Simplifying the Holidays

Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? Wondering, like Linus, if Christmas is too commercial? 

Welcome to the club.

My pillow (in the background of the photo) says it in many languages...it's Christmas. In December 2019, just prior to COVID taking over the world and forcing us to a sudden stop, I wrote a note to myself. I just stumbled across it again and felt that it was worth sharing with a larger audience because three years later, it still resonated with me. Oh, the stresses are different (homeschooling vs. finding teacher gifts), but the sentiment is still the same. And the reminder...every bit as pertinent. May you find encouragement in what you read below, and take heart...the Reason we celebrate is greater than the chaos of this world! 

This image is the personal property of C.G. Koens and may not be used without permission.

I'm usually super prepared, with everything wrapped and ready to go at the beginning of November. But this year everything's sneaking up on me...teacher gifts (I have them all, just not wrapped, and as to WHEN they'll be delivered...well...that's anybody's guess!), last week of school events ("Mom, are you bringing anything to...?"), gift card exchanges (Wait, what? WHY?), work projects (right, that's due right after Christmas, and I'm not working that week, so I need to turn it in this week, so...), bills (oops, look what got buried on my desk!), and now a feverish hubby (he's actually used 2 sick days - highly unusual for him) who's also out of commission for parenting, which makes me realize just how much I rely on him to help me juggle things when he comes home after work. And then last night, when the 8-year-old came in and said he felt "exhausted" and didn't balk when I suggested he go put on his pajamas and go to bed at 5 p.m., I knew another one was down for the count. I told the girls this morning that none of them were allowed to get whatever bug this is, and that you had to have a "Y" chromosome to pick it up. We'll see how well that works.

At any rate, after dinner and getting everyone in bed, and checking on the two sickies, I plopped on the couch for a moment and appreciated my new birthday shoes (courtesy of my amazing Hubs, who knows me so well) and the Christmas tree and a moment to be still.

I've seen a number of posts this year from people who are feeling overwhelmed, over-committed, and unprepared. I'm sure Mary felt the same way...but NOT for the same reasons. 

Although I thought I'd intentionally slowed down this year, I find myself feeling like I've been wound too tightly. I just discovered a bag of fun Christmas goodies that I bought because I wanted to be intentional and make some fun memories with the kids...but it was hidden under all the STUFF I need to deal with. Life IS busy, especially with five kids, but last night made me realize I don't want to miss WHY we are celebrating. Don't get me wrong...I love the tree and the lights. I love the music and the food (a little too much on the latter!). I love hunting down gifts that will make the recipients squeal. But in the end, the Grinch was right...it's not about the tinsel and trappings, and it doesn't come from a store.

Two thousand years ago (give or take a few years), a teenage girl said, "I am the Lord's servant," in response to a message that would make her a cultural outcast, potentially end her engagement to a good man, and change the course of her life forever. I am thankful for her example, that she responded in this way and opened her life up in obedience to God's calling, no matter how crazy it sounded to her family and friends. I know a tiny bit about what that feels like (believe it or not, some people thought we were a little nuts for adopting 5 kids at once...go figure!), but being available when God called was, much like Mary, one of the best decisions we've ever made.

And so this Christmas, in the midst of busyness and sickness and holiday folderol I want to stop and say the same: I am the Lord's servant. I don't know what that will look like, but I do know it means being open to being pulled in the directions that He chooses. That might mean getting involved with people who need to see His love this season, or it might mean focusing on instructing the kids in what's eternal and what's of this world. Whatever it looks like, He must increase and I must decrease.

If you've read this far, Merry Christmas, everyone!

Words of 2020

I've always been a "word of the year" type gal. When I wrote a new year goals post this past January, I talked about how I was looking forward to 2020 being the year when I challenged myself. How little did I know just how true that would turn out to be. Only I didn't challenge myself...the world challenged me.

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

As we come to the end of this year of change and turmoil, I decided to spend some time thinking about the words that actually summed up the year. In an interesting twist, I didn't expect there to be so many good words included in my list. 

