Saturday 22 December 2012

At this time


I'm so very conscious of rushing at this time of year. {The whirlwind and count down of days can so easily sweep me up.}

Each year I try to be organized for Christmas {but usually get lost in a shopper's frenzy}.

So this time I started my shopping {preparations} months early.

Making lists, buying one gift at a time, shopping slowly {as that's all shopping with a three year old and one year old will allow}.

I wrapt gifts slowly too {a couple each night} and we watched the gift bouquet under the tree grow.


And then just like that we were done. The big day still a week away.

And so we've been enjoying the slowest of days with no real agenda and time for make-believe, surprises and last-minute plans.

Time for long walks, icy poles in the sun, soccer barefoot on the grass, staying still and hours of pushing two little girls on their swings.

Our days are slower than they have been all year. And there's a sense of calm and joy in our moments {underlined by the anticipation of the day little miss three finally understands}.

Today as we ventured to the shops, little miss three asked to push her sister in the stroller. I agreed, if she went slowly and carefully. Then I positioned myself extra close {wondering if it was wise of me to have said yes}.

Five items took fifteen minutes. She went extra slowly, smiling all the way at her responsibility and stopping to let others by. 

It was as though the world around her was speeding by, but she had chosen not to enter the race. And I was reminded that the speed at which I live really is
a choice. And that when I think I've found my pace, I can always slow it down a little more.

xx



~ Grateful for organization, and slow days spent enjoying moments and time with my girls before the inevitable busyness of our family's Christmas day. Linking up with the 52 Weeks of Grateful over here.

~ Wishing you a joyful, wondrous Christmas {and hopefully a moment or two to stop, sit back and take it all in.} Elisa xx

9 comments:

  1. I must remember your wise words and actions for next year. All of the shopping is now finished most of it I did online but there is still much to wrap but we will get it done, slowly. By being mindful like you have it means you are truly able to enjoy this time with your little ones. May all of you have a wonderful day of celebrations, much joy and happiness for the year ahead. xx

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  2. Merry Christmas Elisa, have a restful and wonderful time with your family. xo

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  3. O how lovely! I can just see your little one slowly and carefully moving through the shop. A wonderful reminder...
    Next year... I will be organised! Next year Christmas will not be hectic!
    Wishing you all joy and peace for Christmas!

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  4. What a beautiful post. Yes, I believe it is a choice mostly too. We have been enjoying slowing down. Enjoy your Christmas. Sooz

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  5. What a perfect week for you.
    I was really organised this year, so have not had the last minute gift frenzy to worry about either.
    Thankfully - as we have all fallen to a tummy bug and are running on very little sleep!
    Enjoy! Three is such a magical Christmas age
    😊X

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  6. It's a great feeling to slow down isn't it! Yesterday's shopping trip started out with pancakes at a cafe and a stop at every pet shop along the way because it's what was on my girls' agenda... I loved it. We spent over 4 hours shopping but it was fun! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family...

    Sophie xo

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  7. There's a lot to be said for treading gently. I was prepared for Christmas early enough, it was everything else life through my way that made things more hectic than usual, throw in a shop opening and well lets just say it's been a doozy.
    Glad to hear you have been taking things easy Elisa, wishing you and your loved ones a most blessed day.
    x

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  8. wishing you a peaceful christmas also. the biggest parenting lesson i have learned is to slow down. so much better when you let things take the time they are meant to! xx ashley

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  9. What a beautiful reminder, Elisa. You always inspire me with your words...
    Really glad we met this year in blogland - wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
    Ronnie xo

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Thank you for your words and support. I'm so glad you stopped by xx