Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Overcoming the Christmas crankies

Buffet 2009

So... Christopher stayed at our house last night and cleared his mega computer (that thing could support a NASA project) from where he had set it up on the dining table back to his room.  Thus, making it possible to move furniture around to make a space for the Christmas tree later today.

I have packed Autumn (except the front porch) and removed objects from the buffet where they await tucking away until early January.  A few Christmas craft and recipe books have been pulled from their place on the shelves and perused.

I was able to use Amazon credit (thank you again!) to send a small birthday gift to Stephanie along with David's Christmas gift (each grandchild gets a very small gift from us). 

How do I feel?  Blech. Bah humbug.

Sigh... so I've decided I'll bring you along on my search for Christmas joy.  We'll see how soon I can overcome the Christmas crankies.   I mean, really, how can I stay cranky for long when I have this face around?


As I write, she has seen something on the deck and is quite frustrated there is no low window in the kitchen as she runs between the two rooms, hoping to see where the intended object has gone.  In her kitty way of thinking, if she saw it through the deck window then she should be able to see it from the kitchen.  I think she is also cranky.

I will soon pull out the scrapbook journal and make my Christmas list of things to be and do this season.  The devotional book, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, will be placed beside my Bible for advent reading (beginning December 1st instead of last Sunday).

Perhaps they will help overcome the crankies.

Pictures:  Blogger heading picture and the buffet picture above from Christmas 2009

8 comments:

Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

That Victoria... she's a sweetie. I LOVE when they do that... maybe she's looking for a new way to look at life too??

Wishing you beauty and grace-filled moments as you search for that place of renewed joy!

Hugs.............

Debra said...

Ha! You sound like me. Pop over and read my post from today for proof. :)

I was here early this morning and left a comment about your lovely scrapbooks, but it didn't 'take.' Anyway, they are lovely and much more creative and inspiring than the ones I make where I just pop magazine pages into plastic sleeves then place them in binders. Thanks for sharing your ideas! Blessings, Debra

Anonymous said...

Dear Brenda,
This week I read "Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it's a sign that I've taken on something of the world and not of Christ." Spoke to my heart - behold this season for what it truely is.
Might I recommend a wonderful website called "A Holy Experience" by Ann Voskamp. Sign up to receive her updates and you will also receive the "Jesse Tree Advent Devotional" - what a treasure this is as we move through the holiday season - the Voskamps do not give gifts to each other at Christmas - it is a truely inspirational blog - she is a gifted writer and a beautiful woman. I think you will be blessed.

Laura

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I think you need some laughter and some good music to cheer you!

Have you read Lanier's blog lately? It has moved me so much. I feel Christmas deeply, it is my favorite time of year. I tried to learn to embrace each year for what it is. One year my grandmother had only recently died and my mother was blue. Some years we have more discretionary spending than other years, but Christmas is still Christmas, and sometimes, it is really more truly Christmas when the gifts given are from the heart, the time together is quiet and warm, and we can go into the New Year built up in our spirits to walk another year with our dear Lord.

I value your blog for you are one who helps me to keep my priorities in order....

Oh, have your tried Pandora Radio online? I am listening to Christmas music that I like, for free! Delightful!

Vee said...

Okay. I'm along for this adventure, too. I believe that you will find exactly what you seek. Ohhh, lots of good things in comments here today, too. Wonderful! Give your Victoria a little scratch for me...nothing like a cat on the hearth. Wow! You got a lot accomplished!!

Anonymous said...

I second Mrs. Rabe's recommendation of Lanier. She has a new post up about the season and it's as lovely as all her posts are.

I was at my lowest this year the week after the clocks changed. It was just so dark. This weekend I strung a few lights on a bookcase and it was so cheerful to have them on when it started to get dark before 5pm. It made me think of how important lights must of been to people who lived long before electricity was invented.

Some time on Sunday evening with the lights, my own kitty and a good book and I felt better than I have since the beginning of the month

matty said...

I love the Miss Victoria photo! As I type, Mr. Wookie is taking close to the same pose. They are such funny kitties, aren't they?? Love the new banner! So pretty!

Anonymous said...

Hi Brenda,

I can relate...Christmas is just not the same without children in the house.

However, I am beginning to enjoy the calmer side of my empty nest and we will be blessed with our granddaughter for a whole week this month!

May the Lord keep you in His peace and joy.

Marsha