I briefly went out to unlock the gate and a cold wind brushed my cheeks. Cold nights and cold mornings are finally here. In our corner of the world, that means Christmas is near. I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet but my list has narrowed down a bit. It’s mostly for family now. Years ago, I dreamed of just baking some goodies for our neighbors and a few close friends I still get in touch with. I guess, I know enough now to make it happen. As you grow older, the Christmas list is a little shorter because what matters is not the material gifts but more on what you share from the heart. There was a time in the distant past (when I was still working) that I used to buy all my gifts for family and friends even at the start of the year and by September, everything is ready. I love it to be a little personalized keeping in mind the particular person I want to give the gift to. I used to wrap them up and lovingly embellish the boxes with ribbons. That’s when Nissa’s craft supplies come in handy. The crimping scissors, glue sticks, wrappers, ribbons and all the accoutrements we have collected over the years. I recently visited my photo albums at Photobucket and found these. I don’t have any picture on my Zoom browser application except for the latest shots of my Mokara orchids.
the fun of crafting…
I love using local materials which are cheaper and fun to do. I have a stash of greeting cards for all occasions and I still use them now and then. One thing that I miss nowadays is receiving hand-written cards and letters from friends. I am reviving it this Christmas. I will buy greeting cards and write. There was a time in our small group of online friends at Multiply before when we exchanged letters and postcards and it was fun. Every day, I would check if there is one in the mail.
and the joy of wrapping gifts…
I am excited. It’s 48 days to go before Christmas. Since Josef is on leave, we will visit Nissa later at her office to have lunch together. They have scheduled a trip next week to celebrate their wedding anniversary and Nate’s second birthday and they have chosen Siquijor and Dumaguete City in their itinerary. Siquijor is a lovely island province in Central Visayas. Like Boracay, it boasts of white sands and lovely beaches. Lucky Nate to have a wide and big playground for a few days.
Dreams And Escapes 
I have actually bought all the gifts I am giving this year Arlene, but I haven’t wrapped anything yet. The joys of the Internet, done and dusted from the comfort of my new chair and desk! And I don’t even like Christmas that much!
I much prefer my birthday, to be honest.
Best wishes from England, Pete.
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No matter how simple life is, I always anticipate Christmas. And no matter how commercialized the celebration of Christmas has become, there is still that indescribable joy when it comes. We have this lovely tradition here where we have novena masses (nine days of masses/prayer) that end up on Christmas eve. And it is not just in churches where they are held. Waking up at dawn and starting your day in prayer, even in offices, we hold this beautiful tradition. Of course, it is also that time of the year when we carefully plan of what to prepare on the dinner table. Christmas is a joy to us because we are celebrating Christ’s birth.
Thanks again Pete. BTW, when is your birthday?
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Maybe it is your religious faith that makes the Christmas season so special for you Arlene, Either way, I am pleased that the festivities and prayers make you so happy.
My birthday is the 16th March. Pisces. (I was born after 10pm. If I had held out until the 17th, I would be beetleypatrick!)
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You mean they also name babies there after saints? St. Patrick’s feast day is March 17. I love Irish blessings. I had a little book before on prayers by St. Patrick
Speaking of Christmas, we just brought out our Christmas decor and trimmed the tree outside yesterday. I don’t know what the shrub is called but it is perfect for a tree in the garden. We just need outside lights and a few trimmings for decoration.
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They are calling for snow at this part of the world (Northern Canada) and I am looking forward to Christmas as I do every year. This year will be better than the past couple of years, or will it? Due to cost the past few years at Christmas, gifts were not an option (store bought) but, homemade gifts were allowed as long as no one spent a single penny. We had to become like chipmunks searching for items in our den to make something out of items we’ve kept for years. These were actually the best gifts ever to be given. It took a lot of thought about what to make, then hide from others when crafting a work of art. Underneath our tree were gifts that warmed each of our hearts.
And on another note, I too miss the Christmas cards with a single piece of paper inside telling us how the sender was doing, or a yearly re-cap on their family. I do love the internet, bringing so many new friends into our homes, but I do miss the one on one delight of a hand written note, sent through the mail, taking a week or two to arrive. The anticipation of the cards was always a treasure beyond belief.
I loved the pictures you added into your blog today, you really are a talented lady. The gifts were like little masterpieces waiting to be passed on to loved ones. Take care my dear and happy blogging to ya…
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I love Christmas, it’s the time of the year where every one here has that smile on their faces – time for getting in touch with long-lost friends, time for family reunions, time to reach out and share.
There is something so precious about receiving hand-written notes and greeting cards from friends and family. Like you, it is a delight for me to receive one.
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lovely wrapped gifts, Arlene! i do have a short list too 🙂 not into christmas as yet. still prepping for thanksgiving which we host every year.
i share your sentiments about handwritten cards/notes. here’s my blog about it 🙂 http://lolawi.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/handwriting/
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You have said it beautifully lolaWi. I am sure TJ is always delighted when he receives postcards from places that you visit. The beauty of letter-writing the old-fashioned way will never be lost, it’s just that we’ve become so busy that we prefer everything easy. A friend gifted me with a whole set of Hallmark blank cards a few years ago, I was over the moon. Back in college I used to collect stationery too. I seldom receive letters nowadays from the mail. Most of our billing statements are delivered via courier.
Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts, I will come back and read your earlier posts.
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