It is the eve of Christmas Eve, my friends and I'm popping in quickly to tell you a bit about my plans for what to me is one of the loveliest weeks of the year, the lull between Christmas and New Year's. And yes, I know a picture of my feet may seem an odd choice, but these are hands down my favorite Christmas / wintry socks, and let me just say, I own a few. I chose them, both to document my love for them, but also because they perfectly embody the soul of this post, so let's get to it.
As most of you know I follow the liturgical calendar, which means that for us, Christmas doesn't truly even begin until December 25, and then spans through Epiphany, January 6, the true twelve days of Christmas! So while so many are putting away their decorations and taking down the tree, for us it is only beginning, and it is truly the loveliest time of the entire season. The shopping is done, the presents are opened, and now it is time to relax and simply linger in Christmastide.
And while not everyone observes the liturgical calendar, based upon the following post I came across recently, a time of quiet recovery is sorely needed by many. Nestivus, "a day of reprieve from the pressures of holiday cheer and other related anxieties ; celebrated by returning to one's "nest" or place of comfort in order to recharge.", which just speaks to my wintry loving, hibernating soul! So whether you can devote a day or two, or the even the entire week to lingering in Christmastide, I invite you to join me.
Now, before I begin let me say this. Laundry still piles up, and dishes still need to be washed. I'm not able to or encouraging an all out withdrawal from duty. But aside from perhaps a quick trip to the store for a few needed but otherwise forgotten necessities, the idea is to devote a day or more to rest and relishing in the season. If you typically take your tree down the day after Christmas, I encourage you to leave it up for a bit, and linger in its light through the new year. Wear you comfiest clothes, set out your favorite books, drink something warm. Whatever elements appeal to you that promote rest and the cozy comforts of home. I understand that many of you have jobs to return to, but you can still set aside your evenings to indulge in comfort, and with a little thought and planning, you can have everything at the ready when you return home. Also if you are a mother of small children, I understand those challenges, as well. But it doesn't take much to encourage children to join in if you set the stage! Do a puzzle together, play board games, have a read-aloud by candlelight before bed. Children often become rowdy because they are bored and don't know what to do with all of that energy, especially post-Christmas. By having a plan and setting the stage, you can direct them into more calming activities that they will love and enjoy!
Next week I'll be sharing more specifics of how I plan spend my days, but today I want to share one of the ways I already have mapped out, probably not surprising, by watching movies! I may not get to all of them, but I hope to watch as many as possible, dressed in my comfiest clothes and cross-stitching and crocheting all the while! So here's my list . . . (Non-Affiliate links, simply shared for the inspiration!)
Anne of Green Gables - The Sequal
The Von Trapp Family: A Life of Music
Little Women - my favorite adaptation
Then in traditional fashion, on New Year's Eve I'll begin watching The Hobbit / Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I think one year we watched all six movies by the time the clock struck midnight on News Years Day, but now I have a more realistic goal to begin on New Year's Eve with the hopes of having watched all of them by Twelfth Night. We have traditional meals for New Years and this year I'm working on one for Twelfth Night, and I'll share about those in another post.
As for next week, I have other plans as well, which includes baking, cooking, crafting, reading, and I'll be sharing all of that here with you in the days after Christmas But for today I simply wanted to put the idea out there and encourage you to join me! I'm sure this isn't new and perhaps you already have your own traditions that you observe during this time, and if so I encourage you share in the comments! It would be lovely to have a storehouse of collective ideas for observing this special time!
Until then my friends, I wish you the happiest and most blessed Christmas!
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