Release - the release of busyness, of fear, of holding on to things that were no longer helpful or best for me or for our family. 

Community - this was a surprise to the introvert, but I discovered the importance of people, and the power of friendships - even when they are formed through WhatsApp chats.

Surrender - of my plans, my goals, my dreams, for myself, for the kids, for our world. While my inner control enthusiast was busy screaming, God was reminding me that He's in charge.

Strength - I discovered that, with God's help, I was stronger than I thought, and could do things that had previously felt impossible...like homeschooling five kids.

Togetherness - if you'd asked me last January if I would survive being with all five kids, 24/7, with no built in breaks while they are at school and I could work, I would have told you, "No way!" As it turns out, this forced time together has done wonders for our relationships, and I now view it as a gift...most days. ☺

But it wasn't all happiness, sunshine, and light. I mean, anyone who has gone through this year knows that 2020 threw more than its fair share of curve balls. So words like Grief, Tired, Change, Frustration, and Anger also made my list of words. But even in those seemingly negative responses, there was still growth and learning (another word of 2020), and I can now look back - even on those hard times - and find reasons to be thankful. 

If there was ever a year for keeping track of what I was thankful for, 2020 was the year. I suspect that in one year, five years, 10 years, I'll look back on Facebook memories from this season, and be reminded that it wasn't all bad. No year is, just as no year is all good. Every year has the potential to be challenging—maybe not on a global scale, as we saw over the last 12 months—and every year has the possibility of changing us. It's up to us whether we embrace that change, or expend our energy trying to keep everything the same. Which, spoiler alert, never works. 

What will 2021 hold? Only God knows! And I've just about decided that's the way I like it. Don't tell my inner control enthusiast, though...she'll freak out again. 😉

A Tale of Two Snowflakes

Last Friday, I had the rare opportunity to be out, by myself, at night. While our son stayed with a friend and the Hubs kept the three youngest girls at home, I drove into a nearby town and dropped our oldest off for a school event and then headed to the mall, like some kind of irresponsible teenager who has nothing better to do on a Friday night. 😊 But unlike my teenage self, I was on a mission. With a $10 off coupon in my purse, I hit up Bath & Body Works to see what might be left on the 75% off displays, thinking ahead to Christmas and birthdays and loading up the shopping bag that was hanging from my arm.

As I tossed $3.25 body washes into the basket and tried to keep from going totally nose deaf after sniffing so many different scents, a large "CLEARANCE" tag caught my eye on the top shelf. It was attached to an over-sized wooden snowflake that had been $60 and was now on sale for $15. I felt myself reaching for it when I heard the associate next to me say, "We have two, if you're interested..." and the next thing I knew I was asking him to put them behind the front counter for me. I knew immediately where I wanted to put them in our home, and I also knew that they would be just what was needed to help blow away the after-Christmas doldrums that always follow the removal of all the holly and jolly decor.

I've written a lot over the years about my desire to simplify. I've shared my rules of "one-in/one-out" and my participation in the William Morris Project. I've talked about my desire to eliminate junk and keep only what is useful and beautiful. I've even been a part of the 12-week uncluttered course that Joshua Becker puts on several times a year. But over time, I've learned that needs change. What worked 10 years ago, doesn't work now. I'm still a fan of clean, clear surfaces -- though if you were to see my work desk where I am typing this at the moment, you wouldn't know that. I still prefer minimal decor to chaotic clutter. I'm still adamant that the kid's toys and art supplies remain in their rooms and designated play areas, while the main portion of the house remains devoted to simplicity. But I also know that I want our house to feel like a cozy home, not some cold, sterile landscape.

