by Julie, decking the halls in Somerville
I’m having a bit of an issue getting into the holiday spirit this year. I’m taking some time off over the next couple of weeks, and besides lots of rest, I’ve made a list of the things that I think will help. When I wrote it down, it felt like the outline for a new series–grumpy middle aged woman trying to find the spirit.
- Stop watching Hallmark movies live. DVR them all, so that if I lose interest I can jump forward to the end. Some of the movies stand out, and I have a few that I rewatch every year. Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane is one. Others blur together. So I’m going to start just watching the end.
- When someone asks if I’m free at a particular time, I’m going to start asking why they’re asking first. I’ve been roped into too many Zoom calls and in person meetings that just make me crankier.
- I’m going to finish three knitting projects before I start a new one. Two of them are well underway, but for a baby due any day, so the race is on. The other project is finishing squares for an afghan for my niece. I was hoping that would be a Christmas present, but looks like it will be a February surprise instead. I’ve been starting new projects rather than finishing existing ones, so I need to buckle down.
- I’m only going to partake of entertainment that makes me happy. No “you should watch” or “it’s so deep” experiences for me until well into the new year. The only tears I want to shed are over the sappy ending of a holiday movie. The only fear I want to feel is running out of tea. Light and bright this season.
- I’m going to daydream a lot. I’ve had an idea nipping on my imagination, but I haven’t given it a chance to bloom. So I need to stare, knit, and let the muse come in to visit. She doesn’t show up when I’m tired or stressed, so I’ve got to get into the zone.
- I’m only going to see people who make me smile. No obligation visits for me this year.
- I’m not going to plan for 2022. Planner friends, don’t panic. I will the first week of January, trust me. I have my pile of planners waiting. But for the next two weeks. I’m going to sit back and make sure 2021 leaves.
So that’s it, that’s the list. I think it’s going to work. Dear readers, what would you add?
If allowed, I’m going to hug those closest to me.
I’m going to have a “Me” day.
A Dru day sounds perfect. I’m hoping for conference hugs in 2022. Fingers crossed.
For 2022, I will not pay attention to the things I can’t control. I’m not even going to ignore them!
Love that!
Great list, Julie! We all need to keep watch to be sure 2021 leaves. Enjoy your down time, which sounds perfect, and let the Muse speak up.
It should be an interesting New Years Eve. Thank you my friend!
I hope you rest and rest some more. You are such a force and it’s not easy for you to step back. Spoiler alert for the end of the Hallmark movie — the couple gets together and kisses. Miss you!
Miss you too! Im okay with the spoiler alert.
For it, it’s traditions are good, but it’s also nice to break from tradition and do something new and fun – make new traditions. Sometimes we get into a rut out of habit – same goes for traditions. One that sticks out like a neon sign in my past was the year we did NOT have the big feast. Instead we had everything you could think of for cold cut sandwiches, chips and dip. It was a way to get Mom out of the kitchen and able to enjoy the day with the rest of us. Then we had the big feast for my Dad’s birthday a week later.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I love that memory. What a nice gift for your mother. And I free with ruts.
An excellent list—and not just for the holidays. In addition to what’s on your list, I’m hoping for a few days of unstructured, unscheduled time to read, write, journal, clean, organize, cook, lounge, and reflect on the strange year that was. I like your idea of not planning till January. I want to spend some time appreciating 2021, what I accomplished, what I experienced, and everything I’m thankful for (starting with the fact that my family is safe and healthy and on this side of the dirt). I hope you have restful, meaningful, wonderful holidays!
Love the idea of the unstructured time. Have a wonderful time.
Super list! Recharging is so important. Enjoy the downtime.
Thank you!
As a knitter, I agree with you about finishing projects- and about not stressing about a late surprise gift! I had planned a few gifts for my son & his family, but now they will be getting them in January.
I’ve always thought January gifts are the best. Good luck with your projects.
The baby quilt I made for my great godson was over a month late – but he came three weeks early!
Love your list!! Hallmark movies are all the same, aren’t they? I’ll start watching them and then go, “Mehhhh” lol! The older I get, the more I come to realize that we rush the holidays and create our own stress. My son can’t come home for Christmas because of his job, so I reminded him Christmas doesn’t have to be December 25th, we’ll celebrate whenever he can get up here. Enjoy YOU!
Thank you! Enjoy your family time.
Julie, What a good list you have going. I too have decided to slow down, plan less, play more! What has helped me is listening to “coffee shop rainy day jazz” on YouTube while reading, drawing or writing. Recently a friend sent me a card with a person walking a dog. The person has a thought bubble full of so many things and the dog’s thought bubble just has the sun and trees. Under them are the words “Mind Full, or Mindful?” And at the bottom a quote, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people only exist, that is all.” Oscar Wilde Best of luck with your list, being kind to yourself and finding joy in your life.
I love that quote! Thank you.
I love this list! I am going to make one. Best of luck in checking everything off.
Thank you!
Perfect!
Happy Holidays!
Don’t try to make it a perfect Christmas. There is no such thing. Put up a few festive decorations and lights, but it isn’t necessary to make your home look like a Christmas store. Find some Christmas music you really like, be it Traditional, silly songs, country, or the one I just learned of, Soul Christmas. It doesn’t need to be played constantly – maybe just while driving. In other words, don’t try to force the Christmas spirit. Just let it creep up on you. Take the time to let it happen.
Great advice. May King Cole, here I come.
Count me in the group who is eager to see the backside of 2021 – and for many reasons (many of them NOT related to the pandemic).
I’m going to watch a lot of sappy Christmas movies, eat too many cookies, and drink a lot of tea – especially on my week off between Christmas and New Year’s. I missed Love, Actually last year and I will NOT do it again this year!
Have a great break!