Ann~Margaret

Artist ~ Writer ~ Photographer

 

Pumpkins on the Porch ~ Planning for the Holidays

Oh, my…is it really already November?? Wow…it seems like we were just in September so I’m not sure how October got by so quickly! Isn’t this just how it goes this time of year though? It seems like the end of summer draws to a close, and next thing you know it’s time to pull out the Christmas tree, start shopping, and try to figure out how to not be stressed out this holiday season!

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But, I’m not there yet…to the “pulling out the tree” part…not quite. I need a little more time, I do believe. I just put 2 pumpkins on our front porch last week, and by golly, I need to enjoy them! If I start pulling out Christmas things inside I will want to pull it out for the porch, too. And, well, not just yet. Now, my mom already has her tree up! And, I can assure you my sister will not be far behind…she actually tries to beat us all each year. She surely gets the ribbon when it comes to me! Last year we were traveling a good bit, and I did not even get the tree decorated. Surely I can make it happen this year! And, the cards…oh, the Christmas cards! I love them so very much, and each year I promise myself that by the end of October I will have the design in mind for how they will look. Hmm…how many days do I have left to make this happen??? Oh, dear…that’s right…October has already been swept away!  🙂

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Now, really, though…is there any reason to stress over all of this? I think not…not when I really take a moment to relax with a HUGE deep breath and remember that what is most important is to do the things I truly want to and to not feel pressure to do all the rest. Can you relate?  *See that cute blue pillow with the little mailboxes on it?  It is from sweet Junelle Hallstrom Jacobsen of the Yes and Amen blog…and, all those fabulous and fun artsy classes I so love to take ~ I couldn’t wait to buy this cute pillow with her art on it!  🙂

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I want to create some special gifts this year, get my cards done, put the tree up, enjoy time with loved ones, and I don’t want to feel stressed! What can we do to avoid that? Well, for me I think it should involve a bit of a list…putting things in order of priority, perhaps. Yes, I think that will definitely help. Think about the things that my heart most wants to accomplish for this special season, write them down, organize my thoughts regarding each one, and just make each one happen. One of the most important things to remember is to not become overzealous though. Remember, think about the things that mean the most to you, the things that will really add a dose of JOY to your heart and home this holiday season, and choose to make those things happen.

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It is so easy to see what everyone else is doing, agonize over how many new Pinterest recipes they are going to be trying out, and wonder how in the world they already have 30 gifts to place under the tree the moment it goes up…but, don’t do it…no, no, no, girlie…don’t do this to yourself. Keep your eyes on your own gingerbread house, and make it sweet as can be for you and your family! Be sure to allow for some time for YOU…whether that involves keeping up with your daily inspirational/devotional time (because ah, yes…hello…we are really gonna need this!), getting in your exercise (much needed, too!), or just a little time each day sit down with a cuppa cocoa and be thankful for all your blessings (grab that GRATITUDE journal…we are keeping up with this, now aren’t we??! ~ don’t worry if you’re behind…each day is another opportunity to start again!)…just do it! Do it for YOU! You will feel so much better, and it will be easier for you to remain calm and relaxed as the season begins to get busy and oh, so hectic!

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Now, it’s just the beginning of November so let’s take a deep breath and start planning…being prepared makes the icing go on a whole lot smoother!!

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Warm Hugs!

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Ann~Margaret

Artist ~ Writer ~ Photographer