There are a few traditions we have at Christmastime that everyone in our family really loves. Our family nativity photo shoot was such a hit the first year that we did it twice.
The second year, the kids were less enthusiastic, but willing.
This year, I put it off for weeks.
I was afraid One would refuse. Or something else would go wrong. The idea of gathering and coordinating costumes for everyone is a little intimidating. Getting costumes together and helping each person choose who will depict who is a delicate dance between filling all the spots and making sure everyone is satisfied.
We didn’t decorate our tree, and I wrapped the gifts in pillowcases. After the Christmas baking and traveling were done, there weren’t really any other excuses, but I still put it off.
After we did our Victorian Strolls, I kept working on historical accuracy/appearance. Five looked fabulous in her costume, but it wasn’t super accurate, and I wanted to make a dress that better suited the period. The growth dress was perfect because it would last her a while since it’s designed to grow with her.
My cousin recommended Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon, to me. It wasn’t an enthusiastic recommendation. It had been recommended to her, and she hadn’t really been into it, but she thought I might enjoy it.
I’m often hesitant to take on a book that is a solid two inches thick, especially on a recommendation that starts with, “I didn’t really like it, but…”
As it turns out, I did enjoy it.
I love big, coffee table-sized books that are full of luscious illustrations. If a book has interesting and well-written text to go along with those illustrations, so much the better.
Enter Trees: A Rooted History, by Piotr Socha and Wojceich Grajkowski.
The Chaplain and I talk about hibernation frequently at this time of year. We feel sluggish. All we want to do is sit on the sofa and eat carbs. The Chaplain can’t do that, because the Christmas season demands even more work from him than usual between his church responsibilities and work commitments.
I can slow down during the winter season, and I do, because my body won’t let me do anything else. I struggle with it every year. Surrender and Acceptance are all very well and good, except when Christmas is coming and you are the Magic Maker.
