Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Time

I don't know why this time of year gets me so nostalgic, but it does. Growing up Christmas was always a special time of year for me, and not just because of the presents either (although my former nickname of "Present Pig" would lead you to think differently). As a child we had a long break from school which allowed us to fly back east to Illinois from sunny California and spend the holiday at my Grandmother's house. My Grandmother was the Martha Stewart of her day.

She'd work so hard to make the holidays as special as she could. Everything from velvet ribbons on the polished apples to thoughtfully selected and beautifully wrapped gifts. One year she even had the groundskeeper tie red velvet ribbons on the flock of white pigeons they owned. Hm, that sounds kind of exotic doesn't it? Someday I'll tell you about the peacocks and then the pigeons won't seem exotic at all.Seriously, she had peacocks.

When my Grandmother passed I spent years boycotting Christmas. It made me too sad to see the world wrapped up in its Christmas finery when my Grandmother wasn't in the world to enjoy it. It was silly really. Who was I punishing?

I found Christmas again a couple of years ago, but now I am all in (not velvet-tied apples in - but who is?). I started to gather the glitziest, most sparkly ornaments I could find. Although my husband hates glitter because it "gets" everywhere, I even have sneaked some of them in too. I love ornaments that remind me of the way snow twinkles and frost both illuminates and obscures a window pane.

I love to sit in my quiet house and stare at my sparkly Christmas tree. If I can get my precious kitty on my lap and have a good book in my hand, well it's nothing short of perfection.

Life is like glitter, it's beautiful, it's messy and you never know where it's going to end up.


17 comments:

  1. And ephemeral.

    We don't "do" Christmas or any holiday really...with the kids across the country and the Horde, we generally just have a quiet day...that is if I'm not at work.

    Your mantel is lovely!

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  2. What a wonderful way to look at life...sparkles are messy but worth it, yes!

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  3. Your mantel is lovely. We are glad you re-found Christmas! xoxo

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  4. Wonderful post Meg! Your hearth looks beautiful and I bet your grandmother would be thrilled with how it looks. Pigeons in bows does sound like a very interesting story indeed!! Hope you arn't too busy to get some kitty lap time with a book this season, Merry Christmas!

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  5. A beautiful post.
    I had a hard time with Christmas after my mother passed away in Dec 2005. But time does heal and like you, I am back to being all in.

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  6. Your voice is as pure as the driven snow. Clearly, a 'Hart' story. You're a gifted writer who will soar! Our very best to you, husband & Fin at Christmas and always - Lassie's Mom & Family

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  7. Meg
    Your home looks very festive, and we know your Grandmother is smiling.
    Childhood Christmas memories are no question a bit larger than life. I look forward to hearing more about your Grandmother and her peacocks!
    Xoxox

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  8. I've always loved glitter too. In fact, when we first met, Glo named me 'Sparkle.' But I had never seen the connection that you made until now. It's beautiful. And I will never complain again when there is glitter to clean up. Instead I'll smile and remember your words.

    Enjoy this beautiful time of year. xo Debbie

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  9. I love peacocks!! Our cousins in California have neighbors with them.

    Beautiful mantle and I am glad you celebrate Christmas again

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  10. I'm with your husband re glitter! You're still picking it out your kn****rs come Easter! Love the mantel though, very atmospheric :)

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  11. That's so pretty. So white and pure. I love Christmas time.

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  12. Thanks so much for your comments friends! This has been a hard transition for me and your being here has been like a balm. Hugs!

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  13. Very true about life being like glitter Meg! I love your decorations. I've got a similar thing for christmas decorations but my thing is feathers...I don't know why! However our Christmas tree is covered in different feathery bird decorations - I bought a load last year, got home and thought: what was I thinking - I've got two cats???!!! Luckilly they haven't 'caught' any of the birdies yet :)

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  14. What a beautiful mantle, Meg! I love to decorate for Christmas too...even though it's just for me and my husband. Oh yeah, and the cats too...they really enjoy all the decorations, much to my dismay...

    Sue

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  15. We're glad you found Christmas again ... and are making a special Christmas wish for our furry friend Finn.

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  16. Merry Christmas Meg, Fin & Husband (I'm sorry I don't know his name).
    Glad to hear that Fin is doing better! Didn't know you had family in Illinois, that's where we live (Smokey, Footsie, Stewie, Moo & Cupcake). Have a wonderful Christmas, Glitter & all!
    Shannon & the gang!

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  17. A woman after my own heart! I love glitter and shiny things, too. What's a Christmas tree without silver, gold, glitter, and sparklies of all kinds. But I'm more into color, not white Christmas.
    Glad Finn is doing better and hope ya'll have a great Christmas.

    ps-I want to hear about the peacocks someday.

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