HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS.

No matter what you celebrate enjoy the blessings of the season.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#merrychristmas
 

PARCELS AND CARDS ARE ON THE WAY

 Being organized and having items ready makes life easier.

I wrote my cards over a couple of days.

Wrapped my parcels- only 2 now used to have 6 or 7 to mail to family in years gone by.

So Mailed and on their way.

Now to wrapping presents. My bedroom is Santa's workshop. So it is a task that is done slowly as I feel like it.

The trouble with being older is the energy level. So being methodical and going at a manageable pace makes life easier for me.

So how are your plans going?

#wrappingparcels#christmascards#beingorganized#goingatyourownpace#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY

 Some shopping and wrapping are done.

Of course most of the kids want money or gift cards so I try to get a few presents to wrap.

Only two out of town parcels and they are almost ready.

Pulling out big Christ decorations as I just do not feel like putting our every little item I have this year.

I will not be doing the letters to the Troops but will send an email in a week or two.

No family Christmas newsletter. I will write something in some cards but not all.

With no Christmas parties and bazaars and community events there are little social events to attend.

So phone calls and connections in other ways. 

Of course my immediate family will be visiting and I will go to them.

So to decorating and baking and cleaning come all!

And to all a good Christmas preparations!!

#chirstmaspreparations#gettingtotheseason'sdemands#shoppingforChristmas#wrappingforChristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

 I must admit I am enjoying all the hoopla of Christmas this year.

Being at home brings more time for TV and the Christmas movies.

My granddaughter has been watching my classic Christmas movies with me when she can. She is in my bubble.

I found some craft ideas to do while I watch TV. 

No baking as I have bought baked goods from Supermarket stores. Like the PC chocolate chip pie. I need to decide when to heat it up and whom with by my partner in crime!!

A cheesecake variety pack too.

Since ideas are frozen, there is no hurry to eat them now.

I like everyone's Christmas lights. My two Christmas trees bring me joy at night with their lights.

No parties. But there will be a virtual one on Monday night with the Richmond Hill Historical Society. I will tell you next week how that goes.

I am trying to find church services to attend- online of course.

So looking forward to whatever the season will bring.

Have received a couple of Christmas cards which I really enjoy. Nice messages warm my heart. People realize this is tough Christmas for us with our Empty Chair!!

How are you enjoying Christmas?

#Christmas#ChristmaswithanEmptyChair#christmaslights#watchingchristmasmovies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS PREPARATION A LITTLE AT A TIME

So the outdoor Christmas lights are up. Not a great display but colourful. New prelit trees by the door. The old ones' lights died last year so new ones were needed.
I am trying to wrap as I buy. Why? If the grandchildren come over I have to try to hide the bags. So if wrapped then no need to hide. Besides blitz wrapping is a drag.
I want to enjoy the holiday season. For me this year to try to include as many out of the house social events. No matter how small or lame. I need to be out.

Family is the most important to me. So any time spent with family at events is important. Like a local parade.

So the preparation is moving slowly and methodically. I still have lots to do that is not Christmas.
How about you? How is your preparation going??
#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#christmaspreparation#familyisimportanttome#family#merrychristmassign#alittleatatime

LIFE IS LIKE A CANADIAN SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Lots of floats.

Politicians.

Along with ladies, men wearing skirts. Playing Christmas music!

Happy faces! Lots of waving.

A jolly guy in a red suit with a strange form of transportation.
Life with its variety, differences in people, many ways to have fun! The Canadian way eh?
#santaclausparade#floats#santaclaus#bands#winter#clod#smilingfaces#children#knowhowtohavefun#life

ONE WEEK TO CHRISTMAS-LET THE PARTY BEGIN

School, office and home parties are here. Had the Pot Luck at work. It was a fun time. Made my cheese and cold cut platter with cherry tomatoes, olives and strawberries. Put little Christmas decorations on it.
Hauling in gifts to various people every day so my house is a little less cluttered. Some presents have arrived for under my tree. So festive!
But when it rains it pours. Still no new stove. Buying a new car. Adolph's wound is healing. So not just Christmas but other stuff happening for us.
As with most people that make the magic happen, it can be tiring and stressful. So remember lots of sleep, healthy eating, keep well!

                                               Lots of colour to keep your mood happy!
#christmas#stress#oneweektogotochristmas#busy#presents#fun#christmasplatters#coldcuts#olives#festivetimes#december#whenitrainsitpours

3 WEEKS OR LESS TO CHRISTMAS

The parties and eating has begun. Treats from everyone showing up at work and home. Adolph has gone through two panetones already. Time for some torrone for him.
Hopefully I will have the new stove by Christmas or the turkey will be cooked at one of the girls' houses. The stove works but not the oven!!
Wrapping continues every night. Just the grandchildren stuff to finish. Lots of Christmas movies to see! Of course the favourite for the grandsons is Home Alone! Can't tell you how many times I have seen it.
My favourite Christmas movie is- Love Actually! Also love the original Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. Oh Charles Dickens- you are the best!
The little ones love Frosty the Snowman.
Music- all the religious Christmas Carols for me. I even try to sing all the verses. Out of key of course!

