Festivus

Yesterday was Festivus, Christmas Eve Eve.  This has become a great celebration among my friends at home and one that we have had to pass on as we are typically traveling this time of year (miss you guys, looks like a great evening!!).  We had a fairly busy day of running around; topped off by going to see the Christmas lights in Naples, watching Deck the Halls, and then having our own little airing of grievances...starting with the fact that B was feeling crappy and in bed.   2015 was definitely a difficult year for my family as a whole, and though there were parts that gave each of us much joy, none of us will be sad to open the next chapter.

Our 'airing of grievances' was not to tell those around us how they had disappointed us. My life philosophy takes a cue from Monty Python, and I always look on the bright side of life.  However it was good to reflect on the negative, scary and sad to truly appreciate the gift of being able to primarily focus on joy as we enter the wonder of Christmas.

Journaling and Setting Intentions

This year has just flown.  It has been exciting, fulfilling and challenging all at once.   As we wind down into the heart of the holiday season I find myself with a little time to reflect on the year and set some goals.   When I was surfing my twitter feed the other night I found this link to 5 Totally Inspirational Books to Give This Holiday Season.  Of course what stuck out to me was 52 Lists Project.  As a list maker this seemed a great way to prompt some creative blog posts, especially when I feel a bit as if my words are suspended in the air, not quite able to grasp them and put them down.  When I went to Amazon, there was a deal.  You know, the one where the say buy these together for this discount.  Since three of the five books were bundled for a great price I got them all.  Two of the three are simple journaling books with writing prompts that I think will be fun to explore over the coming months.  Have you started to look ahead into the new year and set intentions for yourself?

Keeping Us On Our Toes

The last couple of weeks have been a blur.  We spent Thanksgiving week in Kansas with B's family, it was a great trip even though it was bookended by winter storms to travel in.  Then my Sister-in Law, Michelle drove back and spent the last week here with us.  We settled back into work and school and had a great time in between visiting and running around with her.  Always a ton of fun!

The holiday season is in full swing with decorations up, and events peppering the calendar.  The house is lit by the soft glow of twinkle lights, and I'm diffusing my Holiday Joy essential oil blend downstairs to further enhance the mood.   I love these few weeks before Christmas when the outdoor tasks are completely done,  the family's Christmas packages are wrapped and ready to be shipped, and I can sit down, immerse myself in holiday projects and crafts with the kids, and watch loads of Christmas movies.   However, it is not completely relaxing as we have an 18 month old puppy and a mischievous kitten in the house.   Together, they make perfect partners in crime while exploring the decorations and keeping us on our toes.