Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

The image above was taken early yesterday morning on my last run at the beach before packing up and heading home, with the new term and school year almost upon us, and my husband and I returning to work. I tried to drink in every moment, savor the light, the scent of the pines, and the feeling of freedom and tranquility and summery loveliness. I picked up a shell - actually 2, one for my car, one for my handbag, to keep with me to remind me to breath, slow down, and savor when the hustle and bustle of life kicks back in.  

Something that struck both of us yesterday when we walked back in our front door was how much we have in our home, how spacious it is and our myriad of possessions. My husband was the one to comment interestingly- but living in a simple, small beach house (known as a bach in New Zealand) with only a small amount of clothing and belongings, really brings attention to what's left at home that we can potentially do without. I'm not suggesting we throw it all away and get rid of all these possessions (not the treasured or useful ones anyway!) but its a worthwhile exercise or lesson to actually acknowledge what we don't need. Of course at home our circumstances are very different- at the beach I alternate between swimwear and beach dresses and not much else- one pair of jandals (Flipflops) and my running gear pretty much. Clearly most of us require more for our regular working week, and home comforts and seasonal necessities but it does make you reflect on the extras (read clutter/excess) we become so accustomed to for the rest of the year.

 I'm sure I mentioned in a past post- my girls loved the children's book, A squash and a squeeze by Julia Donaldson - the premise is that the old lady lives alone but complains her house is too small- there in we are introduced one by one to a host of farm animals who move in, which when she finally gets them all to leave makes her house feel huge and spacious again. sometimes we just need to shift our perspective to see things in a different light and not only be truly grateful for what we have but highlight perhaps what we don't need or require in our lives. 

So once home, having fully unpacked and done 5 loads of laundry yesterday afternoon followed by  racing around to the supermarket etc as the cupboards and fridge were rather bare, I sat down early this morning to look at our up coming schedules, commitments, appointments and term times for the coming academic year. While I don't want this holiday vibe to come to an end, the quiet (and still cool) hour I spent on the deck with coffee, my phone, calendar and a notebook has helped my reset and refocus and feel ready (or as ready as I can be while still padding round barefoot and enjoying my own summery schedule) 

My diary is looking rather fuller, and I have a few lists on the go- along with meal plan for the week- but I have consciously left gaps, and devised ways to squeeze the best from the busiest days- taking a walk during my daughters ballet class for instance, so that when we get home we have the evening together as a family and to eat dinner - which is lovely in these summer months with plenty of daylight but will also be a treat in the winter not to have to be out later in the dark and cold as we were with last years dance schedule.

Its hard to get our heads around seasonal changes- well, maybe not in some corners of the world but where I grew up in England and here in NZ where there are definite seasonal changes. As I hung the laundry (yes, still more) this morning the temperature was SO hot the garments were literally drying in the basket and in my hands as I pegged them out- the pegs were almost too hot to touch- there are extreme weather warnings being issued to keep hydrated and out of the suns intense heat- but by contrast as I was mowing the lawn today I was mentally making a note we need to order fire wood to keep us toasty in the winter. Its a very good thing to stay present, and savor the moment, but it is also a nice feeling to be organized and plan and look forward- without missing and not noticing todays treasures. I actually love all the different seasons and their particular characteristics and clothing requirements, and I'm not wishing summer away- but today, on the eve of my working life kicking back off again, I am quite looking forward to embarking on and embracing our new routines and schedules, and making this year even better than the last. I truly have never felt as fit, healthy and vibrant in my life as I do right now- even after celebrating another birthday last week. I am excited for autumn, and its majestic colors and its first whisps of woodsmoke- but I am savoring the beachy days until then- laundry drying in moments, dinner cooked on the BBQ almost every night, wearing light, cool, airy clothing, and enjoying a paddleboard or a swim in the late afternoon as the day cools off. 

One goal I have this year is to start meditating- probably with an App initially to keep me on track or my mind will inevitably wander! But ironically, even over 7 weeks of blissful summer- I still haven't found the time! But I do sincerely want to accomplish this as I feel its incredibly important to our overall wellbeing.

I am excited for this year to kick off in earnest and see where it takes me- us. I have a finished book (and several on the way) I'm ready to start with the self publishing process (And feel grateful empowered to do so from wonderful mentors such as Fiona Ferris - a fellow kiwi, Jennifer L Scott - writer and youtuber/blogger whom I have followed and read her books over at least a decade,  Jennifer Melville from The Elevated Everday - who's books I have read and re read over several years, and Shannon Ables from The Simply Luxurious Life - these wonderful ladies, mostly without knowing it, have given me a sparkle and drive to see this self publishing dream through to a reality and I cannot wait! 

