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I was sitting in our living room last night and we lit up the fireplace and sat and looked at the fire while we sipped wine and looked at the flickering lights on the mantel. Matt thanked me for always making our home so cozy especially during the holidays. 🙂
It was nice to be appreciated but even nicer to just be present, sitting by the fire, discussing all things coming up on the calendar, and also sitting in silence watching the flames and enjoying that amazing smell that only a real wood burning fireplace can make. I felt so much gratitude in that moment.
Here we go again with all the seasonal obligations and to do lists. I’ve got my own as well. As we listen to the tune “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” we also feel the pressure of getting everything done. But isn’t the point of this season to feel the magical moments? Making memories requires us to pause and observe what’s happening around us, to be completely present. Inspired by that sentiment, I assembled a list of simple moments to remember this season.
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hanging a fresh wreath on the front door
that holiday tune that gets stuck in your head and you hum it all day
when you finished decorating the tree and you can just sit and look at it
a warm hug from a “long time no see” friend
the gasps of little children when they see Santa or twinkle lights
those fresh baked cookies made from a family recipe
thumbing through the box of Christmas cards you’ve kept all these years
when your favorite holiday song pops up in your playlist
the snowman made by local kids spied on your walk
the smell of a family favorite recipe fresh out of the oven
hanging your kids kindergarten made ornaments on the tree
hot cocoa with extra marshmallows
the first snow falling on your nose and eyelashes
a drive around the neighborhoods to look at the decorations and lights
the crackling of the fire on a cold winter’s night
a walk on a cold night with a scarf around your neck and a sky full of stars
the warmth of your bed covers on a chilly night
festive or funny holiday socks and pajamas
when your adult children come home and are sleeping in their old room
strangers who smile at you while you’re in line at a store
the smell and flavor of mulled wine
when the local merchants decorate their store windows
when you’re lucky to catch carolers singing around town
all the jokes made about hanging mistletoe
repeating an annual holiday tradition
a quiet evening in pajamas wrapping presents
a menu brought to life on a festive table shared with people you love
the bittersweet feeling from old photos of Christmases gone by
watching your favorite holiday movie with your favorite people
the moment all the presents are wrapped and the stockings are full
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* all images via Canva
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