It's that most wonderful time of the year. A very busy time.
Remember to take a moment and slow down from all the busyness and just enjoy the season...perhaps with a nice cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream on top.
Or, take time to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Watch the sky a few moments to see the colors change until they fade into darkness.
Notice how pretty the barren tree branches look against the sky.
Take a moment
to gaze out the windows and
watch the birds
busy at the feeders
or just resting
in the trees.
If you can, make time for a little nap during a busy day. Falling asleep to Christmas music is wonderful!
I don't recommend sleeping under the tree, but that is a favorite spot for my kitties right now.
Are you still busily getting ready for Christmas? Or have you been able to slow down and enjoy the season? Some folks thrive on last minute shopping. I'm not one of those. Are you? I have to confess that I'm often addressing Christmas cards the last week and the house will need to be cleaned...again. I need to get some gift wrapping done. A nap sure sounds good to me!
Until next time...
I have bought most of the gifts and wrapped what needs to be wrapped.Your pictures are relaxing and make me want to cozy up under a warm blanket for a nap.
ReplyDeletelove the sky and the woodpecker! stay warm and cozy as you can!
ReplyDeletewe are having a blast, busy and exhausted but in the best way possbile!! we left our stress and snow in new jersey!!
ReplyDeletelovely images today...try floating a peeps into that hot chocolate. it makes for a great picture and a tasty treat!!
You have good taste in Christmas Dishes. hehe I have the same ones.
ReplyDeleteI have been on the run to Christmas Parties, Christmas Teas, Christmas programs and a whole lot more. Lots of fun but tiring. Almost done with the Christmas cards and a little shopping left to do.
Stay warm and enjoy the season.
I love your idea! We are birds of a feather, I do believe.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
i am almost finished with Christmas shopping. i just wrote my hubby's friend cards ... he is so busy ... so i write the addresses & all. he signs & writes a little note. there is just so much to be done. i try to get it all done ahead of the time. i have the in-laws this year ... so it will be a busier time. but i am excited. ( :
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl - just popped over to visit from Cozy Little House and thought..Hey, this is a lovely blog. I'm now your new follower from Ontario, Canada. I see we have a bit in common and love your photographs. Deb
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't know why I have taken a photo of Bubbie under the tree...though actually since I put presets under it he hasn't gotten under it near as much. But till I did that, he stayed snuggled in under it. There is just something about a cat sleeping that is so soothing to my soul.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pretty birds outside. They always put me in a wintery mood.
ReplyDeleteI've had a little less time, but not drastically so. It's been enjoyable having the grands so I don't miss the few hours. I have not done my Christmas cards nor have I done all my shopping. I am the worst at shopping for two darling gals I know. Ackkkk!!!
ReplyDeleteI do love shopping and the hustle and bustle of the crowds, but I could never could wait till the last minute, too nerve wracking! I LOVE the picture of the woodpecker, it is divine!!! So have your kiddies left the tree alone? Seems like all is well...
ReplyDeleteBTW, I really like the way you've been formatting your posts. How do you get it to "hold"? Mine always goes wonky.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl, I am sitting here drinking my hot apple cider as I try catching up with my friends. It is so cold up our way and we did get some snow. I enjoyed reading your blog and catching up with what you have been doing. I don't have my shopping done. I did do some looking at Walmart today when I was getting a few groceries incase it got bad weather. I don't decorate with it only being me at home. I will spend Christmas with family. Have a wonderful day stay safe and warm. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.
ReplyDeleteAfter all of our recent trips, we are now in SLOW gear---just relaxing and enjoying the season.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a shopper and hate crowds.. SO--I avoid the Christmas rush... I don't cook or bake like I used to --so truly, this is a wonderful time of year for us.
Hugs,
Betsy
Cheryl, I'm trying to get caught up tonight... and your header is so very beautiful. I am baking tomorrow, and will, in fact, slow down! Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThis is good advice, Cheryl! I will do my best to heed it!
ReplyDeleteLove the sweet little woodpecker.:) we haven't put up our tree! it's been in the 80's and hard to get in the spirit. I haven't even started Christmas shopping!! lol
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl, thanks for the lovely reminders to slow down and enjoy this wonder-filled Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteBe Happy :)
Sounds cozy. I'll be needing a nap today- was up most of the night again.