But for now, I'm about to don my golf shoes and grab my clubs and head out on this VERY hot afternoon to my ladies golf session- more likeminded, supportive and influential women. 

How fortunate I am. 

 savoring simple daily pleasures 

Ten days ago when I promised myself I wouldn't purchase any clothing or footwear for the entirety of 2024, I hadn't really comprehended the enormity of the bombardment we receive every day. Its only been 10 day since my promise and during that time, already, I have become so acutely aware of daily temptations, advertising, social media, retail tricks to urge, persuade and cajole us into parting with our money.

I am staggered by how much it has been brought to my attention and how that little burning need, and fear of missing out, is played upon at every turn by marketing and retail. Two days into my promise I had to take my girls to a mall to purchase a few things they required (not even clothing but some skincare and a paperback book!) I was aware as I parked my car of a quiet determination to not be swayed- much as with any restrictive diet- but truly, within moments, as I purposefully walked swiftly past one of my go-to high street brands, they had a SALE rack just at the door. A $25 sale rack of all things- oh yes, quality, timeless pieces for a fraction of their usual retail price. It all but stopped me in my tracks before I quickly checked myself, and continued to the shop I was planning to go to. But that little rush, that little buzz and adrenaline, of dopamine, still surfaced- just at the thought of being able to sang a bargain, a shiny new something triggered by that magical red sign- SALE. 

I am pleased to report I didn't so much as break my stride and if anything that little experience made me even more determined to see this through. It made me hyper aware of how much we get sucked in, talk ourselves into things, persuade our selves, make excuses and justify these purchases that we truly, almost certainly don't need. Very occasionally- a few times a year perhaps, I will go out with a list and a budget knowing exactly what I am looking to purchase, to fill a necessary gap in my wardrobe- but lets be honest- 99% of the time when we purchase clothing or footwear its on impulse- it catches our eye, a friend has one we admired, an irresistible sale price, an unmissable deal; we buy onto how we want those garments to make us feel or behave or be seen. I know I'm guilty of snatching up an off season deal on items which remain in my closet with their tags on until their season rolled round by which time that pair of pants you bought it to go with no longer fit, you've changed your style a little, or you just plainly see why it was heavily discounted in the first place- to shift stock. in exchange for your hard earned cash. Now I'd like to think I'm a fairly discerning shopper. I prefer quality over quantity, I have successfully enjoyed and maintained a 10 item wardrobe and a capsule wardrobe over the years, then it got a bit out of hand and kept being added to and growing- in part as my style (and shape) changed somewhat, until I reached this point. Too much. 

We are currently at the beach on a family summer break in a small coastal township- with some eye wateringly affluent houses. with the grand homes comes a few boutique shops happy to accommodate their needs, whims and wallets. Our youngest wanted to browse the surf shop and while I happily accompanies her and offered advise on the style and fit of the swimwear she was trying on, again I realized how the clever merchandising draws you in, try's to persuade you and influence you, offer you something more, something better. Amazingly I felt almost smug knowing that I had absolutely no intention of making a purchase for myself - other than sunscreen....which we genuinely needed and is not clothing!

It has felt like a long time already- and if I'm honest I'm a little apprehensive of the FULL YEAR and all the temptations and opportunities which will be scattered regularly across my path. But I genuinely want to do this. To re teach myself to make do, but more importantly to really love and appreciate all the lovely clothing I ALREADY own. Gratefully and happily.  

On a recent walk I was pondering all this and my new found discipline (lets not get carried away and say frugality!) and I chose to focus on the micro not the macro : I'm often mesmerized by the magnificent panoramas and vistas we are fortunate enough to live by and here at our favorite beach settlement, but it was poignant to reflect that all these littler details make up the bigger pictures- that these giant impressive vistas are made up of these minute details. This quite reflection on nature helped me re focus on the bigger picture, the end game and the reason I wasn't to do things in the first place. 

