We didn't leave the house Saturday and it was lovely.
The kids played the Wii and stayed in their pajamas until well into the afternoon. Cate helped me wrap presents. Greg read the kids books. Greg and the kids raked up leaves. I scrapbooked and designed our annual Christmas letter {which may be my favorite yet!}. We ate lunch, watched some football, and cleaned up. Some friends came over for dinner and a couple games of Settlers of Catan that evening.
Y'all. We didn't the leave the house. And I loved every minute. I even answered the door at one point near noon and my hair still looked like a tornado had blown through.
Saturday was the week before our calendar begins to be packed. First up is Ben's birthday weekend with family coming into town and friends come over for a party. Then it's to Branson for Thanksgiving. Then back home and it'll already be December. The all that it is Christmas around here begins: Parade. Jesus Birthday Party. Christmas with other attorneys. Huge Taylor Family Christmas Party. Christmas with Greg's office. Christmas with friends. Christmas in Louisville. Christmas at home with just the four of us. Christmas with Greg's cousins. A road trip to Dallas to celebrate Christmas some more and meet my new nephew.
And then it'll be January. And a new year.
I seriously love this time of the year. I like the parties and music and food and gifts and spiritual conversations that happen. But I loved being at home for a whole entire Saturday before the holiday season gets underway around here. God knew I needed that time. Like seasons are good for our soul, so is the mixture of quiet and celebration.
One way I intentionally embrace this season is do the Christmas shopping I love to do in the months leading up to the end of the year. I buy things along the way as I see gifts that remind me of the people I want to give them to. It makes it easier for me to find meaningful gifts and to enjoy the hustle that comes with Christmas parties and events. Remember, we're a family of extroverts, but, even so, there are only 24 hours in a day.
Speaking of buying gifts, DaySpring has some fabulous items on sale right now. Plus who doesn't love shopping online, where gifts can be purchased while you're sitting in PJs and then show up on your door step?!
Then go jump in the piles of leaves at least one more time ...
Pretty please? Here's to hoping you're able to embrace this holiday season that isn't too far from being upon us. We all have plenty to celebrate.
I'm linking up with Crystal Stine's Behind the Scenes because these pictures of the kids playing in the leaves are a glimpse into our day spent entirely at home. For the record, it did start raining just as I asked the kids to pose for that last picture.
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While this feels like it will be a rough Christmas I know there are still many reasons to celebrate!! I love those all day at home days. That is what I'm doing this week...when not working I'm home and letting Him refresh my weary heart! I'm glad He gave you a full day at home! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful...yay for a day at home! I try to give us (or at least me and Mae) a pajama day every week, usually Wednesdays. We don't leave the house, and it's wonderful. Sometimes we play outside...and then we have to get dressed, but at least we're home. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's such a good idea, Mel! It's so freeing to say put sometimes. Hope you all are enjoying that kind of day today!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a positive outlook that encourages me. You've been on my mind a lot with your husband's deployment. I was glad when I read this morning that you'd get a couple days together over Thanksgiving before he leaves. You're a blessing, friend!
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