Advent
Today Daughter No.1 and I finally got our advent candle decoration made. Better late than never I say. We didn’t make it in time for the first Sunday of Advent, but at least we just sneaked in before December 1st. If you’d like to see how we make it, then there are instructions here.
Several Christmas decorations seem to have appeared too – a little too early for me, but it has all put me rather into the Christmas spirit.
This year I have resolved to try very hard to have a restful Christmas. I know this may be asking too much when I’ll have a houseful of people, a Christmas party to organize, not to mention a birthday in the middle of it all. I also know that I say this every year and it never, ever works out! For once though, I want to actually be able to stop and savour the moment and calmly reflect on celebrating the birth of Jesus rather than being permanently in a whirlwind of activity, which inevitably leaves me in bed with a migraine sometime before the New Year.
As there is no way the family will make do with any less than a full English Christmas with all the trimmings, the only options would seem to be a) delegation (and I do have two teenage daughters who could, if they wanted to, be fairly useful) and b) organization. With the latter in mind I shall put my mind to it and do a little bit every day.
Are you sitting down?
Today I wrapped some presents and sent off two parcels!!! The whole time I was wrapping things I was actually thinking about how I wasn’t wrapping them at 1.30am on Christmas morning – and it was a wonderful feeling! On top of which it means that little explorers with prying eyes will have no idea in advance what they are getting for Christmas!!
So I’m starting the way I mean to go on….and long may it last!
Wishing you a joyful start to advent!
Helen
November 30th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Beautiful traditional arrangement – I love it!
I wish I were wrapping the gifts for two parcels that need to go abroad – but I’m still waiting for delivery, grrr! It will be tight: again.
Still, no stress, eh?!
December 1st, 2011 at 12:35 am
I am about to start the wrapping process too. I need to know what I haven’t got. I also need to know if I have hidden some things too well – ie lost them. I love your Advent candles! Oh yes, I am also trying to plan for a peaceful Christmas, but I have not got a clue where we / i will be so that rather throws a spanner in the works. Maybe here. Maybe Kent. Maybe Switzerland. Maybe Scotland. who knows…..
December 1st, 2011 at 2:58 am
I’m trying to do the same. Every day I give myself a chore to do from a long list I’ve written down and hopefully a couple of days before Christmas everything is done. I have to admit that I already have fallen behind somewhat, but there’s still time to catch up! Yes, I’m a dreamer.!!!Your “Adventsgesteck” looks lovely; mine hasn’t seen the light of day yet (I don’t get the real ones anymore since they dry out so fast here and I’ve had one go up in flames already). Wishing you a blessed Advent.
December 1st, 2011 at 4:50 am
What a wonderful tradition! I love Advent candle decorations. I join you in trying to keep from getting so frazzled by all there is to do. This year will be a time of less stress and more enjoying the reason for the season!
And thank you for much for the German interpretation for the writing on my treadle machine. I really appreciate your help!
December 1st, 2011 at 10:56 pm
I really wish our thanksgiving was not a few days before ADvent. I always forget to make the wreath…especially since the boys have grown and they don’t do it at church class anymore!
December 3rd, 2011 at 2:11 am
I love this post, Helen! And I am hopeful that you will be able to spend at least a part of the season peacefully and quietly enjoying.
If it would be of any help – I used to host not only my immediate family, but parents and grandparents and sisters from Santa Fe (who stayed at the house as well) and my husband’s extended family of children. And like you I wanted to be able to enjoy those five days – not work like a crazy woman feeding and caring.
So, what I did was on November 1 each year, i would rent a freezer (did not own one at the time) and almost every evening when i came home from work, i would prepare one thing and freeze it. Everything from Lamb Stew to french bread to cookies and plumb pudding. Believe me it made all the difference. All meals and desserts were ready to be served easily and quickly. Except the roast beast of course!
December 4th, 2011 at 8:29 am
I’m well ahead of schedule as well this year too. Aren’t we awesome!