I know its "just clothes" but it signifies a deeper more important underlying conditioning we seem to have all been washed with in the first world. Rather than celebrating what we have and treasuring our possessions we are always searching for more bigger brighter better newer. its gluttony for the most part, and wasteful and worst of all- just accepted. So, bringing this back to the wonders of mother nature  helps me step back, breath and see the bigger picture for what it is. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

we are in the throes of mid-summer here- although the view outside my window at this moment is trying to tell a different story! But with the new year in the southern hemisphere, despite the warmer weather, I still feel an urge to declutter, organize and simplify. Maybe after the festivities of Christmas and the new gifts we have perhaps welcomed and found new homes for, the desire to start a fresh as a new year rolls round and the pause before the academic year starts up again always inspires me to be as tidy, streamlined and organized as I can be. 

I have tackled smallish little "hot spots" of clutter in the past weeks - particularly on rainy days. I love opening the fridge to see a fresh variety of produce that's inviting and accessible. I try to purge the fridge every 2 weeks or so to make sure there aren't too many occasions to find a limp, yellowing head of broccoli, a slimy cucumber or cant-quite-remember leftovers. 

Often the new year brings promise of fresh starts, healthy eating plans, new routines and schedules. Where better place to start than the fridge as its generally a do-able and immediately rewarding task. I take everything out shelf by shelf, wipe the insides and handles and then only replace what's fresh and in date and I group similar items: A box for cheeses, cold meats, dairy on one shelf, salads in one drawer, vegetables in another and a fully filled, sparking water bottle arsenal at the top- we go through liters and liters as its practically all we drink as a family....and coffee of course! 

I don't tend to have to throw much away as I do this regularly and combined with meal planning I usually use mostly what I have- on occasion though, I'll take all the less than crispy vegetables and make a soup or stock. Its lovely to merchandise the items and make them look attractive and inviting- a vintage bowl holds my lemons, and a glass shallow dish for the cut lemon and ginger. Fresh and Zingy and not only easier to reach for than a less healthful snack but inspiring and a joy to prepare a nourishing meal from. 

Today the towel cupboard is next on my list. Its beach season, so fresh towels are reached for and pulled down haphazardly to the extent that last night I was unable to put the freshly laundered ones back as they were so badly jammed back in! It wont take more than 10 minutes but I know I feel so accomplished- not to mention relieved- once its done, and will enjoy reaching for a towel on our next sandy outing. 

Yesterday, on the spur of the moment, both my husband and I decided to tackle our walk in closet. ( A miracle in itself as we rarely, if ever, de clutter these kinds of areas together usually) 

With the help of an enthusiastic teen fashionista and the quiet encouragement from a comfortably dozing cat, we tried on, piled up, bagged, sorted, organized and re arranged for 3 hours! Our walk in now resembles more of a boutique than an over stuffed discount store; several bags are ready to be dropped off to donate, my daughter scored a few gems of hand me downs, and a friend called in to shop my closet and was thrilled with her "new" items. It was such a satisfying feeling I almost want to do it again to get rid of another layer.... 

I have however made a promise to myself: Having really truly witnessed the extent of my wardrobe- including pieces I'd even forgotten were in there (!)  and the terrifying number of shoes my daughter delighted in counting, I vow to not purchase ANY MORE CLOTHING OR FOOTWARE IN 2024! 

Gulp. 

2 exceptions I will allow myself-  

I am able to replace my running shoes if they ware out. 

And if I need to purchase a dress for the formal wedding we have be invited to attend, I will find a pre loved solution. 

I am actually really looking forward to the challenge, to applying the discipline and to the lessons I will no doubt learn. I feel a little buzz at the thought of making it successfully, of the other areas I can extend this to (Lipstick, candles...) and a glow of the financial savings that will result. 

My life is abundant already. I have more than enough, and the things I enjoy most are not the items I clothe myself in, but the places I go and the people I'm with. A rainy walk (plenty of those to come I have no doubt!) A walk at Twighlight on the beach, coffee early in the morning while my cats enjoy their breakfast, a good book, a cuddle on the couch, the scent of a home grown rose, a belly laugh. These are the things we treasure. Not another pair of camel ballet flats. 

Simple. Everyday. Living. 

Contentment. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

A beautiful sense of calm contentment and peace washed over me in the days immediately following Christmas. Boxing day itself was rather busy - but fun- in that we'd planned to take advantage of the Boxing Day Sales with the girls. But we had a plan for the day, a list of where each of us wanted to go and we were intentional with our purchases. From new life jackets to new underwear sets- nothing we bought was on impulse as such and we all felt happy with our purchases and the deals we snagged.  After a couple of solid hours of retail we replenished our energy stores in a cafe - coffee for me but Eggs Benidict for the others and then we were happily done and ready to come home. 

