When Christmas Looks Different

I used to be a Christmas nut.  I would torture (or at least they claim) my children with Christmas songs as soon as the first hint of Fall approached.  I decorated every corner and multiple Christmas Trees.  I hosted friends, family, and neighbors. I cooked and baked with joy. I took lots of family photos and tried to pick the perfect gifts. Year round I made check lists and did Christmas crafts in preparation for my beloved season. I thoughtfully created traditions and hopefully memories for my family. I tried to keep Christ at the center of celebrations. 

So, when Christmas rolls around it feels like it should be a warm, familiar embrace. But this year, Christmas looks different; the usual routines have shifted, loved ones are far away, and life’s unexpected turns have finally wiped away the comfort of traditions and there aren’t new ones yet in place. I also know that new traditions aren’t likely to emerge any time soon, especially ones that resemble what my life-long “ideal’ of what Christmas should be.

This year, I can’t help but feel disconnected from the usual Christmas spirit. In some ways it is hard to find excitement when the season feels foreign, as if the magic has slipped through my fingers. And yet, maybe it’s okay to sit with these feelings for a while.

The familiar family gatherings, filled with laughter and the clinking of dishes, which honestly, have been slowly changing over the last few years, have now faded into quieter, smaller moments, which isn’t all bad. It’s not anger, I feel—just a deep sadness for what’s been lost. Traditions that once felt unshakable have shifted, and the absence of loved ones dull some of the sparkle of the season. Still, amidst this holiday funk, there is a quiet gratitude for the memories and a gentle hope that new traditions find their place in time. In this season of quiet there is more time to remember truly why we celebrate...the birth of a Savior.

For me, change is a hard gift to unwrap anytime, especially when it comes to family. It can feel like a loss, a reminder of what once was. It is tinged with a touch of loneliness.  Yet, I am learning there’s beauty in learning to let go—in finding joy and true meaning even when the season’s usual routines are just memories.  I think the greatest lesson a different kind of Christmas has taught me is the art of letting go. Letting go of expectations. Letting go of the need for control. Letting others chose their paths. Letting go of what was, to make room for what is and what could be. In this surrender, there is peace.

Glitter, Grit, and Kicking Off The Holidays!

The holiday season truly is magical, isn’t it? Twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and pine floating through the air. Yet, if I’m being honest, it’s also utterly exhausting - especially when your job revolves around providing holiday magic for others. The kind of exhaustion that leaves you bone-tired, wondering if you remembered to eat lunch or where exactly you misplaced your sanity. And when your busiest season is the holidays, that magical chaos can hit even harder.

For me, this time of year demands a pace unlike any other. Between hosting endless gatherings, decking every hall (except your own!) and working tirelessly to create memorable experiences for others, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. But somehow, through all the glitter and late nights, the holiday spirit persists. It’s in those fleeting moments—when you catch a glimmer of joy or hear the sound of laughter—that you’re reminded why it all matters.

If you’ve ever collapsed into bed with glitter on your hands and a mental checklist of unfinished tasks, you know exactly what I mean. Maybe your work schedule has you prepping for Christmas as early as October (or earlier—hello, that’s me!). Or maybe you’re the family’s go-to host, managing meals, décor, and everything in between. Whatever your role, it can feel like a marathon of wrapping, cooking, and finding ways to stay cheerful despite the exhaustion.

But here’s the thing: that weight we carry during the holidays? It’s part of what makes this season so extraordinary. Every tired moment is tied to something meaningful—a cherished family tradition, the joy in a child’s eyes, or the quiet satisfaction of making someone’s day a little brighter. The holiday spirit thrives on connection, generosity, and love. And even when our bodies are weary, our hearts stay full because we know it’s all worth it.

The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, even when you’re running on fumes, and sharing your light with those around you. So if you find yourself worn out but still brimming with holiday spirit, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Together, we’re creating something beautiful—a tapestry of joy, connection, and wonder, one twinkling light at a time.

