Such a magical time this month of December is. I try not to rush through the season and really enjoy the process of each little thing. It's actually a little mantra of mine for everyday life.
I've been slowly bringing boxes in from the garage and placing decorations here and there, sometimes with no real plan. I like it best this way, and Mario has been my little helper elf. So far only one broken ornament!
During all this hustle and bustle, don't forget to slow down and enjoy the actual process of decorating, baking, wrapping, singing, tree trimming (preferably while sipping hot cocoa, please and thank you.}.
It's not a race to see how quickly we can get our houses decorated or who can bake the most cookies. For every decoration I've got out, there are 3 more still in boxes. As for cookies....I haven't even begun, and I've got some serious visions of sugarplums this year!
It's about having fun, being with family, and really stopping to take a deep breath, look around and be in the moment. 'Cause we all know how quickly the moments pass.
Find magic in the little things this season....if you pay close attention, you will see that it's everywhere.
What lovely images and sentiments. You are so right. I haven't begun baking yet either. I really love the apothecary jar filled with pink ornaments. :)
Posted by: Carmen | December 09, 2009 at 03:25 PM
Just the sweetest lovelies ever... You have such an eye and your collection and gathering of vintage goods are amazing :) I hope you are doing well and enjoying your baby bump ;)
Sheila
Posted by: sheila payne | December 09, 2009 at 03:46 PM
nice post Andrea, a nice lesson in it! Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | December 09, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Great advice Andrea! I'm trying to do the same. I'm enjoying this season but feel it passing by so quickly that it makes me a little sad.
Got your package the other day. Such beauty! I loved everything. Hope you are feeling well. Jen
Posted by: [email protected] | December 09, 2009 at 04:11 PM
It's all so lovely...the decorations and the words! Thanks for the reminder, because you're right, the moments can pass too quickly:)
Posted by: Leah C | December 09, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Oooo love all the decorations. And you're right. It's about the moments, memeories and time spent with friends and family.
Posted by: Diana | December 09, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Oh, the holy card garland. How did I miss the making of that beauty? If I could talk my mom into parting with her grade-school collection from the 40's . . . or at least letting me photocopy them! So pretty.
Posted by: Lisa | December 09, 2009 at 05:30 PM
BEAUTIFUL reminder and awesome pictures...what a bunch of good eye candy is out at your home! And you don't even have it all out, WOW! Gorgeous...
XOXO
Joni
Posted by: Joni | December 09, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Andrea, it looks stunning! Oh, my! Simply perfect! I have that star too.. the one at the top and just posted a ton of religious Christmas.. LOL too funny!
Posted by: gabrielle | December 09, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Oh, and you are so right... it's not a race at all. Taking in every last second of the beautiful season is where it's at!
Posted by: gabrielle | December 09, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Andrea, it looks stunning! Simply amazing! I have that same star... the one at the top and just did a religious Christmas post.. too funny!
Posted by: gabrielle | December 09, 2009 at 05:49 PM
OH, and so right.. it's not a race at all! Enjoying every second of this season is what it's all about!
Posted by: gabrielle | December 09, 2009 at 05:50 PM
What beautiful decorations! And a beautiful reminder of slowing down and really enjoying the process. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: debi | December 09, 2009 at 06:31 PM
What a lovely and inspiring post! And I totally agree about the hot chocolate :)
Sue E.
Posted by: Sue | December 09, 2009 at 07:49 PM
I LOVE your post. You have a wonderful perspective on life. Thanks for sharing and making the world a more lovely place.
Posted by: Jeni | December 09, 2009 at 08:51 PM
p.s.
I must mention your beautiful photos. So pretty. They should be cards.
Posted by: Jeni | December 09, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Andrea... it is all looking magical!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your religious card garland... what a beauty that is! You have such a beautiful collection of ornaments too. Love how you have them scattered about. I just love this time of year so much. :)
xo Heather
Posted by: Heather ~ Pretty Petals | December 09, 2009 at 09:33 PM
what an absolutely beautiful post. love your closing sentences. beautiful!
xo
Posted by: elyse | December 09, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Magic in the moments is enough right now, isn't it? So lovely!
Posted by: pamelajane | December 10, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Beautiful decorations!
Especially love those pink pine cones!
Awesome!
Posted by: pamq | December 10, 2009 at 12:13 AM
everything looks gorgeous Andrea...you have a beautiful collection of ornaments...and i love the star in the first pic, soooo pretty!!!
Posted by: Lori | December 10, 2009 at 05:53 AM
the birth of jesus! love the message andrea. =)
Posted by: holly | December 10, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Your ornaments and decorations are GORGEOUS! I'd love to see your home any time of the year!
Posted by: Erica H | December 10, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Amen to the sentiments you so eloquently expressed here. ANd I sooo love your vintage Christmasy things!
Please come visit my holiday home when you get a chance!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Posted by: Stephanie | December 10, 2009 at 07:25 PM
hear hear. I go bonkers at the start of the month, getting everything up and in place, so I can just potter through the rest of the month adding little touches here and there, making changes, enjoying what I've done. I love it!
Today I am making a little sparkly project I hope to share on CR over the weekend, and another couple of 'decoration only' stockings. :O)
have a lovely weekend xx
Posted by: sadie | December 11, 2009 at 07:26 AM