Holidays with happiness

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 |
I love and enjoy everything about the holiday season.

except ...






the chaos!



Some time in August {around the time of the hurricane with no power and plenty of time on my hands to ponder} I made the decision that we were going to celebrate the season this year a little differently.

The following guests will not be invited this year~

*losing tempers
*running around at the last minute
*stressing out over decorations
*Christmas cards with hand written updates
*meeting the expectations of others
*searching for the ideal gift for each person on my list


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This Christmas I want to focus on the beauty this time of year holds, my wonderful family and dear friends, and what it really stands for; not what we've created. My goal is to live in the moment of each and every gathering and event over the next few weeks.

I don't want to secretly wish the season over because I'm about to lose my mind!

Last year {after the holiday headaches} I came up with the idea of celebrating our backgrounds. I'm Italian {Sicilian} and my husband is Swedish. Not exactly the most complimentary couple when it comes to decor. In a nut shell, it's simplistic beauty meets gaudy glamour ;) Oh my! It's going to be a decorating and celebrating challenge but one we'll be embracing nonetheless.



I've laid down the law {my law, placed upon me, by me} and set a deadline for all decorating to be finished and in place. I'm working on getting our home ready this week and will finish on Sunday. Whatever is accomplished by this date will be what we enjoy for the duration of the holiday season. If it doesn't make it out of the Christmas bin in time ... oh well. I'm quite certain my family and friends won't hold it against me or even notice for that matter.




So far so good ~
*I'm ahead of the game for my annual Cookie Exchange
*We have plans to have a few couples over this weekend for wine and heavy appetizers.
*Our home is showing signs of a Christmas transformation
*My girlfriend and I have our tickets in hand for a fabulous holiday home tour.
*I have my outfit for my husband's Christmas party ~ this may be a first!

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Images ~ Pinterest



Leave A Comment

8 comments:

Natasha in Oz said...

It sounds like this is going to be a brilliant Christmas season for you! Don't forget to have lots of fun!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Holly Lefevre said...

YEAH! I am going with this too. I actually love the holidays..but the craziness and chaos is awful and makes for a crabby Holly. I have let the kids decorate the tree - Star Wars, Snow White and Barbie (yeah!) but it made them happy and really, that is what matters...being happy!

Dee Stephens said...

WOW! You go girl! I've been working on things too even though I'm not truly into the spirit quite yet!
Cards =check
Decorating = almost
Home tour tickets = check
Polar Express trip = check
Can't wait to see all your pictures!

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

I like you plan! And I understand how big it is that you already have your husband's work party outfit picked out!! That's really big! I have been "forced" to start decorating early for part of a progressive party we are part of on December 9th. It'll take me that long to get my house cleaned and decorated. I too and trying to simplify this year. You are so ahead of the game!

Suburban Princess said...

I am sure you will have lots of fun! I on the other hand have done nothing...hopefully it doesn't show!

French Basketeer.com said...

Jo, you sound very ahead of the game this year. I'm also trying not to stress, it really just defeats the purpose of the season, doesn't it? Wishing you a lovely holiday season~

NanaDiana said...

Jo, That is so distressing when that happens. I am glad that you were able to reclaim your blog. I think some people never get a chance to do that.

I am not stressing like I thought I would be either. xo Diana

Lori said...

This is so great Jo, that you took the time last Fall, to think some of those things through and went into the Christmas season with a plan! And it seems to have paid off already! I think it's wonderful, your goals and expectations are right on.
I can't wait to see some of your traditions ~ Go Swedes!

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