So pause for a moment. Breathe in the magic of this messy, chaotic season. Let the spirit of the holidays refill your cup. You’re part of what makes this time of year so special.

Christmas is coming! Are you ready?

Now that we are officially into December, I thought I would pop in and check on how everyone is doing with Christmas preparations?  Me? Getting there....s-l-o-w-l-y.  I am taking this weekend off from homework and using the time for cleaning house and decorating.  We put up our main tree today and hopefully tomorrow can get the outside done (fingers crossed!)  Of course,  I don't do nearly as much decorating as I did in the past, mostly from a lack of time but some from a lack of help in some of the harder to do decorating.  Either way, this year we are again revamping our holiday traditions as it seems change never seems to stop.  

Last night my youngest son, his girlfriend and I enjoyed our town's tree lighting ceremony, complete with Christmas music, beautifully decorated storefronts, and even a Christmas Sweater Contest (my son entered!)  There was snow...yes, snow magically fell from the sky, even with the temperatures in the 60s!  Maybe Santa had something to do with that?  

It did put us in the mood for putting up our tree and beginning to decorate.  So today we decorated and baked cookies and had a relaxed day (very much needed!) But, like everyone else, I have wondered what goodies you may have found that you love for gifting this year or you might want to receive?  Of course, I love jewelry and as I have gotten "more mature" I find I like my jewelry to have some sentimental value.  A day doesn't go by when I don't wear something that connects to my children.  It just makes me feel closer to them.  Along those lines I have seen these beautiful circle necklaces lately and just think they would make a great couples gift or family gift.  

I love these!  Wouldn't they be the perfect, meaningful gift for someone on your Christmas list? 

 Find them here: My Name Necklace

By the way, this is not an affiliated post, I truly just wanted to share something I thought was unique and help you out with those hard to buy for people on your shopping list!  Happy Shopping....and remember this season is about more than gifts!

4th of July in Edenton, NC

I am really sad that tonight is Sunday night and a "real" Monday will creep in tomorrow.  DH has been on vacation for the last 10 days (yes, count them!!!) and he has to go back to work tomorrow and I will miss him.  I am also sad to see the week come to end as we had a wonderful visit from some dear friends.  They arrived the day before the 4th  and the last few days have been a whirlwind of fun!!!

Our first 4th of July in Edenton was a blast!  It was truly an all American day celebrated in bright red, white & blue.  We spent the afternoon by the water, eating, visiting and listening to music. Just like everything else in this little town, it was picture perfect.

 While much of the South missed the traditional fireworks shows due to lots of rain, we were fortunate to see a great show over the Sound!  It was the perfect ending to a perfect 4th of July!

83 Days Until....

Christmas!  Yes, I am counting down. 

Yesterday, though, someone asked me, "Why are counting down the days until Christmas already?" It was asked not entirely in a rude way, but asked in an almost accusatory tone, as if I had violated some terms of service of which I was unaware.  Instead of being taken aback by the delivery of the question, it actually got me to thinking clearly about why I like to count down, not just to Christmas, but the entire holiday season. 

I have learned that if I want to fully enjoy the season (from Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas) I have to be organized ahead of time. I love everything about Thanksgiving and Christmas - except the stress and busyness.  My solution is to do as much as possible before the season begins.  I want my decorating done early and most, if not all, of my shopping done and wrapped early.  I like menus planned and parties scheduled.

Doing much of the prep. ahead of time, frees me to enjoy the best part of the season...the people and the celebration of Jesus' birth. 

I want to be free to share special times with my family... baking, doing crafts, watching Christmas movies or reading Christmas stories... without feeling a to-do list a mile long weighing on my shoulders.  Taking care of the holiday stresses BEFORE the holiday arrives, frees us to have friends over, go to parties, attend Christmas concerts or just head out simply to drive around and enjoy the sights of the season. All the preplanning and organizing actually allows us to be spontaneous during the holidays because there is no pressure to get this or that done.  We are free to savor the fleeting moments of this special time.  I don't want my children's memories of the holiday season to revolve around a cranky Mom who seems frazzled and stressed out and ready to get Christmas over and done with. 

