Holiday Memories

This holiday season is a whirlwind of emotion for me, and as Christmas Eve draws near, I feel myself getting more and more discombobulated. I missed the Solstice - it came and went without even a candle lit in its honor on my Winter altar.

In fact, I didn't even realize its passing until I sat down and caught up on my blogs this morning. There are so many beautiful, creative and thoughtful things out in the blogosphere this season. In reading and browsing, I began to lament the opportunities I've missed. So I'm taking a moment to focus on what I have done this season.

We have a lovely tree. I repaired my childhood Christmas Calendar for my children (and the little girl in me) to enjoy. I made two families of wooden little people, small enough to tuck into a little bed of moss in a tin can, for my girls' stockings (photos of these to come later).

I passed out jars of homemade granola in hand-decorated bags (those little trees are made from fern clippings) to teachers and hostesses. I enjoyed a special girls day with my little chicks, baking ginger cookies and painting our toenails in holiday colors.

And so, I remind myself that this is enough. New memories are being created, memories my children will cherish as much as I cherish those of my childhood. I open my heart, letting these new holiday moments intermingle with those of Christmases past. I breathe a little deeper, knowing that although everything is always changing around us, these special memories are frozen in time.

May you have a peaceful holiday full of
timeless memories & never ending joys.

Merry & Sprite

Tuesday nights have recently become craft night at my house. After the little chicks go to bed, I pour a glass of wine, crank up some Christmas tunes and whip out my glue gun. A couple of mama friends have joined me, and it is so lovely to have real, uninterrupted conversation over felt and yarn and paint. These little pinecone elves are what I've been working on. My friend Rose and I each spotted them in Martha Stewart Living and, upon discovering our mutual love-at-first-sight, quickly pooled supplies and got to work. The pink clad ones are for my girls' stockings. The others are making random appearances around my nest. I'm sure a few more will escape on gifts to grace another's home. Not having big plans for these little guys - and therefore no pressure - has been the best part of this craft.