I have never felt less Christmassy in the week leading up to the big day. Don't get me wrong. I've decorated the house.
Nativity Scene To Remind Us All of The True Meaning Of Christmas
Festive Door Mat (Hmm, maybe a little red nail polish for those toes might be in order)
Underwhelmed? Yes, that is the extent of the Christmas decorations this year. I was going for a minimalist look. Less is more. Understated elegance (okay, I'll agree that the door mat is hardly elegant) And I was also going for a look that could be taken down in about 5 minutes once Christmas is over - or even on Christmas night. I think I've achieved what I was aiming for.
I've also completed my Christmas gift shopping. I did hit an all-time low this year. In years past I would start shopping in about August. I'd scour catalogues looking for things that the kids would like and hide them away where they couldn't be found (or where I thought they couldn't be found - apparently the floor of my wardrobe wasn't that hard to work out, especially cause I used it year after year.)
This year I left it till there was about 14 days to go. I asked the kids what they wanted - no surprises. And (this is my most shameful admission) I sent Luke off to find his own present and when he found it I just transferred money into his account. BUT in my own defence we spent a good few hours looking through the shops one day trying to find him a jacket that would actually fit his long, skinny frame. He's also going to have to go back to the shop on Wednesday to pick it up. I will, however, wrap it for him but I'm starting to think that would be almost farcical.
I think the reason for my lack of Christmas spirit is because I'm STILL working. In years past I would finish when school finished or even a week before. This would give me time to bake and there's nothing better to put you in the Christmas mood than to have the kitchen smelling of cinnamon and nutmeg and chocolate. But I stupidly agreed to do a few rhythmic costumes - which turned out to be 12, not the few I was anticipating.
I spent a few hours Saturday working and then almost all day Sunday but I've now only got one leotard to finish. Woohoo!! Or should I say a more festive - HO HO HO.
This is what I got done this week - a massive effort.
But leotards are going on the back burner today and I'm going to conjure up the spirit of Christmas in my kitchen and then I'll get to get into the spirit of giving tomorrow at speed session.
What's your best way of getting into the spirit? And your favourite Christmas recipe?
Beautiful leotards. I bet you can conjure up a lot of Christmas spirit in your kitchen. I am sitting in by the tree (though truthfully it was too damn hot where I usually sit). I also did wrapping and cards today. I wish I was done work! That would complete the spirit but we get done late this year.
ReplyDeleteThe girls dragged me around Indro yesterday telling me what they'd like but what got me more in the mood was making a gigantic fruit cake. Not a weeny one, a gargantuan one :)
ReplyDeleteLove the floor mat!
The floor mat's from Best and Less last year so if you dare brave Indro again and want one you might get lucky.
ReplyDeleteI've said it before and I will say it again. You are quite an artist.
ReplyDeleteI am having a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. Maybe its the weather, maybe it is business with so many other non-holiday activities. Tomorrow is fruitcake baking day (a bit late in my opinion) that ought to make me feel Christmasy.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Char.
The leotards are amazing. I think you need to put some cheesy Christmas music on or watch some old Christmas movies to get into the spirit...
ReplyDeleteYour work is always unbelievable. I wish you were close enough to do the cupcakes for our wedding on 14 January. I'm still working this week and find it difficult to get into the Christmas spirit before I'm on leave.
ReplyDeleteWow--you were productive on some spectacular leotards!
ReplyDeleteI am, admittedly, just about never in the spirit. I don't know why--it's just not me. The tree is up, the lights are out, but that's really just for the kids. I guess I am a scrooge!
I'm impressed with what you've done! I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away. Just before I logged onto your blog, I did some online shopping with some prayer that it will ship out in time. I'm still not done!
ReplyDeleteBTW- lovely leotard work!
You have decorated so you are one up on me! Win for you!
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with a low key Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI'm having a hard time getting in the spirit this year too..maybe because no snow?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful Nativity Scene! I like it because it is very simple.
ReplyDeleteHow could you start Christmas gifts shopping in about August? :)
Of course, the reason for your lack of Christmas spirit is because you are still busy
with so activities.
Char, I'm wishing you and your family a happy Christmas!
What a beautiful Nativity Scene! I like it because it is very simple.
ReplyDeleteHow could you start Christmas gifts shopping in about August? :)
Of course, the reason for your lack of Christmas spirit is because you are still busy
with so activities.
Char, I'm wishing you and your family a happy Christmas!
Nice leotards! I like minimalist decorating, too. Baking and having down time makes it feel like Christmas... I love decorating gingerbread people, though now it's a challenge getting my 2 yo to help without stuffing dough in her mouth. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a real artist: beautiful leotards and beautiful decorations.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that your cakes will also be very beautiful.
Merry merry Christmas.
Hi Char, do you sell your leotards? I am 27 and starting to learn circus aerial in the USA and am trying to find some nice looking leotards that aren't hundreds of dollars, so far I am not having much luck! You can email me at amg_0423@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI'd love to purchase some if you could make me some!
Amanda