Joyeux Noel

If I could recommend one Christmas movie, this is the one. I wish all families would watch it.

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Christmas Fabric Wrap

This year, my daughter Erin suggested we wrap gifts in fabric – not paper. I think it’s a great idea as we can re use the fabric year after year. I picked up fabric scraps at the thrift store. I also came across some lightweight cotton place mats that will be a nice size to wrap a small gift.  I have a few older table clothes that my mom sewed for me many years ago. I think I’ll re purpose them into wrap also. I hope you give green gift wrapping a try.

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Christmas Parcels

I’m getting into the Christmas spirit now. I wrapped up a few gifts that will be mailed in early December. If I get a jump start on things like wrapping and card writing in November, I’ll have time for other things that bring joy during this season.

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Merry Christmas Friends!

Merry Christmas to all my blog friends, and to all peace, joy, love and hope in 2014!

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January Prayers

( This is a repost)

It’s January and I’m keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. You see, each day I re-read a Christmas card and say a special prayer for the sender.  I’ve been blessed over and over as I continue this practice year after year. When our girls were home, we would put the cards in a basket. Each evening at the supper table, one girl selected a card which we then read together and prayed a special prayer for the sender. Maybe this is a tradition you would like to start. It sure is special. Have a wonderful week.

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Christmas Prayers

This is a re post.

In the midst of the excitement of the Christmas season, I like to experience calmness. These two prayers help to keep me focused on the true meaning of the season. I like to take time regularly to reflect on these prayers written long ago.

Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (1800’s)

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels,the gladness of the shepherds,and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing, which Christ brings,and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, Amen!

Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)

Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

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January Prayers

It’s January and I’m keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. You see, each day I re-read a Christmas card and say a special prayer for the sender.  I’ve been blessed over and over as I continue this practice year after year. When our girls were home, we would put the cards in a basket. Each evening at the supper table, one girl selected a card which we then read together and prayed a special prayer for the sender. Maybe this is a tradition you would like to start. It sure is special. Have a wonderful week.

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Remember Your Delivery People

This year I’ve made an extra effort in planning a little gift for our letter carrier and other individuals who make deliveries to our home. We’ve had temperatures as low as – 38 C already, but this hasn’t stopped these diligent workers from stopping by our home/business. If you’re able, remember your delivery people &/or sanitation workers this holiday season.

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Visits with Santa

On Saturday, I went to the mall with the intention of watching youngsters visit with Santa.  I bought a coffee, found a good seat, and just watched.  It was such a delight to see the wonderment on the faces of the children. I think I’m going to do this again and again in the years to come. Why don’t you do the same? To see children believe is so heartwarming.

 

 

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Christmas Prayers – Repost

This is a re post from last Christmas. I like these prayers so much, I wanted to post this again.

In the midst of the excitement of the Christmas season, I like to experience calmness. These two prayers help to keep me focused on the true meaning of the season. I like to take time regularly to reflect on these prayers written long ago.

Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (1800’s)

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels,the gladness of the shepherds,and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing, which Christ brings,and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, Amen!

Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)

Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

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Go Gaudy this Christmas

Did you know that Christmas is the one time of the year that gaudiness is accepted by most people? I just learned that too.  Here are few ideas of what you can do:

– add a little razzle dazzle to every room in your house.

– once the lights are on the tree, add one more set.

– wear a Christmas apron.

– hang an ornament from the rear view mirror in your vehicle (or add a wreath to your bumper).

– once you’ve selected one poinsettia to purchase, add two more to your cart.

Be creative and enjoy being gaudy.  Have fun.

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Gift of Kind Words

This month I’ve been keeping a secret list of things I love about my husband and each of my girls.  Every few days, I take the time to think of what I admire most about them, which I then record in a journal.  Come Christmas day, I’ll include the list in a personal card addressed to each.   Why don’t you do the same for those who are special to you. A kind word penetrates the heart – forever, I think.   Merry Christmas, Linda

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Hostess (Host) Gifts

When I am invited to someone’s home, I sometimes bring a small gift for the host or hostess. Although it’s not necessary, it is a gesture of my appreciation.  If you would like to do the same, here are a few ideas of what you could bring:

–         printed paper napkins

–         natural scented room spray

–         small package of homemade chocolate covered nuts (easy to make in a jiffy)

–         small jar of homemade jam ( I buy this at a local craft/farmers market)

–         cooking or decorating magazine

–         flowers

Remember to consider your budget. Make the gift personal, not expensive, and not too glitzy. Have fun. Linda

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Share A Christmas Memory

Last night, as I was reading inspirational Christmas stories in a magazine, my mind drifted to my own Christmases past. I felt so much joy as I recalled wonderful times. I had a few chuckles too. Memories are so wonderful to share. You know, they can be a real inspiration to others. Would you like to tell about a special Christmas time right here?   All you need to do it type it up in the Comments below.   Go ahead and inspire someone today.  Don’t worry about spelling and grammar.

