... and boy oh boy are we getting excited here?! Yes, we are... The boys are counting 'sleeps' on their calendars...
I love Christmas and all the build-up, the decorating, time with family etc. On the other hand, I do find that I am prone to running around like a headless chicken (or maybe turkey is more apt - sorry)... Anyway, it's not pretty... I go from idyllic Christmas card setting to absolute utter chaos and then back again all in the blink of an eye - (especially now our boys are finished school for the year as of yesterday)!!
However, what I do know is that we are helping to create memories... - for our children and loved ones. Wow! All the present wrapping, food organising, Christmas card writing etc. is an integral part of Christmas. However, it is not the ONLY part...
Yes, this is the biggy! I know, it is just so busy that there seems no time to give anything else of ourselves but at the same time, if we don't, then we are not giving to our loved ones the most precious gift possible... Our LOVE! Our TIME! Our ATTENTION! Of course, this needs to apply to ourselves too!
Give permission to take time for yourself occasionally - things will 'wait' for you... I'm only talking about taking 5 mins here and there... I know, I find it hard to take time for myself but I really NEED to for my own sanity and nourishment. Of course by giving myself these little breaks, I can look at the 'big' picture and forget the things that really aren't that important and just focus on the things that are. I mean no one is going to remember the dust on the bookcase but they will remember the welcoming arms, the wonderful company and the love emanating from you...
So, this year we are going for a bit of a 'homespun' feel to Christmas. I have to say in part because we are so, so busy but also because it just feels right this year.
There is so much financial hardship at the moment, that being a bit frugal and cutting out the superfluous seems just the ticket. There's a lot to be said for simplicity... As they say, 'less is more...'.
Joseph after having helped decorate our tree...
So, with that in mind, we all thought it would be cool for our boys to make the wrapping paper this year, together with gift tags and some of the presents too!
On Saturday, we started with the wrapping paper first...
As you can see, they are getting quite into it! We used two cookie cutters and made stamps from potatoes... Then, we had a roll of paper hanging about and they just, well stamped...
Here, they are making the gift tags and of course, there has to be a bit of glitter at Chrstimas-time!
And here we are with the first batch of homemade peppermint creams and one pressie wrapped! We got quite a lot done and it kept their attention quite nicely.
For me, I like to share some of the Christmas preparations with the boys so that they get to be part of both the gift preparation and the giving. Also, it helps them realise that Christmas doesn't all just magically happen and that there are a lot of steps to making a Christmas special. It gives them a feeling of pride and joy that they too are contributing their love and time towards making happy memories for others! I think sometimes we all have to be reminded that it is the giving that counts and not the 'how much'.
Of course, you still have to make time for sharing with Father Christmas what you are wishing for Christmas morning you know...!
What kind of traditions/preparations do you enjoy doing with your own children?
Enjoy your festive rituals and make time for an occasional mince pie, mulled wine and a meditative gaze at your Christmas tree lights whilst saying a silent prayer of gratitude... Then, take a deep breath and do some more card writing and wrapping - ha, ha....
I'm getting really excited about Christmas now! There have been lots of festive things happening around here in our little village of Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. It just feels wonderful when everyone pulls together and makes a special weekend of fun and happy memories for both villagers and visitors alike.... Such a sense of community spirit - really special to behold...
So, since we had such a special time this weekend, I just wanted to share some of the highlights with you all.
The High Street, Pateley Bridge (sorry, bit blurred)
Friday afternoon our boys went to a pantomine in Harrogate with their school to see Beauty and the Beast which they loved (they also really, really enjoyed their ice cream at half time)!
Friday evening there was a Lantern Parade around the streets of our village but unfortunately we missed that due to the Panto. On my way to picking them up though, I caught sight of the lanterns and they were magical...
Saturday, I was taking part in a local arts and crafts event which was part of the whole Nidderdale - St. Nicholas festival weekend. The art and craft event was held in the Masonic Hall in Pateley Bridge. Lovely building....
my display....
The boys and I got to see a live demonstration of glass blowing and we were all entranced. Andrew and David (see below) are located in Pateley Bridge at the King Street Workshops. They even gave my boys some glass as a little gift, which Benji is going to add to his 'artifact' collection apparently...
The top part of the glass is what is kept - its a glass shell...
We spent time with some reindeer (so exciting, never seen them up close and personal) and the super cute llamas from Nidderdale Llamas. The boys got to share with Santa what they would like for Christmas (they also whispered their wishes to Rudolph the Reindeer).
The reindeers were beautiful. They were three years old and good as gold. Their antlers were spectacular!
Then hubby and I went to see singer/songwriter friend of ours Ade Payne at our local pub, The Crown on Saturday night. Ade writes and sings his own material and he was exceptional - so gifted! He was joined by an amazing fiddle player and bass player. Great night and great atmosphere!
Ade and his band! (sorry, bit fuzzy)
Latest painting: Earth Mother, acrylic
My latest painting is entitled Earth Mother and this is inspired by pregnancy and the miracle of giving birth. I have been thinking a lot lately of the birth of my own children and how amazing the whole experience was. But also, the giving birth of all living creatures (ie. the bird eggs) and metaphorically speaking of 'giving birth' to new ideas, new thoughts and ways of being.
Lastly, I watched this clip the other day from Raw Food Reform and was blown away by the beauty of the words shared by Matt Monarch shortly after his first-born daughter came into this world... I think more men could do with this insight and the world would be a much better place... Thank you Matt.
So, that's it folks. Have a blessed week and if there are local events running near you, try to take a look...
Oooooo, and don't forget, you can purchase my artwork directly, via my website using Paypal and/or a credit card. Also, my work is available at Rapture Gallery in Harrogate Town Centre. Lastly, here is Hallie-Mai with a commission that I did for her adorable bedroom:
Original commission - mixed media
If you are interested in any commission work, please email: jane_hinchliffe@btinternet.com. Or, we can have a chat on the phone as to exactly your needs and requirements (just add your phone number in the email). Thank you.