ReplyDeleteAll sounds wonderful! I am done shopping.. aah. That shot of the Red-Bellied is a great capture!
ReplyDeleteWonderful picture post Cheryl, we must enjoy the magic of the Holiday.....I finished shopping yesterday, now the wrapping but I like that, playing Christmas tunes and wrap, Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteI love the cup, the cat under the tree and that stunning sky with the trees against it... perfect for relaxing..
ReplyDeleteAs hard as I try not to ... I always seem to get lost in the frenzy of the holidays.
ReplyDeleteToo much to do ... too little time!
And I tell myself (every year) that next year will be different! But it never is! LOL
So maybe that's a sign that I must be somewhat okay with frenzy! LOL
But thanks for reminding me to slow down!
diane @ aug's blog
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI'm SO glad that we connected, as it's posts like yours today that make me feel calm and bring a smile to my face! All these beautiful and natural luxuries are available to everyone, don't cost a dime and are in stock, ALWAYS!
Also, you cracked me up with your adorable 'selfie', as I've just come from that post and could SO identify with your comments!:-D
Have a fun and festive week!
xo
Poppy
Beautiful pictures, and wonderful reminders.
ReplyDeleteNo stressing here. We simplify things, and focus on the blessings of the season.
After all, it will either work out, or it won't... either way, life is to be enjoyed, not merely endured :)
Cute kitty taking a nap... what a lovely idea.
Merry Christmas, my friend.
Kerin
I only have one more gift to get and that is for my hubby. I still need to mail out a few packages still but we've had the flu in our house so things have slowed way down here. I kept saying to my hubby as I was laying there just about dying that "I'm so glad I've got my shopping 99.99999% done". Christmas baking is all I have left and that really can wait.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely thoughts and pictures today; I must slow down and enjoy more of the moments of Christmas. It just seems like it is speeding by and I can't catch up.
ReplyDeleteWe are flying out for our Son in laws graduation with his Ph.D. from University of South Dakota. My daughter from Missouri is coming too. I will have two whole days with my two daughter's precious family. I plan to really enjoy those moments.
Blessings and hugs!
I'm so taking your advice....I'm slowing down and gonna enjoy the season. I must tell you, that cup of goodness looks delicious....
ReplyDeleteThanks for this free counseling!!
have a great Friday..
Shug
I think ALL kitties must love to lie under the Christmas tree. Perhaps they feel that they're in the jungle??? I'm just thankful Sundae doesn't try to climb ours.
ReplyDeleteLast minute shopping isn't for me either, so I guess I'd better get busy. Wait, is it too late to not be last minute???
Currently in the process of doing Christmas greetings, Cheryl. Shopping is not big on my list of to-dos so that doesn't take up time. Volunteering at a local thrift store is keeping me. Use as folks complete their holiday shopping there. This was a lovely post and we should all stop and enjoy the season instead of rushing through it.
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of your kitty sleeping under the tree. I need a nap big time.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, Cheryl. I admit that I don't understand the stress and panic that everyone seems to be plagued with at Christmas time. People try to do too much. Enjoy your holiday season!
ReplyDeleteI could go for a cup of that hot chocolate about right now. It is pretty cold out today, but then you have to expect that when you live in Pennsylvania.
ReplyDeletebeautiful post and photos, cheryl!
ReplyDeletechristmas can seem to be a time of hustle and bustle and not a time of reflection. may you have a merry holiday season!
p.s. shopping is not big on my list this year.
Pretty, pretty sunset!! And your woodpecker image...awesome. But oh the fur baby kitty....gotta love 'em. ALL of 'em. Sweet.
ReplyDeleteLovely pics as always! I'm never ahead of schedule, so this morning finds my hubby taking our stack of cards to the local post ofc (in the snow, no less).. buying Christmas stamps and stamping them all to mail. Very few decs up.. not all my shopping is done. Very little baking done (mainly because I don't want to eat it all up beforehand.. lol). Oh my. I think I just stressed myself out again thinking about it all... lol. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and savor the little things. That is SO important too! Be careful out there. It is pretty though, isn't it? -Tammy
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I love that you want us to take the time...to just enjoy. I do love to watch the sunsets and our birds. Take care , be safe, xoxoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteTell me again what kind of camera you decided to get? Because your bird pictures are out of this world beautiful!!
ReplyDelete