That Special Time of Year....Christmas!

Seeing as its now early December you are all well aware its that special time again. Having just celebrated my Birthday, I wanted to wait till I posted anything about Christmas festivities, It's only fair you know, let us December Birthday people have our day Paleeeeeese!

So Now I'm ready Bring it on...

I am a 'Christmassy' kinda girl, So for me its Lists galore, and usually starting in about October with the present buying and card selecting, But as you all know being on my Minimalism Journey I've changed that this year, It's Slower, much Slower...
No lists till December . so I literally wrote my list on the 5th December.
And No christmas card sending, once again I will be donating to an animal sanctuary the amount I would have spent on buying the cards and postage to send them, Maybe some people will not understand this, but in reality will they really miss my card? If they are true friends they will understand and if they are people I rarely see I can send a message via numerous social media sites.

Now for me I just Love family traditions, we have a real christmas Tree so as a family go to choose one , this will be happening on Monday, we drive home with said Tree and then the Hot Chocolate with marshmallows of course is made, Christmas music playing, I decorate the tree, Yes I admit it I'm OcD, 'I' have to decorate the tree, sorry maybe its wrong but my personality trait screams 'You' must decorate so its just how you like it!

Mine is lots of twinkly lights, a few White and silver decorations and I'm afraid NO tinsel in sight. I love coming down stairs in the morning to the smell of a real tree, and lighting my Candles, this is How I like my christmas time evenings.

 Ive had a couple of christmas meals, well thats enough for a Homely kinda girl, I love the cold nights snuggly in front of a festive Movie, either Elf or a golden oldie White Christmas for me.

And as I've slowed down this year, I've realised I never really had to run around collecting gifts, and spend hours browsing, I've done it all online, and only purchased meaningful gifts. Obviously I can't divulge as santa has to decide if said gift recipients have been good this year! But I've been really mindful, and can relax and enjoy time spent with my family and friends.

We have finally got our tree..yay! We poodled along to a local garden centre and picked our perfect tree, now usually we get home and do the usual, chop a bit off the top, as it doesn't fit, But we had our sensible heads on this year and got Our Perfect size tree!
Voila...........

then home for the ....

Love our little traditions! after a break, well this is hard work you know !
Its finally up...

I'm loving my little Nordic house, and new white decorations from The White Company. For me its a few decs with lovely white Berry lights! Simply Perfect!

Don't get me wrong I have got guests over christmas and  there is a slight feeling of ...
"will I have enough food?"
"will they enjoy themselves"
But you know what, I'm telling myself they are coming to see us, and enjoy some quality time.
So If you are feeling the pressure this year, take a step back and try and be Mindful too.
Firstly look after number one, take time to relax, enjoy and do things that make you happy, maybe its a beach walk, park walk, or a pilates class, or simply a cuppa and a christmas movie.  All the things on your list will be accomplished as they always are each year. But if you did forget the brussel sprouts would it be the end of the world? No it wouldn't I promise.

Then when Christmas Day finally comes, well I'm usually the one peering over to Hubby and saying"Are you awake yet", then waking Louise (even though she's 25) and wanting to start our Christmas Day traditions, I rush downstairs to light our candles and pop on the christmas music,
 For us it starts with a cuppa, thats a given, whilst opening some pressies, then enjoying a delicious bucks fizz, Salmon and scrambled egg brekkie.
 I wouldn't change our little routine, It's these traditions that make it special and being able to enjoy precious Time with our loved ones, this is what we remember the most, and carry on each year, Not what we bought each other, simple things, that bring us the most happiness, and create the perfect Memories I really hope each and everyone of you have an amazing Calm relaxing Christmas and time spent with special people.