Normally this time of year brings me a certain amount of anxiety about all things Christmas-ish. Is the menu finalized (is there enough chocolate)? Is the house clean enough for guests? Did I get all the Christmas cards mailed out? Do the kids have an equal number of gifts to open? (my mom passed this on to me and I'm still trying to break the habit - THANKS MOM!)
But this year, the "normal" has been replaced with an odd new kind of peace that I'm finding hard to explain. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad thing. It has taken me 40 years to get through my head that no matter what gifts my children get, no matter what color the pie crust turns out to be, no matter how many dust bunnies are hiding under the curio cabinet, I will be fine. Yes, I'm finished with my shopping and wrapping and most of the errands, which admittedly does help the whole perspective issue.
For those of you who have had significant people in your life gone at holiday time, you know what an empty feeling this can leave in your soul. Last year when my husband was deployed to Iraq, Christmastime was close to the end of the deployment. We could actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. Still, waking up on Christmas morning to a broken furnace and spending my holiday with T.J. the furnace repairman was not exactly how I envisioned decking the halls. No offense T.J., you're a great guy and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you not leaving me stranded without heat for the holidays. Still, I think we both had better plans for Christmas day. So last year, after the furnace guy had gone home and the kids had gone to their dad's house for the day, there I was. Alone on Christmas. House warm. Husband 8000 miles from home. Just me. Not feeling incredibly merry.
Let me tell you, having Keith home this year is something I definitely do not take for granted. He has holiday break from school between semesters and actually gets to spend time with the family. The kids will be here through their holiday break from school. I am just plain thankful. It makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.
As such, the regular edition of Tuesday's Treasury a day early. I made this treasury to share some of the warmth and coziness you can find in the Etsy shops of others. When snow is falling and the arctic winter winds are blowing, stay cuddled up and cozy inside the house. Whether you're curled up by the fire with a good book or sharing holiday goodies with friends, these COZY CHRISTMAS finds are great all winter long!
Link for the entire treasury can be found HERE
The link for the treasury can be found HERE
Happiest of holidays to all of you.
Stay warm and travel safe!!
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