The post-Christmas blahs are hard enough. When the tree comes down and the festive lights are packed away, it can easily feel like we've lost all the warmth from the house. In a month with no holidays to celebrate, both school and work starting back up, and long, dark evenings, it's no wonder people immediate look forward to the arrival of spring. But January has always been a month for me that is full of promise and opportunity. The promise of a new year, with new possibilities on the horizon. The opportunity to make changes and try new things and take action on long-held goals. I don't want to rush through the winter months, always looking ahead to what's next on the calendar. January is our month to reset and start well, and just as small steps towards a larger goal shouldn't be overlooked, I think January is worthy of some festive love in the decor department as well.

When I spotted these giant snowflakes on Friday, in an instant I knew they were what our winter home had been missing, and I also knew I had the perfect spots for them. In fact, if I hadn't immediately known where I would place them, I wouldn't have purchased them. And I think that's really the key to the whole idea of #minimalismsimplified, isn't it? It's not that you need to purge the house of all signs of human life, but that you need to have a plan for the stuff BEFORE it comes into your house, just like I usually know what is going OUT before I buy a new pair of shoes or a new sweater.

I haven't read the book, but I watched the show. And yes, I rolled my eyes while people said thank you to the used shoes and old underwear before they put them in the trash bags. But Marie Kondo's way of folding t-shirts has definitely made a difference in our dresser drawers (even the Hubs is a fan), and the idea of looking at things and asking if they spark joy isn't necessarily a bad thing. For example, I knew as soon as I saw the snowflakes that they made me smile. I knew where I would put them. I knew I would be willing to get rid of other things if necessary in order to store them. All of that put together meant that I felt it was worth $30 to bring them into our house. And the end result? The kids loved them, the hubs admitted to them being a nice addition, and whenever I walk through our dining room, I grin. Whether you call that "sparking joy" or simply see it as fun decor, I think winter just got a little bit friendlier, don't you? 

Weekly Highlights

In an attempt to get back into the habit of blogging regularly, I'm trying something new while I have a break from the daily work that normally keeps me busy. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a fantastic New Year!

What I'm Reading: 
Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures from the Nazis

What I'm Listening To: 
Vocal Spectrum IV Christmas CD

What I'm Watching: 
Holiday Inn

What I'm Studying in Scripture: 
Judges, Malachi, and Revelation

Special Verses of the Week: 
Psalm 94:18, 19, and 22

What I'm Looking Forward To: 
Another week off of work!

What I'm Thinking About: 
How to simplify life and allow God to use me in 2015

What's new in YOUR world?

Christmas Tour of Homes 2014 with @thenester

Last week I wrote about finding a simple balance in our newly remodeled home and our ever changing life. Our goal of simplifying extends to the Christmas season as well, the desire to store less and focus more on why we are celebrating.

Because we're now 200+ days into this home renovation project (and still not done), the only Christmas spirit being shown to the outside world is our Christmas tree through the window, and fresh pine wreaths on the front and back doors. And this year, that is enough.

After living in chaos for the past 8 months, I've realized that figuring out what is enough for you and your family from year to year is what makes your house into a home. In past years, the front of the house has been picture perfect and Christmas decor has crept into almost every corner of our home, from kitchen to bathroom to spaces that guests will never see.

This year, I'm living with tools and wood scraps, bags of insulation and cans of paint. Instead of walking in to a twinkle light wonderland by the backdoor, we have the evidence of home construction and life.

 

I could stage the pictures to show you what I want you to see, or I can share what our house really looks like as we turn it into a home. It's still Christmas, it's just not as neat - similar to the very first Christmas, when our Savior was born in a barn. Hardly neat or picture worthy, but part of the perfect story that God authored.

At first glance, our bedroom looks beautiful. But turn the camera to show the real truth and you will discover that it's also my home office - home to piles, boxes, and a big metal filing cabinet. It's not Pottery Barn, it's not a minimalists dream, but it's practical for the work I need to do. And during the month of December, it becomes a warm and inviting location to spend my days in front of a computer. One swivel in my chair and I am faced with a patchwork Christmas quilt on our bed - not really my style, but because it was lovingly handmade by my mother it is cherished and on display.

