It's hard to believe we're already into one of the fastest paced months of the year. A month that is filled with a whirlwind of activities....decorating....shopping....baking....cleaning....busyness. Each year I get to the end of December, look back, and wonder where did the month go. I'm already shaking my head and thinking, can it be the third already?
Although I've always enjoyed the Christmas season, when I look back I don't feel like I've celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. I don't feel like I've spend time just being in the moment or savoring the sights, sounds, and flavors that go along with this holiday. I want this year to be different, so I sat down and wrote my hopes for this Christmas.
This Christmas...
I will pray
I will journal
I will breathe
I will slow down
I will be of good cheer
I will enjoy simple things
I will remember traditions
I will treasure our family times
I will believe in Christmas magic
I will give thanks for daily blessings
I will ponder the birth of the Christ Child
I will capture Christmas through photography
I will listen to bells, choirs, and Christmas hymns
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I'm trying something different this Christmas season. I've joined Journal Your Christmas 2014 with Shimelle Laine. It's similar to a December Daily, but this project primarily focuses on journaling, not photography or scrapbooking. Shimelle sends a daily journaling prompt and a photo prompt, but the focus for me is the journaling. I don't think I could ever complete a December Daily, but this is simpler. You'll probably see some of my thoughts here, although I will not be posting daily. That's just a little too much work.
I encourage you to take time this December to slow down and enjoy this special season.
I'm also linking with Be still 52, where our prompt this week was square, top down, two sides.
What a great idea, Cathy! I can't wait to see where it leads you.
ReplyDeleteVery good idea- I find that journaling helps me collect my thoughts and also helps me focus. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and maybe it won't fly by too quickly!
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again. Sooooooo excellent. I really like your word tree.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful compositions each and every one, you nailed the lesson.
ReplyDeleteYour tree reminder comes at just the right time. Already the month seems hurried and busy. Time to take time - to appreciate.
ReplyDeleteTaking the time to savour the true meaning of Christmas sounds just like the way it should be. I like your little compositions of dainty decorations.
ReplyDeleteMy first comment disappeared, so I'm trying again. Cathy, you've created a lovely and meaningful "Christmas list." I hope you don't mind, but I'm putting it on my desktop to help me remember to focus on what's important throughout the season. Great job on your Be Still 52 assignment, too. I love that black metal tray and little silver glass ornaments. It's a great combination of rustic and refined.
ReplyDeleteOooooh...I love all of these!
ReplyDeleteOh, you have really captured that feeling I have as I enter this month - I too often feel like I miss the actual moments of the holiday, so caught up in all the busyness. I really love the way you have graphically captured your Christmas hopes - how very delightful. I hope I can bring some stillness into my holiday season. After all the wedding excitement in November, our December is going to be rather quiet - which I think will be a very good thing.
ReplyDeleteLike many others, I find myself occasionally thinking that I can't wait until Dec 26...I feel as though the gifting thing has gotten way out of hand but I can't find a way to stop. I think we all push ourselves way to much at this time of year. I love the rest of it though! and I love these stills along with your beautiful thoughtful words.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful.. I love how you put your thoughts down and formed them in the shape of a Christmas Tree. I so agree with every thing you said. Sometimes it's hard to relax and enjoy the season as it should be due to trying to accomplish so much during it.
ReplyDeleteI feel the month is ramping up and soon will be out of control. Yikes I need to work on that. So much busyness and fun activities but they all take focus off the true meaning of Christmas. That is so cool about the December journaling class you are doing. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope you feel differently at the close of this holiday season!! It is a beautiful time of year, each day should be celebrated and savor end. Your images are lovely!!
ReplyDeleteYour tree-shaped verse is a lovely way to share your thoughts and dreams for the month. Enjoy!
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