Oh the stockings are hung by the chimney with care!
#panetone#torrone#Christmas#chimney#stockings#Christmasmusic#wrappingpresents#gettingreadyforChristmas#grandchildren#HomeAlone#It'sawonderfullife#achristmascarol#CharlesDickens

NANA SAYS CHRISTMAS MAGIC TAKES LOTS OF WORK AND ENERGY

The magic of Christmas usually comes from parents and mostly Moms! Yes I know Dads put things together, parent too. But mothers do the lists, most of the shopping, makes sure the social events and dinners are doable. I still hear men at work saying " have you started Christmas shopping yet?"
Magic takes a toll on the workload and energy of parents. So how to short list it even when it is so busy. Trying amongst the normal activities of laundry, lessons and housekeeping to keep it all together.
Letting go of some things during the busy season. Concentrating on what can be fun for all. If out of the house, the kids can not dirty the house. Letting the older generation invite everyone over so the preparations are reduced. Just dress the kids. This Nana does the Christmas meal so makes it easier for the girls, spouses and grandchildren to enjoy the day at home. They will bring some food too but not all the hoopla. Nana has all day to prepare.
Keeping well during the season is hard. Despite loving all the social events, they do bring a germ pool too. So have the items for colds and flu bugs handy at home. Know which clinics are open if needed. Of course the hospital door is open 24/7.
Magic can mean making cookies or a gingerbread house with children. Another layer of work but important for the memories. Or not!
Those wonderful Christmas pictures. If unable to get to a photographer, find a pretty background, some Christmas things and take some pics. Family and friends are more interested in receiving a photo from you then how amazing the picture can be.
Expect that children often have too much Christmas and can be tired and whinny at all the extra stuff- school, home, running around. Again what can you eliminate for awhile!
So let me know how you create the magic! Also feel good that generations of parents are behind you! Call up your childhood memories and what mattered to you! Will the same things matter to your children and family? So use a family tradition and share with the children! Keep it simple!

DECEMBER- THE TIME FOR REFLECTION AND CELEBRATION

In Canada, we celebrate Christmas December 25th. However, many countries and cultures have different days of the month to celebrate. Learning other Christians ways of honouring the arrival of the Christ child is good. Along with all the hoopla and gift buying try to have some areas of the home with a creche or books on the true meaning of Christmas.
I always have a display on my sideboard in the Family Room with Christmas books and a creche. Of course, many angels.

The items can be touched and rearranged by little hands as needed. This year of course there is the wonderful children's film The Star in theatres. But in everyone's collections there are many Christmas films to watch. So as the season evolves so will my reflections.
#Christmas#creche#jesuschrist#reflections#Canada#traditions#books#christchild#december25#Christmastimeincanada

HELLO DECEMBER-3 WEEKS MORE OR LESS TO CHRISTMAS

If one has delayed starting Christmas shopping, usually December 1 is the wake up call. A fall cold delaying my completion of the in house holiday decorations as rest is needed, my preparations are on track. I just need to resist buying all the baked goodies and chocolates every time it go to a grocery store. A small Panetone for my hubbie as a treat was the only goodie brought into the house so far. Some social events are picking up at work and home. Not overly busy but there will be some fun for this Senior.

Sometimes just hitting a main street anywhere and lovely Christmas images can be found.
#Christmas#3weekstogo#lovelydecorations#December#bakedgoodies#panetone#socialevents

NOVEMBER ENDING-BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

With lots of Christmas preparations done, the real festive season begins. The lighting of famous trees in town squares- like the Rockefeller tree in New York. Eaton Centre in Toronto has a big tree for photo ops. So get out and see the colours. Reach out to others. Phone, Write. Get in the mood. Support your local churches with attendance, going to their fund raising events or just remember the reason for the season. The sweet new children's film The Star is worth attending. For me to finish the decorating of the house. Not putting everything out as trying to reduce my workload! But the house is festive enough.
#Christmas#moviethestar#festiveseason#December#church#fundraising#newyork#eatoncentre#Toronto#Canada

