on my list
Each year, if I time it just right, I have paperwhite narcissus
blooming indoors for Christmas.
It’s like a tiny little garden in a jar, just when the weather starts to turn cold
and thoughts of the real thing are a long way off.
It’s a simple tradition, but it makes me happy.
I still write my Christmas cards out by hand, even the envelopes.
That makes me happy, too.
I have an ornament on my tree that my first grade teacher gave me.
(That story is here.)
I play Christmas songs and sing really loud while I bake ten
different kinds of cookies. Mitch Miller is one of my favorites.
And I make a really big mess.
Andy Williams’ The Christmas Song is my favorite carol.
Or maybe it’s Let it Snow. Or Winter Wonderland. I can’t decide.
The Chipmunk’s “Me, I want a hula hoop….” always makes me smile.
One night soon, I will have a wrapping marathon on my living room floor,
in front of the fire. And I will make another really big mess.
Some years, I get stressed out by all of these things.
I’m a little behind on everything this year,
but I know it will all get done.
Just like I know that tomorrow, there will be more flowers
joining this one early bloom.
And the house will suddenly smell like Christmas
and just for a moment, it will be spring
in my heart.
Comments
so lovely to see the paperwhites..i too have that tradition but am a bit behind on getting them..they will bloom anyway…hugs friend
Posted by: elk | December 15th, 2010 08:29
Love that you have flowers blooming . . . I’m starting to feel a little stressed but I’m trying to let it go.
Posted by: Kathryn | December 15th, 2010 08:42
Beautiful photo and some wonderful traditions shared here. Since there isn’t any weather to speak of here in So Cal, Lights are what make it feel like Christmas to me. We hope in the car and drive around looking at all the different houses and how they are lit up for the Holiday.
Posted by: Karen | December 15th, 2010 08:48
This is so delicate and beautiful.
Posted by: Frida | December 15th, 2010 08:50
this has always been my ONLY real christmas tradition, and i am behind also. i may buy some already blooming, or perhaps not – perhaps i will wait for the ones in the yard to open up. this weekend will be christmas card time – i am behind on that also. just one of those years. but whatcha gonna do? lunch today is at a small spot out of town & a visit to my favorite nursery. i am already smelling fir and narcissus and feeling better just thinking about it. you’ve made me feel like “it’s beginning to look a lot like christmas…”
Posted by: Debi | December 15th, 2010 09:03
I can’t wait for your cookies, and I can’t wait for “A Christmas Story” with you:)
Posted by: Kimberla | December 15th, 2010 10:29
Gorgeous! Yes, tradition is the sweet glue of life…
Posted by: Skye Daniels | December 15th, 2010 11:15
What a gorgeous photograph and nice tradition! I love that flower – well technically all flowers!
As for the holidays, I love hearing what people like to do and sharing in their joy, just as long as we are doing it because we enjoy these things, not because society pushes us to do them.
Enjoy and have fun, and whatever does not get done, that is okay 🙂
Posted by: Evita Ochel | December 15th, 2010 14:06
I enjoyed this post ~ except for the Chipmunks. The chipmunks have always creeped me out. How they managed to remain playful and harmonious in the company of the always-stressed Dave Seville is beyond me.
Thank you for walking into my life earlier this year. I’ve been a better person ever since …
Posted by: Sally G. | December 15th, 2010 14:52
What wonderful traditions!
Posted by: Jamie S | December 15th, 2010 21:24
A lovely post, and a beautiful photograph.
Posted by: lisa | December 15th, 2010 21:33
Wishing you many heartfelt springs! Beautiful!!!
Posted by: Marcie | December 16th, 2010 15:37
I found you from Jillsy Girl. I love your site. I’m going to poke around a little bit, but don’t worry I’ll put everything back where I found it!!
Posted by: Kate | December 16th, 2010 21:03