A Pause in Advent?

Floss isn't going to be able to run her 'A Pause in Advent' this year and as such has linked to Dormouse who is taking part in 'Advent Wonder'   I popped over to Dormouse's blog to have a look and thought I would give it a go.

As she says, the mince pies, and Christmas decorations, foods and advertising has now been out for some time, and the feeling of it all building up seems to happen earlier and earlier each year, and it is nice to be able to reflect and pause, whatever your beliefs.

I have received the first email and I like the theme "Gifts" - this seems especially appropriate this year as we have decided to forego the usual 'gifts' this year which has surprised some family members...but we explained we wanted to instead focus on the day and enjoying each others company and not worrying about whether we have the 'right' gift this year etc...so I think this will be very interesting to follow.

This is what the first email reads:

The theme for this year's Advent Wonder is 'Gifts'.  We all have notions of what a Christmas present means, but this series will explore the alternative ones - the unexpected and nonetheless wondrous gifts within the Advent story.

Each Monday and Friday throughout December, you'll receive a 'gift' to ponder and share.  You'll also be invited to reflect specifically upon your own giving,, at Christmas time and beyond.

A Pause in Advent - Four

Joining Floss from Troc Broc & Recup  and friends in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.  

So for the final Pause...things are starting to come together.  The carol concerts have been sung and enjoyed, the presents have been bought, the house is starting to look like it might be ready for Christmas Day.  I have planned the meal and written a list of groceries we need to purchase in order to make it happen.

The Rotary Club Sleigh has done its rounds and was up our street this evening - I have photographed it nearly every year and gone out to watch it make its way up our street playing the Christmas Carols.  To me this always seems to mark the beginning of Christmas.  It was later this year than previous, but I think I like it later...

Our dining room table has been cleared and is waiting...

Just a few more little jobs to see to - the house you can see needs moving out of the lounge to allow more room on Christmas Day for our family who will be coming round to share the day with us.

During these 'Pause for Advent' posts, there have been no profound or deep thinking messages from me, just a simple reflection of our quiet approach to Christmas.  

A Pause in Advent - Three

Joining Floss from Troc Broc & Recup  and friends in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.  

Here is my belated third Pause in Advent, having had a busy, by not too busy few days.

Things are slowly coming together, gifts have been ordered, or thought about... the little wooden Advent tree is filling up and the elf has been discovered in various places.  

The town Carol Concert was last night and I enjoyed singing in the choir for that - brings a lovely feeling and meaning to this time.  Another concert this afternoon which will be a lot of fun I am sure.

My eldest son comes home on Thursday for a couple of weeks over the Christmas period which will be lovely.

I need to start planning the meal and associated shopping list for Christmas Day.  It is not a mammoth affair fortunately, just a special family time.

I should have turned the Christmas lights on!

A Pause in Advent - Two

Joining Floss from Troc Broc & Recup  and friends in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.  

Today is the second Sunday in Advent,and we have been continuing to take things fairly easy, although have a fairly busy week ahead.

I have been enjoying the daily little ornaments to hang on my little wooden Advent tree, and having fun with the Christmas Elf.  Surprisingly even my husband has got into the swing of things with that little Elf.  

The Community Choir I belong to and the Wednesday afternoon singing group have been full of preparation for Christmas Carol Concerts and I am looking forward to these.  We had an impromptu performance last Wednesday afternoon which was very enjoyable indeed.

No real profound words of wisdom or advice from me, just moving through the days with a gentle casualness that I hope will extend over the whole of this season.

I was watching a squirrel in the garden today getting on with his business...and marvelled at the wonder of nature and wildlife so thought I would share these pictures with you.

A few roses, some not at their best but still bravely flowering.  Most have been pruned back, but I try to keep a few flowering all year round to add a splash of colour to brighten the darker days.

Some more decorating will hopefully be happening this week.  There is no rush, what will be done, will be done.

A Pause in Advent - One

When better to start my 'new blog' than on the 1st December and by celebrating Advent.

This is the fifth year I have joined Floss from Troc Broc & Recup in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.

This may be the last year we have both boys at home for Christmas.  Certainly our older son will be away at sea next Christmas, so we want to spend time together as a family and enjoy the moment.  With the boys now 22 and 17, there is a more mature slant on this time of year.   Although their mother seems to have regressed into the world of imagination and play!

Like last year I will be cooking Christmas dinner for us and my mother in law and her partner.  We have a lovely big dining table this year and I am looking forward to being able to dress the table with a bit more 'finesse' although I plan to use what I already have or make some table decorations as needed.  This will be quite a treat and a change from us all trying to clamber round our little kitchen table.  

I hope that we can enjoy this time with no stress and angst and simplify the gift giving to some extent focussing not on the 'glitz and glamour' and heavy advertising that goes on at this time of year, but rather little things that will be useful that each of us may want or need.  As we only have a small family this is easier for us to do than for others. Fortunately not having a television means that we are not being constantly bombarded with all the Christmas hype.  Instead we can work our way into this period with gentle progress.

The decorating has started and the Advent Calendar is ready - it is different this year. We have a little wooden Christmas tree to put a decoration on each day which should be fun.  Some may find this a little tacky, but we think it is sweet  and can be used year after year.

Looks like a little mouse has made an appearance today on this first day of Advent.

He looks rather lonesome hanging there, but before we know it, he will be joined by all his friends.