The joy of returning home was so special, knowing an entire week lay before us with no commitments or appointments (Bar one for me) just dreamy summer days to do with as we wished. 

The weather has been very rainy peppered with the odd sunny day or afternoon- which we have enjoyed some beach time and swims, seeing friends, reading lots and quiet mornings enjoying coffee early as the neighborhood wakes up. Yesterday the rain was so heavy I even began a puzzle as it poured outside - and the cat decided the lid of the puzzle box looked perfect for a napping spot. 

I am savoring the feeling of promise, of a brand-new year just around the corner, the anticipation of our long-awaited beach holiday in a couple of weeks, and the wonderfully relaxed contentment that comes with a leisurely day before you, to do with as you wish. While the weather currently is not conducive to hanging my laundry or lounging on the beach- or finishing the gardening projects I started, I can't help feeling that is part of the reset and relaxation. Encouraging us to read more, potter, play board games, take wet walks and do puzzles- it must be close to 20 years since I did a real jigsaw!  (And I'm very slow and not even convinced I enjoy it - but I enjoyed the tranquility of sitting at the large dining table, with it spread before me, one of my daughters coming to help and the sound of the rain lashing.)

Today I'm looking forward to having a bit of a de clutter, tidy, and sort, putting away some of the Christmas Decor- we've decided to leave the real tree up a little longer as it smells divine and it's so pretty its a shame to get rid of it before new years at least. 

I'm enjoying being more spontaneous about dinner options as there is no time crunch, so we can decide what we might like during the day- rather than my meal planning schedules of busy term time. These things may not even register with my family, but for me, as the main homemaker and organizer of all things domestic, it's a real treat to step back from the schedule , the lists, the to dos; allow myself a later afternoon walk on a whim, lie on the sofa to finish by current book after lunch, take my morning workout routine a little later after a chat and coffee with my husband, let the girls wake when they are ready, and THINK. I've been planning, dreaming, conjuring, connecting, journaling, making notes, taking countless photographs and drawing inspiration continually. I am truly allowing this downtime to nourish and re charge me. Utterly guilt free. The between the years week is just that- wrapping up the old, preparing to begin the new and planning. How luxurious to have this time.  

I am savoring every moment. 

I'm thinking tomorrow may be that last acceptable day to enjoy coffee or tea from my Christmas china Spode, so I am going to pop some laundry on, make a coffee and sit outside watching the birds, making a list perhaps, dreaming up dinner, and when I am quite ready, I may start my decluttering and tidying. Only when I feel like it. How wonderful is that!? 

 Savoring  simple daily pleasures

I've been composing this post for several days in my head and intended to write a lengthy one yesterday; but I chose to consciously embrace other opportunities and activities that presented themselves; to treasure the everydayness of the build up to the season. 

From the bustling malls and Christmas gift buying of earlier this week, to a morning at home lingering over coffee and sumptuous seasonal treats. 

Sharing the company of dear friends and many laughs, then as they left the sky turned very dark and the heavens opened. My cue to start the baking I had planned- a sourdough loaf I'd been nurturing and proving and a bouche de Noel. 

Well, while what I produced doesn't look quite the picture of perfection I had in my head (!) it tastes delicious and I was able to laugh at my mistakes and errors- as were my girls with un checked delight in the "nailed it" episode I seemed to be starring in! 

I managed a walk between down pours after tiding up the kitchen and I will start preparing our Christmas eve feast shortly- Rolled Turkey roast and potato gratin. The perfect wet cosy night for it- despite the high temperatures and sticky humidity!

SO, my other thoughts and pondering will wait until after Christmas for the blog. As I have chosen above all else to remain present, treasure time with my loved ones and to savor all the little moments. Like a rainy Christmas eve- which although was not conducive to our traditional beach outing, was perfect for my baking and happily pottering at home. 

Merry Christmas, may you find peace and contentment. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I relish and enjoy and savor my morning routines throughout the year: I am an early riser anyway, and I enjoy the early morning productive and energizing and allowing it to set the tone for the day. Typically I am up and awake between 5am-6am even on weekends, year round.  I look forward to all the little simple pleasures of my day- greeting my cats and giving them a cuddle and their breakfast, a tall glass of water before the first sip of coffee; I ENJOY doing the laundry- especially hanging it out early on a fine day. 

I take pleasure in leaving the house tidy and organized and set for the afternoon/ evening when we all return. And its SO much nicer to come home to. 