So, it may seem bizarre to some that I start thinking and planning so far in advance, but it makes our Christmas less stressful and we make more memories with our friends and family.

Happy Easter...the greatest day!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ~1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

I pray you know the blessings of a resurrected Christ! 

Happy Easter!

Merry Christmas from Heidi! My 1st Guest Post!

A few weeks ago I introduced my friend Heidi on my blog through her wonderful fall decorations. I got so many comments and emails wanting to see more of sweet Heidi and her house that I asked her to do my very first guest post!  I am so excited to have Heidi sharing her feelings about Christmas and also touring us through a few of her beautiful decorations!




Heidi
Photo by Sarah McClendon Photography

  "I love Christmas time! I love it for the obvious reasons - presents, food, parties and family get togethers. The main reason though is that Christmas is the time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus!!! We celebrate a little baby being born in a barn…not an ordinary baby though. This baby was born to save us from our sins. Though I know why He was born in a stable with mangy, dirty animals, I just cannot help it; I wonder what that barn would have been decorated like if they knew that the Savior of the world was to be born there. Would there have been any great finds from the local TJ Maxx (yes, I’m a Maxxinista!)? Or gum drop garlands hanging from every stall? Maybe the decorator would have hit the half off sales. After all, Jesus was born in a barn to signify that He is accessible to ALL of us. Deals would have to be part of the charm right? Well, we all know that there weren’t any grand decorations or hoopla. None of it existed. But, oh how I love all of the hoopla, don’t you?

Normally, the thought of bringing 10,254 bins (just kidding-it’s only 10,253 bins) filled with stuff up from the basement would send me into a panic, but not THESE boxes. Nope, THESE boxes are the decoration I put up to celebrate what I KNOW is coming! So this year, when you bring out all of that “hoopla”, remember that this is YOUR contribution to the decoration of that ole, dirty barn. After all, we are decorating for a KING!"

"All wreaths and ribbon were bought at Carole's Southern Charm in Dawsonville, GA, several years ago. They really do look real-that's why I still paid about $20 for each wreath (at half off!) but it has been totally worth it. I've used them for about 6-7 years now. I made the bows on the wreaths. Get someone to teach you how to make bows-best crafty thing you will ever learn."

"I purchased this tree several years ago at TJ Maxx (yes, I truly am a Maxxinista!). It takes care of "outside" lights for us. I got the big red bells at Hobby Lobby. The tree also holds cinnamon sticks, grapevine stars (Hobby Lobby), and sprays from everywhere. I add some every year! Juicy tidbit: this tree STAYS decorated. We just carry it around to the garage on the side of the house and put it in the basement. No, I feel no remorse about doing this, EVER.

The sleigh was bought at Wal-mart several years ago-it's so old, it LOOKS old!! My sister gave me the glass jar filled with birdseed and wrapped with berry garland several years ago. Gives me that nice outdoorsy, old fashioned look that I love. The Santa Crossing sign is one of my FAVORITE finds ever. Was doing some after Christmas Shopping (yes, again) at an antique shop and found this treasure. I just attach it to the tree using floral wire. Stocking another great sign from Dondee Hicks."

Come on inside!

"We are not art collectors, but this horse left us "speechless" when we saw him. He was not one of our bargain pieces, but he was worth every penny. He just lights up the room. I have two garlands on the mantle. One is just plain fake greenery. I wrapped LOTS of white lights around that and then added the beautiful gold poinsettia garland on top of that. That beauty was purchased at an after Christmas sale at Duck Duck Goose in Dacula"

"Where do I start?? This tree is a compilation of many after Christmas sales. I honestly don't think I have paid full price for any ornament on my tree! Even the white frosted balls were bought at K-mart the day after Christmas one year. They are Martha Stewart; that's why they are so fabulous!"

