12/9/10

To make a day.

To make a day takes a morning and an evening.
During the holidays it takes much more than that.
There's card writing, gift wrapping, tree trimming, cookie baking, party giving and much, much more.
Perhaps these are the ingredients for your day too.
This is about the time when I begin to droop as my list of holiday "should do's" becomes longer, not shorter
You bet it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas because we are busy doing it! Yes, we are, performing miracles, and making dreams come true, all in a day!
Wouldn't the real miracle of Christmas be if we slowed down so that our holiday traditions & celebrations became authentic, meaningful, and memorable for all the right reasons?
Mother Nature has a way of taking care of that!


Look at your list. Choose to let only what you love best about the holidays remain. Cross out a couple of "should do's" and realize that you can't do everything.  Not all at once. Not in a day.
Now there's time for play and making snowballs with the first snow.
Now there's time for more comfort & joy!

I do hope your lists get shorter and you have time to enjoy these days among all the rush & pitter-patter!
A few of you have inquired about what cookbook I was looking through that morning. It's
  Delicious Flavors by Victoria Amory and it's a go-to cookbook for recipes that please both guests and family every time.
If you love snow days as much as I do and would like my Orange Glazed Cinnamon Rolls recipe, head over to Nest where author Tamara Stephenson (who loves snow days too) shared my recipe!
Also, join me and other hosts & hostesses at Tablescape Thursday @
 Between Naps On The Porch!
All photos: Lisa Porter


16 comments:

  1. Lisa, wonderful words of wisdom. I am doing less racing around and taking more time to enjoy the season with loved ones!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. You are so right...Slowinog down just a bit definitely helps highlight the really important things about Christmas. Thank you for sharing your wise insights. Cherry Kay

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  3. Oh Lisa,
    I see that sweet Miss Gracie has her bed where she can enjoy the fire and be with those SHE loves too. I love your images and a glimpse of your home! Beautiful.
    xo

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  4. Lisa,
    Thanks for the reminder that it is not all commercial. Seems we all get taken in during the holidays. Lovely.
    Teresa

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  5. Lisa, you give the best present to all of us...that permission, if you will, to be kind to ourselves. Isn't it true that we get so wrapped up in making things so perfect that we forget what's really important. Thanks!

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  6. lisa,
    i think that dark and handsome gentleman by you fire has the right idea.

    xx

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  7. I SO needed to read this! Thank you Lisa and "hi" Gracie!! oxo

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  8. Did you shoot these? They are awesome!

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  9. Yes Juju, I took the photos with my Nikon D3000. My family scattered from the table when I got it out! Gracie was the only one who would happily pose. She's such a ham!
    xo Lisa

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  10. Good advice. I am cutting out what doesn't make me happy this season and I am finding myself enjoying every minute. I don't know why we put such pressure on ourselves this time of year. Loved your photos, especially the wonderful pup by the firelight.

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  11. Excellent words - makes me want to savour my lists and be grateful for what I can accomplish all in a day.
    pve

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  12. Love this post, Lisa! I see you're a Garden and Gun fan, too. Pat that sweet doggy on the head for me, ok? :)
    XO
    Susan

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  13. Lisa, I just know this post is for me ;) I'm having a hard time finding enough time to be able to relax and enjoy the season.

    The photos are lovely.

    Jo

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  14. Love, love, love all your photographs Lisa!!!

    xxxxxx Coty

    Oh I wish we had a white Christmas in Australia.
    Did you know that Oprah is here in Australia at the moment enjoying our summer weather. I would love it if she came past my shop, what are my chances?

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  15. Lisa,
    Your posts are so lovely. You know how I love milk glass, and your beautiful pictures make me want to set a table now! I hope that you have a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for all of your wonderful posts in 2010!
    Xo,
    E&J

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