This is just a tiny post for any of you that might be in “it’s not enough” mode.
Yes, you know who you are and you know very well that I am referring to “I haven’t bought enough presents.” I even fell victim to it myself last weekend and frantically sent off one last gift to my Mom and Sister, as they frankly deserve any gift that money can buy. But that isn’t really the point and we all know that.
So a little reminder for myself and anyone else who needs it to take stock in the little joys that often get overlooked during the lambast of the holidays. Every morning I look forward to seeing what progress my two hyacinths have made in the night. Can I smell them yet? Not yet, but soon. At today’s outdoor market, I stocked up on more of two staples that hit their peak at this time of year, sweet clementines from Corsica and earthy walnuts from Grenoble. The sassy Mrs. Claus finger puppet that my Sister sent me makes me smile so many times a day. I created a little woodland scene for her on my desk. And finally, the surprise of finding that my flower seller had added a bouquet of chartreuse ping-ponged mimosas in my package, doubly charming as they normally don’t flower until February!
So you see, these little gifts are as good as jewels, finally. It’s enough and so are you. Now it is time to step back and be present (which is a present) for the ones you love.
I also want to send out a wish for a very happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends and readers. As Bruce Barone recently commented here, “Let there be light!”
Merci Sp. Bon fetes!!
Yay! Thank you Judith! I loved that!!! Hooray! Happy, happy holidays!!!!
Hi Heather,
I just sent a couple photos of our very minimalist, bow-tied tree to the email address on your website.
Happy Holidays! Judith
Wise words, SP
Yes, Virginia, the mimosas are still making me happy in thier shrivelled state. I moved them into the bedroom so that they are the first thing that I see when I wake up!
Sally, it is so good to hear from you! And your story brought tears to my eyes. It is so true, there is nothing more important. Wishing you a very Happy Holidays!
Heather, another wonderful post. I'd like to share an event that happened this evening which speaks to your topic–being present–and grateful for what's important–not gifts. Tonight as my husband and I were leaving for a dinner in our neighborhood, a man was driving down the street calling for his 3 year old daughter who had wandered out of their home–a couple of blocks from us. You could hear the terror in his voice. The good news is that she was found soon after. When he told us the wonderful news we were all crying with joy and gratitude. Now that is what these holidays are really about. Our love for each other… Sally
The mimosas look so colourful and cheery – and such a gorgeous scent, even as they dry. (Does look weird seeing them in December though! Ha, there is that upside down world thing again!)
Couldn't agree more with your sentiments. Time to enjoy the wonders of Christmas! Virginia xx