happy hearts, warm home, long night

Tonight we celebrate the Winter Solstice. It is a time that we focus on our family in a simple and nurturing way. We turned down invitations for holiday gatherings tonight, so we can provide a calm presence for our children during the rushed madness that always seems to be the holidays around us. What does this mean? Warms cups of soup, making popcorn strands for the winter angels outside and snowflakes for our home, quiet games and stories, cuddling by the fire, and finding joy in our health and happiness during this longest night of the year. This coming week we will continue to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones around us, but I think it will always be this night I love best. I see it as an opportunity to create our own traditions and enjoy the season in the way I love best - with love and simplicity.

Taking care of myself

Over at Simplemom, she is having a giveaway that is reminding me to take care of myself and at this time of year, this can be difficult to do.  When I was in high school, I started a tradition of buying myself a little something at this time of year, just for me.  Maybe a journal or a sweet print that I found at just that right moment and no one else would know I wanted it.  I didn't allow myself to feel guilty or say "I should save that money for...".  I really don't carry on that tradition any longer.  In this tough economic time, I do find myself saving that extra cash for something or somebody else.  Now I think I give to myself by finding the time to care for myself.  Taking that little extra moment to go for a brisk walk or put myself to bed earlier than normal and allowing that chore to remain until tomorrow.  I have found this hard to do this year and appreciate the reminders that it is important to take care of ourselves, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Guilt-free.