What has begun happening just over the last couple of weeks, as we approach the longest day here in New Zealand, is I am waking up completely naturally, with my genuine circadian rhythm. It is such a pleasure to slowly and gently come to, glance at the clock, then watch the light change and eventually rise and filter though the tree tops to light up our bedroom with that special morning glow. A brand new day. (We don't close the drapes in our bedroom- we never have in any of our homes as we've always been fortunate enough to have very private homes and prefer to see the night sky, the trees, the dawn,  I enjoy the coziness of watching and listening to the rain lash the windows or the silhouettes of the trees being buffeted in the winter months) 

During these summery months, I wake naturally, allow myself to fully wake, and take such pleasure in listening to the birds as they begin their busy day, the hum and chirrup of the cicadas warming up, and then throwing open the windows fully and the bed covers as I potter downstairs to enjoy my coffee outside in the fresh morning air. The simple joy this brings me each day make me excited for the next one.  

It has been a wonderful week of festive social engagements, from Bach Oratorio at the Town Hall, celebrating my Husbands birthday with Brunch at favorite spot out of town followed by a wander though an impressive sculpture garden,  lunch and browsing the beautiful big department stores in the city with their magical windows, to a showing at the Grand Theatre of the movie Love Actually, accompanied spectacularly by a live orchestra on stage playing the entire score. And while each of these wonderful experiences were a treat and absolutely delightful, waking up to the birds and a whole day stretching out Infront of me in which to enjoy my home, family, pets and garden- and the local beach, is truly my favorite simple pleasure. 

Its easy to get caught up in the hype and festivities- as fun as they might be- and this is not intended to take the shine off these Christmassy outings and excursions, nor the friends and family I happily experience them with, but coming home for a shower, a cup of my favorite peppermint tea in a festive mug, a quiet sit outside as night falls and climbing into bed with a good book, knowing I will gladly and gratefully wake with the birds tomorrow, is a treasure not to be overlooked. 

A simple pleasure indeed. 

Now my Spode Christmas cup of coffee is empty, I've finished my water too, and written this outside in my nightgown as many people in the neighborhood still rush off to work for their last week before Christmas, I am off to pop some shorts on and go for a long bush walk with a friend before fully enjoying and savoring the luxury of pottering about my home and garden for the rest of the day. A spot of weeding, some tomatoes to plant, fresh line dried linen to put back on beds, and some sourdough bread to bake, a book to finish. What a dreamy day I have ahead. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

My mindset for a gentle week was somewhat challenged this week and engagements and activities stacked up. But I feel considering, I have balanced it all reasonably well with quiet moments too. As I type this morning I am sat in the early sun, with coffee and my laptop and the gentle birdsong and rustle of leaves. Its soothing and exactly what is required after a couple of incredibly full days. 

I am thankful I was able to consciously pause to truly appreciate little pockets of peace. After a very long- but wonderfully rewarding day- on Friday, I walked home in the warm evening rays around 7pm, with a sense of accomplishment, and eager anticipation for the festive weekend ahead, while happily weighed down with an enormous armful of sunflowers to enjoy at home. Quite literally a bunch of summer in my arms. 

Something as simple as planting a seed a few short months ago, and nature delivers a power packed punch of sheer joy. This analogy can really be applied to so much in our daily lives, from as menial a task as emptying the dishwasher at night so that you come down to a tidy kitchen ready for the new day, or much longer goals, like investing in our health and wellness, saving for that deposit, purchasing that plane ticket for a trip in the future, or investing in our relationships. Good things come to those who wait is not just a flippant saying. But don't just wait either. Remember to look today too.

These seasonal blooms are so glorious -to be enjoyed for their short window before the next magnificent season. It makes us pause and appreciate these things and note the quiet passing of each season and in turn each year. All too easy to keep looking ahead and not appreciate the present. 

Challenging life seasons and chapters are no exception, especially when its hard work and a bit sticky, to wish it forward, but actually all these moments, spectacularly challenging AND spectacularly beautiful, are what make up our everydays- make up our lives. Therefor it is wasteful to wish them away. Even when they are uncomfortable, as within these rocky moments are also gems . An unpleasant teenage battle; but feeling the support and love of a lifelong friend whose been there too and the warmth of your husband who's right there with you. The tragedy of a member of the community suffering but the wrap around of love they receive as a result. 