The hallway just outside our bedroom is waiting to be painted, and pictures lean against the wall as they wait to be hung. The guest bathroom has no toilet nor sink, the front bedroom has no trim or furniture, but we're getting there - one step at a time. In many ways, it's a parallel to my life as a Christian. I may look like I have it all together on the outside, but inside, I have piles and areas in need of repair. Like my house, I am a work in progress.

As I walk around our home, I pray for those unknown folks who will use this new space in the future, and that the house God has entrusted to our care will be a blessing to others. May the result of our labors be a warm and welcoming space, playing a role in the story that God is writing for us.

Merry Christmas! 

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; 

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

[...]

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called 

Wonderful Counselor, 

Mighty God,

Eternal Father, 

Prince of Peace.

{Isaiah 7:14 & 9:6}

Find more links at the Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes

The World's Best #Christmas Tree Stand

First off... I have not paid to promote this stand, but let me tell you, this is the stand you wish you had. Already have your tree up? No worries - buy this for next year. You'll thank me.

After fighting with one of those dippy green and red metal ones...

And then with the giant plastic ones where one person has to hold the tree while the other gets covered in needles and sap while trying to screw into the tree trunk...

THIS was like a miracle. Behold, the Krinner Christmas Tree Genie XXL Christmas Tree Stand - the last stand you will ever have. I found this thing in some dippy catalog about 10 years ago (it's now sold on Amazon). Peter gagged when he found out how much it cost, but let me tell you, it's the last time I heard anything about the price - other than every year when the tree is up in mere seconds and he says, "Worth. Every. Cent." And, believe me, it is.

Even if you don't want to buy it for this year, just trust me on this one - put it in your Amazon cart and watch it for a while. When the price drops (and it will - you just have to catch it), order the thing in preparation for next year. You'll never look back.

Do you have a Krinner stand?

Christmas Is More Fun With Stockings... #HollyJolly

Stockings have always been a part of our Christmas celebrations. I remember one year I found a tiny set of blue and white dishes tucked into my stocking. Then out came a stunning white china tea set with pink roses on the side. When we finally got to the gifts, my final present made the stocking stuffers make sense: Her name was "Charlotte" and she was the most beautiful china doll I had ever seen. But it all started with the stocking stuffers. 

While I am no longer hoping for tiny tea sets in my stocking, it remains a tradition in our home to open stockings first - although I do prefer a cup of coffee before digging in! In the early years of our marriage, Peter didn't quite get the point of stockings, but over the years he has warmed to the idea, and is now the king of stocking stuffers. 

If you follow Modern Mrs. Darcy, I hope you caught her list of stocking stuffers for kids last week. She recommended some really fun items. Yesterday, Jessica shared her stocking ideas on Life as MOM (what can I say? Great minds think alike... even if we don't always agree on books!). And if you're looking for more adult ideas? Well, here's what makes my list of fun gifts, based on what I have received in the past that I enjoyed, as well as what I would like to find in the future (hint, hint "Santa"). 

Give Their Tootsies Some Love

• Splurge on wool - something really nice that will last
• Go for warm fleece - something they can wear on Christmas morning
• Have some fun with holiday-themed footwear (they always make me smile!)
• Fuzzy socks are always a winner (I'm geeking out over these fuzzy knee-highs!)

Anne included tights on her list, and I would agree - but for adults. Last year Peter splurged on some really nice 100% wool tights and I adore them!

• Check out these fleece lined tights for the cold-blooded in your life (SANTA!!)
• Merino wool - a bit of a splurge, but also good stocking filler

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

• Go with Godiva - it's once a year, splurge! I like these...
• Hot Chocolate packets - grab one or two Ghirardelli mixes at the grocery 
• I'm not a fan of instant coffee, but Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks looks pretty yummy 
• Christmas morning - need a kick? Put some chocolate covered espresso beans in a stocking!
• Grab and Go with these Pretzel & Dip snack sets - so cute!
• Hot tea lover? Try THIS, THIS, or THIS (one of our favorites)

