Reflect upon your present blessings, of which everyone has many.
When I was trying to think about what to write about last night, I saw this quote somewhere. It’s so fitting this time of year. As we get into December and things start to get hectic we often forget about the things that truly matter most and we fail to notice the blessings that we have. We can get caught up in the race to buy the most, best, and biggest gifts, forgetting that it’s really about the person you’re giving to and the blessing of having them in your life. Sometimes simply spending time with someone is the best gift you can give. Mr Chiots and I aren’t big gift people, we don’t give each other many things. Instead we like to spend time together during this season, drinking hot cocoa and looking at Christmas lights, listening to Christmas music, or simply sitting and relaxing by candlelight. Make sure you take some time to reflect upon you blessings during this busy month, it will help you enjoy the season all the more.
How do you like to relax and take time to reflect during the holiday season?
I can also be found at Chiot’s Run where I blog daily about gardening, cooking, local eating, beekeeping, and all kinds of stuff. You can also find me at Simple, Green, Frugal, Co-op, and you can follow me on Twitter.
There is no race to buy the biggest/best here, as our income has dwindled down to very little. But…that is not to say there will be no gifting, for we make much of what we already have. Many will be getting some homemade/handmade soap. Chutneys and jams are in the canning pantry awaiting little Goodwill baskets and a festive ribbon. Vintage sheets will become aprons and nursing coverlets….
The Christmas music is on (I particularly love the piano solos by Emile Pandolfi) and the snow is falling gently. It is well with my soul….
Such a beautiful thought, we get so tired of the gift giving and what to buy and what to spend that we just want to not do any of it and just sit and enjoy our tree and the music. Christmas has just gotten so commercialized that sometimes people forget the true meaning of Christmas.
Enjoyed your post!
I like the idea of reflecting on what is important.
Being wrapped up in the cocoon of first year medical student classes, it is as if my life ends at the study door as I still have another pile of papers to read. Having Lymes only complicates things to a ridiculous level.
BUT…I learned this year that the simplest things are best. Thanksgiving with my boyfriend’s family was very low key and quiet. It was the first year I hadn’t been exposed to the high drama of Family Meals. I slept all day until dinner time, waking up only to feed the ponies. It was fantastic.
I am looking forward to this Christmas, as I have a lot to be thankful for. My health is so much better this year due to my wonderful boyfriend who seems to magically get things done before I can even think of them. Passing classes. Being halfway done with my first year, and that much closer to the real world of patients. Being able to think about riding again, and seeing my Dutch filly growing before my eyes into a ridiculously mature and reliable young mare (I was never a believer in rideability scores…but this filly made me one!!!) That alone is more than enough!
OH. And I have a 3/4 miniature Jersey heifer who is due to calve in the spring. So I am greedily re-reading all of your posts simply because I have no idea what to do with her! Maybe get another calf (or two) to cope with all of the extra milk??
SO well put. We have the tendency not to exchange gifts either or if we do get something for each other its when the person needs it or its a good deal, not when it’s mandated by our society. We have friends that drop so much cash on a gifts, when nothing would make me happier than to have my husband make an extra payment on our vehicle!
So true, Mr Chiots and I often get something for each other we need and know will both enjoy. And an extra car payment or paying extra on the mortgage – the freedom that comes from being debt free in the future is the best gift of all!!!