4 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS

The 25th of November. In another month the big 25th will be here. So the outside lights are done. My artificial tree is up in the family room. Yes to save a layer of work for me I succumbed to an artificial one. Easy- 3 pieces put together and connecting the white lights. Put in some strings of coloured ones. A little skinny but I will become accustomed to it.
Big cash in day at Shoppers Drug Mart. $170.-00 worth of free stuff so all the little gifts for colleagues, service people and misc are done. My girls and families are the beneficiary of some items too.
So the Santa's workshop in my bedroom is becoming more presentable for me. Lots of presents wrapped.
I will mail off the cards and packages ready now for 2 weeks.
Less social events this year so will focus on what I can do for me.
One outing with my blogger daughter planned to the Distillery District in December. Other than Christmas dinner no parties or get togethers at my house. So lots of Christmas music and movies will be in the works. Maybe some grandchildren sleepovers will be in the works.
Little by little the season is pulling together. After my oldest daughter's little birthday celebration the other decorations will be pulled out for the season.
Christmas is fun but lots of work too. Maybe I am getting too old for this stuff.
#Christmas#Christmasshopping#ShoppersDrugMart#presents#artificialChristmastree#presents#SantaClaus#parties#socialevents#DistilleryDistrict#Christmasdinner##family

2016 CANADIAN CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

Well Canada had its white Christmas and some places a blizzard. It is more than just a day but a season. With the lights decorating streets from late November to the heightened buzz then frenzy of Christmas preparations. Just look at the statistics for the $billions spent on December 23rd-the busiest shopping day. Of course my fresh produce was bought December 22 early in the morning at one of those 24 hour stores. The shopping, the wrapping, the parcels sent, the presents under the tree. Christmas is a time of celebrating the birth of Jesus- the religious part and celebrating family.  Being together on several occasions made my Christmas season. A parade, a tea, a Santa Christmas party, dinner out with colleagues, watching favourite Christmas movies, listening to beloved songs and carols and simply stopping to enjoy the season- those quiet reflective moments by my Christmas tree.. Of course the Christmas cards and newsletters with the wonderful messages and hearing what everyone has done the last year. Phoning a Dad!  Enjoying the coziness of my home. Making Christmas dinner for my children, sons-in-laws and grandchildren was the pinnacle of Christmas. Lots of work but a good tired afterwards. Boxing Day was a day of rest and slow puttering. The blessing of Christmas makes me remember all the good memories. Sad that some people are no longer with us. However, they were with us at some time and that can not be taken away from any of us not even me! My generosity was taught to me by my parents especially my mother. She grew up in the Depression in Toronto. She never forgot how it was to have very little so she made Christmas happy and special for us. I did the same for my family. The torch has been passed to my girls who make Christmas special and real for the their families. Being Canadian it is never taken for granted with the love and peace we have in our nation. The stories of caring and sharing at Christmas are never ending. The dinners for the homeless, the toy drives, the welcoming of strangers to homes. Even those Tim Horton's ads of #WarmWishes reflect the Canadian spirit. Knowing that First Responders, Armed Forces members are protecting us and need to thanked too. Christmas a time to reflect about all that is good in my life. Since Adolph's name means Noble Wolf- I even found him a special cushion with a Wolf on it to keep his head comfortable! How was your Canadian Christmas?

CHRISTMAS EVE 2016

A time to reflect on Christmas past. Time as a child. A teen. A young adult. A new parent and being able to be Santa. Time getting a stocking filled with little treats and especially a large delicious apple and a big orange. My Mom lived through the Depression, what can I tell you. Remembering when people were with us. Then the first Christmas when they were not! 1997 was the last Christmas Mamma was with us- my mother-in-law. I did a special every day for a week video with her so we would have lots of memories! My folks would spend some Christmases with us. It was fun to have a full house of people. Thus the reason I still have 3 pull out couches and a guest room! Christmas- a time for family and fun. Christmas Eve for children is a time of joyful anticipation! Wondering if Santa would bring their special request. Even NORAD gets in the mix and tracks Santa's journey around the world. For this Nana thinking of my wonderful grandchildren-hoping they will like the presents! I know Clothes- but your Mom made me do it! Trying to decide which Christmas movie to watch tonight as my husband sleeps on the couch1 I am just feeling blessed that I can have another Christmas with everyone. Reading all the messages on the Christmas Cards makes me feel closer to all those family and friends. So Enjoy tonight! Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good life! Yes let there be peace on earth!

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK 2

Work chugs along and so does December. The snow arrived with a bang so staying home at night and shovelling snow is part of the Christmas season.Lots of shovelling over the weekend too.