"Another half off sale after Christmas. I bought tons of these at a store in Dacula too. My Christmas theme is "outdoorsy with a posh twist" Reindeer also abound. Love those little guys! It's funny because when I bought these feather balls, we didn't have our puppy. Turns out our puppy is a duck hunting dog and these drive him (and me) crazy!"

"I love my kitchen-it has a fabulous area to display some great pieces, as it's the center of the downstairs.  The book, "The Night Before Christmas" is displayed on an wrought iron picture easel.  Just put your favorite (pretty) book on any plate stand and it instantly becomes a pretty piece of art.  The pottery plate was made by me and my son when he was 5 and still agreeable to such things!  It's the most precious thing I have ever made-took a while to get all of those thumbprints but I sure am glad to have them.  You can take everyday items like my ivy plant, add a Christmas bow and you have instant Christmas glamour."

~ Heidi

Linked to Kelly's Korner: Show Us Your Life - Christmas Tour,
The Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes,

My uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday Treasures

Frugal Friday (prepping for Black Friday!)

I don't know how many of you are planning to be Retail Warriors next Friday, but Black Friday Ads should help you out if you will be joining the army of shoppers.  It has a copy of many Black Friday ads available already so you can plan your attack. There are also some great ads and list of online and pre-Thanksgiving ads to get your motor running! 

Onward, Retail Warriors!

The most wonderful time of the year...Starbucks Holiday Drinks Buy One Get One!

Oh yes, my Starbucks loving friends...it is that special time of the year when not only does Starbucks have their Buy One Get One deal going on for the next few days (November 18-21, each day from 2 until 5 pm) but they also have some yummy holiday drinks to get you in the mood to celebrate.  So what will it be?  Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread or Caramel Brulee' Latte???? 

Also, don't forget to sign up for their 12 Days of Sharing deals  for more liquid holiday spirit!  They start December 1st so don't miss out.

***no endorsement paid, I just know lots of my blog friends are big Starbuck lovers!

We aren't doing Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I think we are going to skip Thanksgiving and Christmas and just celebrate Thanksmas or maybe, ChristGiving (I like that one better, anyway).  You see, around these parts, we start the holidays in November – way before Thanksgiving - and they run clear through until Christmas.  Seriously…it all becomes one big holiday anyway!  So this year instead of Thanksgiving and Christmas…I believe we will just do Christgiving…thank you very much.

Happy Fall Inspiration from Friends!

Yesterday we finally received a hint that Fall is, indeed, on its way.  It was wonderful to walk outside and feel a bit of cool, crisp air!  Last night DH began pulling my Fall decor out of the attic so I can start deciding how and where I want things to go in this house. 

But, while I am still working on my fall decor, I want to share some fun Fall inspiration from my friend Heidi.  She lives in our "old" town and they got a taste of Fall just a week or so sooner than we did. Heidi is one of those sweet souls who is beautiful inside and out and also has a great dose of good taste!  She always works hard to make her home inviting and a haven for friends and family.  So, enjoy a tiny peek at some of her Fall decor and I hope you find some inspiration to get you in the mood for the season. 

Isn't her entryway just adorable?  I love her Pumpkin Door Hanger!!!  She had this made by Dondee Hicks and it so unique.  Heidi also has others for for different seasons/holidays which are equally fantastic!

I love her Welcome Mum (a Sams Club find!).

This Boo Bucket is one of my favorite decorations.  It just gets me in the mood for Fall fun!

Of course, no tour would be complete without a few of inspirations from inside...

I was surprised by the runner under her kitchen arrangement, but it works so perfectly! Don't you love it when you have friends with such good taste to gather inspiration from?

 Heidi picked up this little sign at one of her favorite stores, Paper Affair (also one of my favorite and most tempting stores. I could never work there because I would spend more than I made). She changes the sign with the seasons. For Easter it says "He has Risen" with a pretty pastel bow... for summer it says "dog days of summer...." It is also great for menus at a dinner party!

