The holidays this year were full of simple things. From the decorations to the presents that the Man and I gave, we tried to keep all the pandemonium that usually comes with the holidays to a minimum. The presents we gave this year were “cheer” baskets that included something crocheted by me, homemade jams from my friend Michele at Pickled Sweet, and some sweet goodies like hot chocolate and candies. And I honestly enjoyed doing that a lot more than things I’ve done in years past.
I can honestly say that as I finished taking the ornaments off my Christmas tree this year I teared up. I didn’t full out cry, but I was emotional. During the long, cold months it’s hard to cheer up the house after all the lights and garlands and decorations come down. While my tree has been down since a week after Christmas, I left my nativity up on the mantel until just after the 6th – “Little Christmas”. And I have yet to redecorate my mantel.
You’ve probably noticed a distinct void of house projects on my blog recently, and that’s because there aren’t many going on other than the usual cleaning, laundry, and attempt at organizing. Just as much as my house is lacking cheer right now, so am I. But I’m ever hopeful that things are going to get better as 2014 progresses.
Don’t worry – no tragedies or awful things have happened, just a distinct, ever present stress that comes with trying to balance work, the Man’s horrible schedule, and the day to day goings on of life. Like bills. Those ever present bills. Wouldn’t it be nice if they went on vacation along with the rest of us during the holidays??
So for now, instead of focusing on the hole in our main hall ceiling (more about that some other time) and all the things I can’t change in my life, I’m trying to focus on the things I can change, like making the dollars streeeeeeeetch to their limit without sacrificing happiness, starting to make hearty and creative meals again (as cooking anything fun has taken a back burner recently), and starting to make new & fun things to stock my Etsy shop for the spring.
And maybe as the months warm up, I’ll get my restoration groove back on and this post holiday/winter depression will melt away. But for now, I’m just going to focus on restoring me and the Man.
Restoring Life 