Two grandchild slept over last weekend to give the parents a break. I took them to the Cervaro Club Christmas party meeting up with my other daughter and 3 children. A fun Children's group entertained us. There were lots of goodies to eat. Of course a visit by Santa. Gifts are all wrapped. The paper carrier- a hard working new Canadian was given his Christmas money bonus along with a box of chocolates, candy canes and a candle. Corners of the house continue to be tidied for the season and the big day. Last night two other grandsons slept over. Dinner, popcorn and ice cream were provided. We all watched some of the Maple Leaf game then decided to try to find a Christmas movie. The Christmas Carol version with George C. Scott was picked. They were more excited about staying up late.
The children all love Nana and Granpa's tree and decorations in the house. Especially the musical boxes and those wonderful toys from Hallmark that sing and dance. Lots of candies, cookies and candy canes in the house.
The lights in the house make it so cozy.
The Christmas presents are mostly delivered. Both girls have their bags of stuff. I am still waiting for a couple of online items to come. I can always give them to the kids at another time. Adolph took the gift basket to our friends at our bank. Dad's gift basket should arrive in West Kelowna tomorrow.
My Christmas parcels to my family in the west all arrived the week of December 5.
Christmas cards and email newsletters are trickling in. Love to hear the news from family and friends. Christmas always gives that opportunity to keep in touch.
Playing my Christmas CDs on my BOSE system. Those that only download miss the opportunity to listen to favourite ones like Rita McNeil and Kenny Rogers. My favourite song continues to be - Oh Come All Ye Faithful. One week to go.
Work will be a short week. I am taking 2 days off to give an extra long weekend. Lots of time to prepare for the big day but mostly to enjoy the season. Being in my home, connecting with family, watching lame Christmas movies while I sit in my family room by my Christmas tree knitting or crocheting or reading the paper is very simple but so peaceful. How is your Canadian Christmas coming along?

A CHILD DOES NOT NEED TO BE CHRISTIAN TO GET A TOY AT CHRISTMAS

The Christmas toy drives by so many organizations in so many locations throughout Canada have one goal. Each needy child at Christmas are included in any toy drive. Families of many faith groups can receive a food hamper and help from the community. Large cities have registries where community agencies can put family names to ensure the distribution reaches as many people. The Christian way is to include all people at Christmas. Many families invite people of other faiths to their Christmas dinner. Work places have holiday parties and pot lucks and social events that let everyone celebrate.Toys! Inclusion by letting all children know they can get a toy. They can visit Santa and ask! One local church outlines where their special collections go. Helping those in need! Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord gives an opportunity to remember anyone less fortunate and include! So food to the food bank. Toys to a toy drive. Clothes to those collecting for the community! Christians! Jesus is the reason for the season and he would be proud!

DECEMBER FUN HAS JUST BEGUN-SNOW

Weekends are so packed full of stuff and activities and family that the work days often get in the way. Starting the week with a good tired has become the norm. Then with the snow everywhere in Canada, having to shovel out of the driveway is an added job. But good tired or bad tired, being tired is hard on the body. So finding time to chill- not hard with the cold weather and to relax or do relaxing activities helps with balanced health. Although wrapping presents is a busy activity, it is not a stressful one so gather all the stuff at a table and sit- less strain on the neck when wrapping. For the heavy duty activity, shovelling snow is there. But as we age must be aware of the strain on the heart, so paying for snow clearing, using the teenagers in the home or a good snow blower- come in all sizes..December can be fun after all the work so find the time to sit and have fun. Party with the view in mind to stay healthy. Two weeks to Christmas. Lots of time to get the important stuff done.

BE A LIGHT IN SOMEONE'S LIFE

Christmas lights come in all shapes and sizes. A walk on a city street reveals the fun of the season.

Even some wildlife can be seen. The light of the season can be interpreted in many ways. Jesus the reason for the season is often seen as the light. So as we light our trees, homes or candles for the dinner tables, think about how you can be a light in someone's life. Reflect on the meaning of life at this time of year. Those thoughts can prevail throughout the year. The hope, the generosity, the connection with family and friends does not begin and end with Christmas. Be the light!

NANA SAYS EMBRACE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Okay parents make the magic. Being Santa and making sure the children have their favourite request from the big guy is the magic. Having some fun ideas to show Santa came to the house can be creative. One person I knew put a boot print in her fireplace! One of my magical Christmases was the year my oldest was 4 and wanted a bride doll! When she saw it Christmas morning with a smile ear to ear, I recaptured some of the magic. As a grandparent, the magic is one step removed. Without little children in the home all the time, Christmas is enjoyed differently. Although we grandparents offer to be more involved it is often difficult for parents to include us in everything. Babysitting is always good during the season to allow for shopping and wrapping. Going to the Christmas concerts or Holiday events is always fun. Making the big dinner helps so the mess is at the Grandparents' house. Helping children to enjoy the simple moments. Walk around the neighbourhood to look at the Christmas lights. The proverbial picture with Santa is always a favourite. The year my mother-in-law died I took my adult girls for a picture with Santa to break the mood of grief. Love that picture. Parents could include the extended family as desired. Not every family system is functional so sometimes excluding the downers works too. But in our family everything is good so events with us all involved are enjoyable. Noisy but enjoyable. So some magic of Christmas is just children being a little wild and over excited. Finding ways to help them burn that energy may need a magic wand!