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[#1]

T ‘was the day after Thanksgiving and all through the house no one is stirring with much to be done.  Wash the crystal by hand and the linens too.  Stretch high—put the serving platter back on the (top) shelf – wishing that Christmas ornaments would be hung by an elf!

Meanwhile, I’m tired and thinking maybe next year – reservations at a restaurant might better than here!

Okay, I’m not a poet. But as I watch cars going by with green trees and tinsel and hot-air snowmen waving high, I’m hoping for inspiration to make the next round of celebrations full of unforgettable memories that will last throughout the year.

Our family has been blessed with three new babies this year and that makes me realize just how important the simple things in life really are. So again, I am reminded be true to ourselves while focusing on loved ones especially the children—with the goal to make sure we enjoy this time together with celebration and not stress.

My first Christmas here in Pennsylvania was feeling pretty lonely with all my family a state away – when a neighbor called in early morning and invited us to come over in our PJ’s and to join them for family fun.

It was such a simple gesture – yet it meant so much. No planning, no pretense, no fuss.

As we watched their young ones giggle with glee I acknowledged that some of the best celebration ideas come from the youngest – the wee. They have not yet lost the gift of joy and the freedom of creativity. So I’m thinking why not let them be my inspiration this year?

My family spends good times at the dining table as we reminisce. So this year the tables the children’s to set – perhaps handmade placemats or monogrammed paper napkins, place cards, even the centerpiece can be a delight with little ones in charge.

Help them with choosing an idea or theme, and then layer it on – from linens to platters. Let them add interest to each place setting with a seasonal flourish such as cinnamon sticks, flowers or place cards. Consider using your fall rakings to decorate the table with leaves and acorns. Or try the simplicity of a vase filled with branches and falling leaves.

The idea is to use what you got– buttons, marbles, dolls, even books can be fun. My husband collects old children’s books. Piled high in multi-levels with small vases of simple flowers; old pages from used books taped together make interesting and readable placemats create a fabulously interesting and fun table.

Remember the key is not to fuss– instead enjoy the freedom with the focus on creating a festive mood that will set the tone for the season and year to come.

Be well. Be blessed. Be inspired!

Sharon