The Sights and Sounds of the Holiday Season

• Update a favorite Christmas movie to Blu-ray (we did The Muppet Christmas Carol this year)
• Add a Christmas movie to your collection (like TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday)
• Everyone can use more Christmas music, and we added a few CD's this year

Cook Up Some Fun

• Silicone hot pads (available pretty much anywhere) - I use mine all the time!
• Inexpensive and awesome, we love our egg timer
• Best. Spoon. Ever. We have 3.
• Silicone Non-Slip Tongs - worth every penny
• Specialty salt - it's amazing the different flavors (Fresh Market has a nice selection)

General Fillers

• Bring a smile to work with a 8 GB Mini Cooper Car or a 4GB R2-D2 USB Flash Drive
• ThinkGeek always comes through with something unique - check their sale section
• For something a little wacky - Ben Franklin Action Figure (last year, Peter got me Jane Austen)
• This 300lm Mini Cree LED Flashlight is inexpensive and small (but VERY slow shipping)
• A fun winter hat, a new pair of gloves, or a warm scarf (store bought OR hand knit!)
• A mug - to enjoy their new coffee, hot chocolate, or tea in!

The bottom line is that you should try to tailor stocking stuffers to the recipient's tastes. If they're a techie or a car buff, play to that, or if they enjoy music and coffee, include a CD and a bag of specialty coffee (preferably whole bean - if you know they have a grinder). Whatever you do, don't just fill the stocking with junk - fill it with thoughtful gifts. It doesn't have to cost a fortune, just some thought and time.

Do you have a favorite stocking stuffer story?

What would make YOUR list?

The 2013 #WishList

For the past three years, I've shared my Christmas wish list on the blog. And even though "Santa" has already done his shopping this year (he's early!), it's still fun to dream, right? I do apologize that every single picture is missing from the 2011 list, if you click on the graphic box, it shows up. Another lovely technological annoyance that I'm too lazy to fix for my little blog, so you'll just have to trust me when I say... it was some cool stuff.

2010   |   2011   |   2012

{2013}

A Book Bag

Available at the Literary Gift Company

A Set of Grammar Mugs

Also available at the Literary Gift Company

An Umbrella Stand

No longer available at Pottery Barn {sad sigh}

A {Stupid Expensive} Camera/Laptop Bag

Available at ONA

Scissors

Available at YoZo Craft

Hymn Art

Available at Red Letter Words

Any Season of Poirot - in Blu-ray

Available on Amazon

What's on YOUR Christmas wish list?

It's Perfect...

December is, quite possibly, my favorite month of the year. It could have something to do with the fact that it plays host, not only to Christmas, but also to my birthday. As a child, I sometimes resented the fact that all of my gifts came once a year (one the reasons I was so stuck on getting married in June); but as I have gotten older and wiser, I have actually come to appreciate the fact that I was born in a month when halls everywhere are bedecked. When twinkle lights cover front porches, and Christmas trees sparkle in windows, and "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas" blares out over loud speakers at gas stations.

It's no secret... I love Christmas. Almost as much as I love pumpkins... which is why this is the perfect beverage for me.

And you might notice that the Chick-fil-A cow got a little ho ho ho decoration as well. After all, everyone needs a little Christmas cheer, even giant stuffed cows, right?

On Black Friday - the day when shoppers of America go nuts - I steer clear of the traffic and direct certain members of my extended family up the mountain to a local "Choose and Cut" Christmas tree farm. It's always a struggle to find the "perfect" tree. My parents tend to pick the one closest to the trail, while Peter enjoys blazing his own way, hunting perfection off the beaten path and popping out from among the trees to offer comments like, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume!"

After the tree is cut, and we take advantage of the free cider and hot chocolate at the little farm store, we drive back down the mountain, feeling festive with our tree-topped car. My parents will stand their tree up outside for several days, making us wonder why we go to the effort of cutting down a fresh tree rather than stopping at one of the plethora of tree lots between here and the farm, but in the end, they go because they like the experience. It's never been about the freshness of the tree, it's always been about making new memories. 