There are so many precious little touches that make me feel like a child again, anticipating fall festivals, trips to the apple orchard, hay rides and long walks in crunchy leaves...

Thanks, Heidi, for letting me share your fantastic Fall decor!  I love it!!!

For more fall inspiration please check out:
 Fall Open House: Show Us How You Decorate at Hooked on Houses

Spring ideas...

It has been a particularly long, and cold winter this year ~ even in the South.  Old Man winter had quite a vigorous hold on us this year and has fought to keep himself alive and well more than I remember in the past few winters.  Well, I am done with it...finished...Spring is what I want.  Let the daffodils and tulips burst into bloom!   I want to hear the loud songs from the azaleas! Today was a lovely day here and I got the urge to start thinking ahead to Easter just in time for Martha Stewart to send one of  her great idea emails. IF you don't receive them, pop over and sign up for just the kind you would like.  I love them!  Here is a link to some of her cool Spring and Easter ideas:  Martha Stewart's Everything Easter. 

So, do you decorate for Spring and Easter?  I am looking so forward to it!

So, how did you ring in the New Year?

Did you go out and party the night away? Did you have a quiet dinner with someone special? Did you go to bed early and skip the hoopla? We, here at the Southern Somedays house, rang in 2010 in a new way this year! It was the 1st time in many years that we had all 3 children home with us (in the last few years the boys have spent the night with my parents and our daughter has been out of town with a group of her friends). It was also the 1st year that they were all old enough to be excited about New Years, so they wanted to do something special. DH and I decided we would have our 1st Annual Family New Years and it was a blast. We went out to dinner (BBQ - not fancy, but yummy and fun) then we came back and the boys played a game of Risk , then we laided out a little mid-night spread complete with sparkling grape juice. We then danced a bit, and took part in Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve from the WARM comfort of home. It was different but really fun and I think we may have the makings of a new tradition.

Also, of course, the arrival of 2010 brings me to my yearly resolution (yes, I make them and really, really try to keep them). I love the new year and the chance to mentally wipe the slate clean and re-evaluate what/how I am living my life and what I would like to change. Just like our celebration on New Year's Eve was different, my resolution is a bit different in the fact that it isn't different. It is the VERY same resolution I made last year,"to pare down and simplify my life. I want to rid myself mentally and physically of all the clutter that has gathered in the corners of my life." I made this resolution last year and it has served me well. I still have a ways to go, and want to continue the refining and decluttering my mental and spiritual life and also declutter my physical life. So...not original, but I am committing to continuing this process. What was your resolution?

Happy New Year, blogland!

Christmas 2008

I hope you are all having a wonder-filled and blessed Christmas season.

The week is here...

Yes, it is the week of Thanksgiving and preparations are under way here. I completed the shopping yesterday, (yippeee!), and even started some baking last night. Today I will continue assembling dishes to cut down on 'day of' prep. I love entertaining and having a house full of friends and family. This Thanksgiving will be really special because we will be hosting (for the 1st time) DH's extended family.

So, along with my pies to bake and turkey's to brine, I have also started the Christmas decorating! DD and a friend put her tree up on Sunday. Today I will do DS#2's tree and hopefully get started on DS#1's tree. I have a system where as I attempt to start the Sunday before Thanksgiving doing a tree (or more) a day that week. That way at least the upstairs trees are completed before Thanksgiving, which will only leave the 2 for downstairs to be done after Thanksgiving.

This year my family is so excited about the holidays! We are always big holiday people but this year it seems ratcheted up a bit. I am not sure why. Maybe it is all the dreary, depressing news we hear and we want something more positive to focus on (???). Last year I was sick during the holiday season so we didn't do alot of the little things we have always done and I do think they missed it. It isn't about gifts either because all three seem pretty hard pressed to come up with anything they really want (love that!). It truly seems to be that everyone is just looking forward to the traditions we have (and to have children actually verbalize this makes me so happy). Either way, I am not complaining, just enjoying the spirit of the season.

