One. Let the Countdown Begin

"I think the child in any of us is not far away at Christmas. We get some sort of special permission, perhaps, to dream and savor and dance." ~ Nancy Shuman, Fellow Blogger

The count down begins in earnest for what I consider the most wonderful time of the year. There is so much about this season that I love. Sometimes I wish the whole world could just take all of December off -- put away war games and crime, poverty and cruelty -- so everyone who wants to could join in the celebration and receive for themselves those ancient tidings of great joy.

But since many can't take the whole month off, then it's important to sneak away for little Christmas breaks, tiny moments every day -- all through the month -- looking for those things that bring moments of joy, delight and comfort. For yourself and for others.

Today I'm offering a simple list -- written in no particular order -- of some of my seasonal favourites. For I've learned to take enjoyment in the little things that come all along, to savour some of the extra treats all month long, not just waiting until the big day, thinking all the magic should happen in one particular 24-hour period. Seems a lot to ask of any day, of any celebration, don't you think? 

  

1. Old fashioned striped peppermint candy canes
2. Twilight at three in the afternoon
3.  Frosty patterns on window panes
4. Snow crunching under car tires
5.  Waiting for that 'spirit' of Christmas to arrive

6. Choirs singing old carols
7. Children singing Away in a Manger
8. Snow...snow...snow
9.Packages in the mail
10. Small chocolate surprises

11. Winter days when the sky is bright and sunny
and snowdrifts look blue from long shadows
12. The smell of coffee brewing

13.  Writing Christmas cards and letters

14. Listening to Handel's Messiah

15. Warm scones and strawberry jam

16. Packages tied up with string

17. Wrapping presents in tissue and ribbons

18. The sound of sleigh bells

19. Yards of satin ribbon in reds and greens

20. Glittery balls

21. Red holly berries

22. Hot cider and spiced rum

23. The surprise in presents

24. The holy hush that descends on Christmas Eve

25. Poinsettias

26.  twinkly lights in windows

27. A red bow on the front door

28.  the fresh smell of cedar, spruce and pine

29. Christmas stickers

30.  Fruitcake with lots of cherries and nuts

31.  Ginger spice cookies and shortbread

32.  Be-ribboned packages

33. Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon

34. Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
35. Putting together seasonal jigsaw puzzles

36.  Sitting by the fireplace
37. Watching the tree lights twinkle in the dark
38. Turkey dinner and all the trimmings
39. Shaking presents under the tree

40. Tucking little treats inside the Christmas card
that you know will be a tiny surprise
41. Bringing out the Christmas music and
playing the festive songs on the piano
42. Finding out the radio is already playing
your favourite Christmas music
 
  43.  The Christmas Story as told by Linus in Charlie Brown's Christmas

What would you add to your list?

Hugs,
Brenda
xox