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