Here is a memory that warms my heart and makes me laugh.

On Christmas Eve, when the younger children (& grandchildren) were just put to bed, Dad would go into the pantry and bang on the wall – making all kinds of ruckus. Mom would play along and say frantically “Andy, what is all that noise!”   Dad would holler back “I don’t know Sheila, maybe its Santa and his reindeer on the roof!”  Then he would add something like “I think Santa is coming down the chimney”. Mom and Dad managed to fool the younger children over and over again. What I find amusing now is that we never had a chimney but this never stopped the children from believing.

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Celebrations – Preparation

This morning I was reading in the book of Luke about Mary and Martha.  I was reminded at how important it is to have our priorities in order.  To summarize the story, Jesus was visiting Mary and Martha (sisters). Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to all that he had to say. Martha was distracted by the preparations that had to be made. She was worried and upset about many things. She came to Jesus and said ‘tell her to help’.  Jesus told Martha that Mary had made the better decision.  What struck me this morning is that I am easily distracted by preparations.  I become frustrated, worried and upset. The meaning of the celebration is often clouded over by the work. I need to be certain that the reason for the celebration is clear in my mind and then all preparations will fall into place in a healthier manner.

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Christmas Prayers

In the midst of the excitement of the Christmas season, I like to experience calmness. These two prayers help to keep me focused on the true meaning of the season. I like to take time regularly to reflect on these prayers written long ago.

Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (1800’s)

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels,the gladness of the shepherds,and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing, which Christ brings,and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, Amen!

Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)

Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

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Keepsake Heirloom Ornament

Keepsake Heirloom Ornament

I love to put these heirloom ornaments on the tree every year as they remind me of my heritage. The photo you see here is of my sister and me when we were young.  I am holding the baseball glove. I made several of these keepsake ornaments a few years ago. I gave them to my siblings as gifts.

I am once again making these with my girlfriends tonight.

Here are the instructions.

Scan old photos

Paste to a Word document.  (I can usually get about 12 or more photos on one page)

Save as PDF.

Print on 8 ½ X 11 decal paper (or any paper with an adhesive back).

Trim each photo to fit on glass bulb. Leave a white border. I like to use scissors that leave a jagged edge.

Peel off backing.

Stick photo to the bulb. You may need to make small incisions around the border of the photo in order to fit on a round bulb.

Spray very lightly with spray varnish  (or you can use Mod Podge Gloss on and around photo edge)

Attach a ribbon.

Enjoy!

(I learned about these keepsake ornaments in Better and Homes and Gardens December 2003 magazine)

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Taking Care of Yourself – Christmas

The Christmas season can be so full at times. I encourage you to make a point of taking care of yourself.   When we are busy with work, family and extra activities, our needs can go by the wayside. We neglect the things that rejuvenate us like exercise, restful sleep and contact with nature. Guard the time you need to refresh yourself.

Also, as women we can misjudge the time we have available. A little extra planning can be useful. Take the time to plan a couple outfits. Write these down. This will help you avoid a possible disaster when you need to get ready in a hurry.  This can be as simple as one pair of pants, or a skirt, and a couple different tops. Include shoes and accessories in your plan.  Always kept these items clean and neat. When my girls were young and our days were busier, I pre-planned a few outfits and wrote these on blank cards. I found this extremely helpful – I hope you do too. Linda

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Christmas Price Index

This is an interesting and fun website. Be sure to watch the video.
http://www.pncchristmaspriceindex.com/CPI/index.html

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Family Traditions

I really like to create and uphold traditions (enjoyable activities). I think it is a good idea to review our traditions now and then.  When our family was very young, I decided to have a close look at our family’s traditions. I looked at the things we did and why we did them. I asked ‘why are we doing this and do we want to do this?’ I did notice that most of the traditions came from my side of the family. Mainly because I am the woman and my husbands family is in another province.  I asked my husband what traditions he wanted to include in our family from his childhood.  We then worked on building our own traditions based on our values.  We ended some things and we started new things. Some of our Christmas traditions include: advent; decorating the tree; holiday baking; Christmas light sightseeing; and other activities. It has been wonderful creating our own traditions and seeing our girls embrace these.

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