On the other hand, our tree is always up in the stand later that day. There are never enough lights, so we always make last minute trips to buy more. Ever since our first married Christmas, we've had red bubble lights on the tree, causing my dad to be a bit nostalgic when he comes to visit. We like them because they make our tree a little bit different from the rest... just like us. 

After the tree is up and we find room for every last ornament in the box (I'm a notorious collector on our travels and can tell you the story of each and every bobble on the tree), we pour a glass of pumpkin egg nog and sit back to enjoy our work. While there are times each year when I am overwhelmed by the number of boxes that have to be lugged up and down the basement stairs, I'm always happy with the end result. And every year, Peter makes the comment that it really is his favorite season. I have to agree. 

Welcome, December!

What's YOUR favorite holiday/season?

#Christmas Music Additions {2013}

Let's face it - there are only so many ways that one can sing "Jingle Bells"before it all starts to sound the same. I still remember the first time I heard Mannheim Steamroller, and it stopped me in my tracks - this was no Bing Crosby or Burl Ives! It was new, it was fun, it was different. I wore out their cassette tapes.

Gone are the days of cassette tapes, but once again I find myself wearing out the new Christmas CDs that made their way to our home this year. I'm not trying to rush through Thanksgiving, but you'll want to order these now so you can start listening to them as soon as the turkey leftovers have disappeared. Trust me. These are three that I would recommend you adding to your Amazon cart and bringing home for all to enjoy.

{1}

It started earlier this fall when I found out that The Piano Guys had finally come out with A Family Christmas. You may recall that I am a bit of a Piano Guys nut, so this was a no brainer to add to the collection, and it's worth your money. They are incredibly talented, and, as always, they play the classics - with a twist. Not sure if you want to indulge? Check out their YouTube Christmas channel and I think you'll change your mind.

{2}

While I was thinking about the first time I heard Mannheim Steamroller, it reminded me of a Christmas mix tape that my sister once had. I must have been 5 or 6 when I first heard it, but I absolutely fell in love with some of the songs on the tape (which included Mannheim). For much of my adult life, I tried to remember who was featured on that cassette, but this year I finally wised up and asked her. Though the tape is long gone, she remembered that it was Jon Anderson. The song that I remembered the most was "I Saw 3 Ships", so when I did a quick search on Amazon, imagine my surprise when I found 3 Ships: 22 Anniversary Edition. I ordered two copies - one for me (which I've worn out), and one for the sister who first introduced me to it. {By the way - who does a "22nd Anniversary" anything??}

{3}

A client actually recommended this one to me, via a Facebook post. With more than a passing interest in Jazz music, this group sucked me in immediately. New York Voices Let It Snow album is fantastic. Yes, they do a lot of well know Christmas songs, but their sound is outstanding and the arrangements are enough to make each song sound like it's being sung for the first time. If you like jazz, then this is one CD that you are certainly going to want to add to your collection. Very smooth.

{BONUS} 



I am not a fan of Will Ferrell, but elf makes me laugh, and so does the soundtrack.

Have you found any great Christmas music this year?
What's your favorite Christmas song or album?

#iamthankful {Week 47}

This week I have lost my temper, lost control of my tongue, expressed frustration and fear, and turned it all back over to the Lord, asking Him to help me regain an eternal perspective. And He has. And I am grateful for His faithfulness to work on me, to work through me, and to work despite me. There is nothing greater in this life than to be used as a vessel for God's service. We just have to get out of our own way.

{#iamthankful}

A world-class health care system

{This is not political - spend some time outside of the first world & you'll realize how good we've got it}

Reminders of grace

Peppermint hot chocolate with peppermint marshmallows

Watching my parents celebrate 53 years of marriage

Being blessed to know people who genuinely care about what's going on in my life

Living in a small community with a variety of ethnic restaurants

A pumpkin magnet

The opportunity to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child - and meet Goal #12

What are YOU thankful for today?