And then back to my sister's for a couple days.
That's it. I do a Christmas tree, but not a lot of decorations because I hate putting them away. I bake pies for Thanksgiving. We cook together at my sister's. Simple Christmas meal.
I may get Christmas cards out. I may not. This year I may frame some of my photos for gifts. We give to family only.
Boring. ;)
Okay, Sandra!
Now I expect to see lots of writing from you, since things will be so calm over there at your house.
(grin, grin)
Then again, maybe I should hire you to help me.
I will miss your windows, because it tickles me to picture us around the world, which is really not that big, just taking a moment to look through other people's eyes. Christmas chaos has not hit yet over here in Asia, because it is not a huge cultural event like Chinese New Year is for instance. But I noticed yesterday there were beautiful (pink!) decorations hanging from the tropical trees outside a local mall. It bought such a smile to my face. I love picturing you in front of the fire, with your cosy Christmas traditions. This year we are flying back home a few days before the 25th and as such it will be a 'light' year, due to baggage allowances! But it will still be all about family none the less - a typical kiwi Christmas: beaches, river-walks, camping out, golf, thrift store shopping, cafes with a newspaper and laughter :) Thanks for making me think about this time of deliberate remembrance - and I will remember you as you love on those around you. Have a peppermint mocha in warm socks, and stare into the flames for me, and I will think of you as I slap on sunscreen and swelter :) xxx
I like your balance. It's mixed nicely with anticipation.
Yes, the rush is on. Seems when Halloween hits it's already full swing at my house. We're high tilt into children's Christmas program practices. So much the reason why I like to finish up as much as I can in October.
But, really I can't wait for holiday music to be on the air in a few, short weeks. I've already listened to a few albums while still wearing shorts :) Happy Holidays!
The busyness of the holidays are already affecting me, but only because of my photography business. This is the busy time of year, but I won't complain because come January there will be nothing for a few months. I'd love for you to continue after January. I can't write every week, but I enjoy it when I can.
Amy Lynas, I can't imagine Christmas sweltering. I wonder if I would recover from experiencing it! Of course, you'll get regular peeks into my world with my posts, although they will be just 3 times a week over the holidays. Cheers!
Amy Nabors, If I see enough interest, Window Views will continue after the New Year!
Tricia, This is a busy time of year for you. I can remember how it was when my kids were growing up in our home. Hang in there and enjoy it all you can!
I'll be schooling the kids up to 1st week in December .. so looking forward to taking 2 months off... ahhh and focusing on writing
Here's to throw my vote in for Window Views! I love to get glimpses at other people's worlds. It somehow helps me to appreciate the beauty in my own, perhaps as points of recognition, small things that in busyness I tend to overlook.
Enjoy the holidays! I'm ready to break out some Christmas music - I'm a bit late doing so this year. :)
I don't even think about the holidays until mid-November. :o)
Darn. Just found you and now you' re leaving til Jan. I'll look forward to reading you then:)
My vote: Definitely keep window views. I hope you enjoy your holiday time. I am praying for stress-free, peace-filled holidays. Blessings to you!
Rebbie and Angel,
I added a couple of sentences to today's post so I don't mislead people into thinking I'm going away entirely for the holidays! I'll still be posting at least three times a week.
Thanks for your comments.
Here's my link for this week:
http://hisfirefly.blogspot.com/2010/10/window-views-ready-now.html
I truly do enjoy these window views, so if the Lord provides you the grace to continue again next year, I'll be here!
Sliding in with my view.
http://sandraheskaking.com/2010/10/chicken-house-or-shed/
Well, you will surely hit a sore spot with the topic of managing through the holidays with joy. Keep us on track, Cass!
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