It's holiday prep time here.
After 20 years doing Christmas up big time here in the decorating department
with collections for every room so big
they have to be in storage
I have decided to do a different plan this year.
With my daughter living on her own for the first Christmas ever
this holiday season looks a little different
as we used to spend most of her college break
doing one form of Christmas project or another every day.
But like all the seasons of life eventually do
this one too has changed.
So I have decided to do things different here this year.
Not in a I'm sad
so I will do less kind of change.
But really just the opposite.
I have made it my intention
to celebrate
the life I have now
which means I am free to
make this year fabulous in a new way!
Instead of pulling out all of my massive decor this year
I have decided to do things more simply
concentrating most of my decor
on the live variety.
Trees, greens and flowers
will be my main focus
mixed with textiles and good food and drink
with plenty of sparkly lights, candles
and
fires in the fireplace.
mixed with textiles and good food and drink
with plenty of sparkly lights, candles
and
fires in the fireplace.
I want to simplify my Christmas this year
so I have more time to focus
on the little miracles of the season
like watching the sun climb the sky
to light up the garden.
I want to be truly present
with friends and family this year
to take in
the miracle and sanctity
of being together in the moments of the season.
I want to simplify
so I can remember
it's the tiny moments
that end up being the memory.
I want to have the soul of the season
in my heart.
I want to have the soul of the season
in my heart.
This year I want to make my spaces
simply beautiful
so my true focus
can be on being present
to spend time with family and friends in the moment.
This year I want to take things slower
to appreciate the season of giving
not filling my days up with endless to do lists.
I will edit my decor schedules
to make more room
for my people.
When people come to my home this holiday season
I want them to feel love in abundance
to feel cozy, nurtured and calm.
So I will be prepping for the holidays here
simply
planting and nurturing my gardens
inside and out
and
always looking for the moments and the miracles
that make this season memorable.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life
IT MUST BE WHERE WE ARE IN LIFE ? FOR I WILL BE DOING THE SAME !
ReplyDeleteAND AFTER ALL ,ISNT THAT WHAT THE SEASON IS SUPPOSE TO BE ABOUT ? THE SHARING
AND JUST BEING TOGETHER
Absolutely Sissy … it really is! Hope all is well with you and yours!
DeleteI agree, Tamera. I am so ready to dial down the decorations, but I have grandchildren whose eyes light up at the sparkle. But the amount of love will stay the same!
ReplyDeleteHurray for you in celebrating simply Tamera! What a lovely post. Also, when you come to San Diego next time, if you have not already been there, there's a gorgeous restaurant called La Villa in Little Italy in downtown San Diego that I think you would totally adore as it's design mecca of beauty and great fresh farm-to-table food and a lovely outdoor patio--just a wonderful experience all the way around. I did a blog post about it on my Travel/Reviews pages at kathrynbechenink.com if you want to look. Your back yard chairs are the same as theirs! Both my hubby and I just loved this place--the perfect blend of Tuscany in SoCal!
ReplyDeleteDear Tamera I love seeing you use so many natural elements. Narcissus bulbs are always a favorite this time of year!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
"I want to have the soul of the season in my heart." I love that! Thanks for a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteI am sure even your simple will be stunning. Sometimes it does us good to ring the changes. A new puppy in our house this year means nothing within easy reach. Enjoy your festive season , dearest Tamera.
ReplyDeleteMy god Tamera is that your yard? It's gorgeous! And I'm with you, I'm going more natural this year, with a 'less is more' attitude. And your focus on relishing the experiences and focusing on the good stuff speaks to my heart (as usual). I know it must feel different this year with your daughter's new move. It does for me too--being in a home that is so unfinished and ugly in places--but it's forcing me to keep my values in check too. Breathe Leslie. And be grateful for what you have. This is my daily mantra lately :)
ReplyDeletehugs,
Leslie
In my mind and heart I have been singing and repeating the lines... "let heaven and nature sing" and "a thrill of hope the weary world rejoices"...over and over since the first of October. I am very late with my blog visits, Tamera. I worked overtime in October and have had two eye surgeries this month. I am two days post op on surgery number two. I chose to spend this black Friday evening here catching up with you...pinning to my "Always inspires me, Tamera B!" board. Taking in all of the lovely shared here. I plan to keep the season simple as well. I don't believe that I have ever seen this view of your yard. It is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete~Lynne
w/L