There is good and positive everywhere. we just have to choose to look for it. And if today that means finding a quiet few seconds to smell a rose, a few minutes to arrange some flowers and stand back to appreciate their beauty in a vase, folding a clean load of fluffy towels straight off the line, lighting a favorite candle, indulging in a truffle, sharing a knowing look or laugh with a loved one or 1/2 an hour to ourselves with a book you're engrossed in, a long hug from your baby, affection from a pet, or the feel of the sun on your face in the morning. These are all treasures- jewels, to be savored and appreciated. To fill you up. The more you tune into noticing these little sparkles, the more you'll see them everywhere, and the happier, more contented,  more glowy you feel. 

Its especially important during the festive season when emotions notoriously run high, finances are often strained and diaries are fuller than usual. Whether you are religious or not, Christmas above all, is a time to be grateful, and spread peace. Be an ambassador to these qualities and values. The more you are the more it spreads around you. 

I cant help feeling this is my waffliest post to date. I'm a huge mix of emotions and I think Christmas often has that effect. Here especially in the southern hemisphere- where the end of the school year plus the festive season and all its magic, plus summer is all rolled into one. Its one big huge Christmas Stocking of experiences and emotions. You have no idea what the next gift will be - you cant even see the shape of it until you reach down into it and bring it out, and very often, the small ones are the best....or the one at the very end. Enjoy each gift as you unwrap it.  Again, the quote I shared this week which really resonated-

You always know when its your first time for something, but you rarely know when its your last. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures 

December 1st. Traditionally here in New Zealand, this date heralds the (Optimistic) start of summer months, welcoming Christmas decor into our homes and our social calendar filling up rapidly. 

Whether its due to my recent relaxed trip and re set, or the fact I've been under the weather now for more than a week, this year the overriding urge I am feeling is the opposite of the usual increase in hustle and bustle, festive engagements and urgency to shop for gifts and tick off endless lists. 

This season I feel a simple sense of calm. Of paring back and taking stock and winding down for summer, rathe than cranking up for the silly season. 

While I have several events in the diary I very much look forward to- from ballet recitals, to festive theatre productions to a Bach performance, I also am on my own countdown, which has begun earlier than usual this year with the finishing up of my girls dance schedule, and my own, sports seasons wrapping up and gradually school years coming to an end- even earlier for my eldest as exams are now all over. 

I am savoring the simplest of pleasures such as enjoying my first morning coffee in my treasured Spode China Christmas collection, Peppermint tea in a large comforting Christmassy mug, lighting the advent candles with dinner for the first time last night and bringing out our little terrace of houses with its rolling star to mark the date (Pictured) the anticipation of going to choose our tree from the farm and adorning it with our precious victorian-esque glass decorations; trying a new recipe for a Buche de Noel, planning a simple, elegant Christmas day feast, and carefully considering meaningful gifts for closest family. 

I happily feel as though I've stepped out of the rat race its so easy to be swept along with- without even feeling any of the usual sense of urgency or need to accomplish and frantically tick off "to dos". 

A sense of calm and faith that it will all fall into place prevails and I am so looking forward to savoring the simplest of pleasures. Lingering over coffee in the morning, relaxing snuggled up watching old time favorite Christmas movies, wallowing in several books I have on my reading list, appreciating the magical twinkle of the hundred of white Christmas lights on the tree in the evenings and the intoxicating smell if the fresh pine, and then, once the new year rolls round, a beachy restorative holiday to look forward to with family. 

Its a feeling that is new to me- with slightly older children now, Christmas takes on a somewhat different shape- no less magical, just differently magical. We are not welcoming overseas guest this year, we have no major events to organize or host (yet) and the events we do have booked in are all outside the home, affording us the treat of coming home to a peaceful house and a twinkling tree. 

I'm greatly looking forward to tending to my little potager- vegetable garden- balmy evenings on the deck listening to the birds good night calls turn into the crickets and moreporks, and waking when my body is ready to fresh new days to fil with whatever we please, in no rush. 

I will likely miss events we are probably not going to manage this year- the infamous street in town where every house decorates for Christmas quite spectacularly as onlookers wander up and down with dripping ice-creams or candy canes in sticky fingers.  Visiting the historical department store with its magical indoor forest leading to the real Father Christmas, and the carol service at the cathedral.  But all these wonderful, magical events take scheduling and organization and planning that simply isn't part of my festive scheme or capabilities this year. 

So, today, already the second day of December, is a very quiet Saturday, with one or two errands, relaxing at home, a simple nutritious dinner - with the advent candles lit- and an early night. 

No guilt, not feeling duty bound, no late night shopping scramble. Just peace. And contentment. And quiet moments to savor.