Christmas Pure and Simple!
Posted by: smilie on 12/07/2004 - 05:35 PM
Share your ideas for a simple Christmas
âFragmentedâ, she replied when I asked her how she was feeling. She had bought into the common philosophy that being busy is somehow a virtue.
Iâve been there too. Most of us have. We buy into the notion that we must âbe moreâ, âdo moreâ and have moreâ. We find ourselves fragmented and stretched like a piece of worn out elastic.
Oh, there are seasons of life where busyness does prevail and we run. Yet when it becomes a constant way of life, and we run weary, we need to take action. Simplicity can be a choice.
Iâve learned a few things that help make Christmas simple for me. Let me share themâ¦maybe they will appeal to you tooâ¦
Use Scents
Remember how good a spring rain smells or a wood fire in the fireplace? Scents bring back memories. Use them to create the festive atmosphere in your home. They will instantly greet those who come through your door and will trigger memories in years to come.
Cinnamon, cloves and pine are prime Christmas scents. Simmer a little of the spices on the stove or in a pourpori cup. Light a scented candle.
Pine scent can come in a can or you can get some branches from the local Christmas Tree Vendor. They give off a wonderful fresh smell. Even just bundled with a pretty red ribbon they will add to the festive feeling no matter what else you have or haven't put out.
Lights
Lights
Little white lights can go up early and stay long past Christmas. They have a charm of their own. I string some through a wreath or around a window. With dimmed lights and the fragrance of spices in the air the feeling of Christmas will pleasantly surprise you.
Candlelight is great too for creating atmosphere in a simple and elegant way. Reduce your stress, decorations and cost and let the lighting create the magic!