12/31/10

December’s gifts.
DSC_0197
Custom, ceremony, celebration & consecration,
DSC_0173
come to us wrapped up, not in tissue and ribbons, but in cherished memories. 
DSC_0174
Memories that delighted us as children,
DSC_0181
DSC_0190
we are now intent on preserving for our own.
DSC_0184
I used to think that the reason I love decking the halls, was so I could create happy memories for my children.
DSC_0185
But after all these years, I have come to realize that it brings me just as much joy.
DSC_0226
One of the most important aspects of the holiday season are rituals.
Rituals that families do, year after year.
DSC_0172
We bring out the old glass, polish up the silver,
DSC_0168
sing the old songs, and say the same prayers.
DSC_0166
We all need the reassuring that our treasured rituals bring.
DSC_0165
As the season of Believing starts to wind down, 
DSC_0159
I remind myself to live it to the fullest before it passes.
openDSC_0154
I breathe the cold air, drink the drink, taste the fruit & resign myself to the influences of each and every one.
DSC_0155
 After all the toys, tinsel, carols, cards and chaos,
DSC_0162
when I pack up our beloved holiday traditions,
DSC_0156
there are evenings of quiet reflection and peace.
DSC_0229
I will carefully wrap these family traditions in tissue,
DSC_0219
And hang on to the comfort & joy.
DSC_0194
I hope you are loving every minute of your holiday season!
xo Lisa
Photos: Lisa Porter

15 comments:

  1. Lisa, Lisa, lisa...

    How i loved reading your post, it brought back all the long lost memories of childhood Christmas' and of this Merry time over the years at this time in December...
    It even feels as though i am reading a blog post by Mum because we (like your beautiful family) all contribute to decking the halls, wrapping all our delicate trinkets and decorations in tissue paper, putting out all the things made from when we were at pre-school etc etc. I really hope you had a beautiful Merry White Christmas, whilst we had a very hot day in Oz. All the best for a very amazing New Year 2011. Thank you for sharing your Christmas delight!. Happy New Year...
    With Love
    Bec becfarquhar.blogspot.com
    p.s pop over to my blog I have done a few new posts if you are interested! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. A beautiful post to read as I am just beginning to put away our Christmas things. Your photos are wonderful, and I can see that we have many similar decorations, too. I am glad to know that not everyone has a perfectly color-coordinated tree and that even in beautiful homes full of lovely things, we can display cherished popsicle stick art. I hope you and your family have a blessed New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lovely post Lisa. Really does bring forward the whole point of all the hubbub.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ...beautiful images...especially the ones conjured in my imagination as I read all about your Christmases... how wonderful... Have a wonderful New Year... maureen

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful post! Have a wonderful and fulfilling New Year!
    xoxo,
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  6. All has been lovingly put away here at Casa de Moore. I enjoyed going through the ornaments and sending #1 son all of those I bought for him over the years for him to put on his first tree with his new wife.n Great memories to see what each represented and where we lived when they were purchased.
    All the best to the Porter's for a wonderful 2011. I am looking forward to a fabulous year!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a lovely post, Lisa! I haven't had much time to read my favorite blogs in the past months and have greatly missed you all! I won't let it get away from me again- I miss them too much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. dear lisa...
    i love love love this post... you and i have very similar pieces and things we love...

    wishing you peace, happiness and lots of love this new year... xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. That was beautiful! Now that the season is past, this was a wonderful look back. I hope you have a very happy new year.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This was a beautiful post!! Your photos are gorgeous and your words were so very true indeed. :) I will definitely return to your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lisa those little silver plates are great! I wish I knew how to make those, maybe some kind of silver leaf?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your decor was/is just gorgeous Lisa. I wish you a happy and healthy 2011 and I loved your comment today about not getting too plastered this weekend. :)
    Hugs~
    T

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love this post! A girl after my own heart! Traditions are my love language!

    Xo,
    Linsey

    ReplyDelete