So, no matter what your plans are to celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope this week finds you feeling blessed and with a thanks filled heart.

I haven't forgotten Fall...

Since I have been the reminder for lots of folks that Christmas, is indeed, less than 2 months away I thought I might let everyone know that I haven't forgotten fall. Fall is actually my favorite season. I don't decorate for Halloween, but rather do a fall theme that carries me until Thanksgiving (which is then quickly switched out for Christmas!). To pump up the festiveness of the lights at my entry I just tied some gorgeous Indian Corn with a bow.
What is a door without a wreath?

Welcome Fall!
You can see my little mounds of pansies peeking out!
Dh and I got our corn stalks at Jaemor Farms and were very surprised to find they actually still had corn on them!

My boys were really thrilled that we did a display this year. I used to do one in the yard every year but not in the last few.

Notice there are 3 scarecrows....one girl and 2 boys...guess who is who?

2 MONTHS....

ARE YOU READY?
The countdown is on....

Happy Birthday, America!

A few days ago DD and I were out and about and made a visit to one of our semi-local gems...in the form of a visit up at the lake in the gorgeous North Georgia Mountains. One of my favorite parts about being up there is soaking in some of the most beautiful homes (if we still lived in NY they would be called camps).

This is one of my favorites!See the lake in the back ground? What I really like about this house, though, is
the dock!!!! All decked out for the 4th...
Complete with Uncle Sam!

Happy Birthday, America!!!!!

Memorial Day...

Today, I hope you will take the time to say a prayer of thankfulness for the blessings of this nation and the countless men and women who have gone before us and the brave protectors of our country who are still sacrificing today. If you have the opportunity look one of these American Heros (and their families) in the eye please tell them Thank YOU.

Merry Christmas, Strangers!

Merry Christmas, bloglanders! Yes, it has been a while (Thanksgiving - blush - I think). It has been a very busy season here at Southern Somedays so I have had to take a blogging break and sadly I wasn't polite enough to make that note to all you sweet people who sent me emails and comments.

We have survived the Christmas season relatively scar free, but not without feeling frazzled. This year was the 1st Christmas that I have worked outside the home since we have had children. I generally become "Martha" and all things festive magically appear and are organized for my family...not so much this year! We didn't have as many photo moments to be sure and I am struggling with that - I love them as much as the children do. Gifts weren't purchased and wrapped and under the tree from day 1 (yes, I was still shopping last Friday which I did NOT like in the least bit!). Cookies were not baked (at my house, at least), and caterers were good friends this year. Well, it may not have been Marthaesque but it did get done!

Even with the crazy/busy we have had a wonderful Christmas season full of blessings.

Blessing: we were able to find a bit of time each Sunday evening to celebrate our family version of Advent. We spent precious time gathered in our kitchen reading from the Bible and lighting the candles of our Advent Wreath. It was one of the high lights of the season.

Blessing: We also were able to go caroling to shut-ins from our church one Wednesday Night.

Blessing: DH and I celebrated 19 years of marriage...though he did take DD to a concert that night (what? LOL).

Blessing: Our family was blessed, as usual, by the Christmas Music Program done by the Lower School which both our sons are in. BTW, it was a CHRISTMAS Program complete with God, Jesus and the true meaning behind the season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessing: DD took part in our Church's annual Christmas Production and Dinner theatre and we were all so very proud of her. She also had her 1st Voice Recital last Friday night and we were blown away by her talent (where did she get that?).

BIG Blessing: I suppose the true highlight was last night, when our youngest DS was baptised during our Church's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It was even more special knowing that our oldest DS was baptised 4 years ago, also in the Christmas Candlelight Service. Knowing that all 3 of my children have accepted Christ and have made a public profession of faith is all the Christmas Gift that this Mommy could ask for.

Busy or not I know that we are so blessed and God is so good and merciful and full of grace. Grace that I can't begin to grasp...Mercy that came in a manger...Merry Christmas all.