Thursday, December 23, 2010

oh Christmas....

Such a fickle time of year...it is a struggle between the Currier and Ives version of the holidays and the reality that we are able to create. Over the years, I have learned that one does not equate to the other but that does not mean that I don't try. And even though over the last few years I have had moment of brilliance; last year was a homemade Christmas for those near and dear and those more far afield. This year I have fallen far short. The mail will be late...

There are reasons. We have had a difficult year. Life became far busier. Money is short. We've been hit with some big bills at a most inopportune time and then..the dog ate the Christmas zucchini bread and the little vintage skier from my childhood. Okay, maybe the bread eating thing is not the end of the world and yes the skier is just a thing, from my childhood, that my estranged mother gave me...If I was buddhist I could let it go...but I am not..but I digress...

What seems to be missing from this year is not the STUFF of the holidays but the community of the holidays. In our old home, we would get together with some friends for Solstice. Regardless of the weather we would trek into their off-grid home, share wassail and a fine potluck and bonfire. On Christmas eve we would join our congregation for a potluck and service. With both missing from this year we are trying to make new traditions.

Tomorrow, I will start a lamb roast on the woodstove.My hope is that we will be able to get a cross country ski in before dinner and then enjoy a good meal. We will be having a pierogi making party in the kitchen. Pierogi are a breakfast tradition from Mark's family. In years past we have bought store made but last year we made them for the first time and ...yum..so good. And if all hands are able to help then we can have them for several meals while Mark is home on vacation. We like to make homemade Icecream for Christmas. For Christmas day we will slow cook ribs on the woodstove. I hope that we can get a good long walk or ski in the woods in. Maybe some games later in the afternoon. A nap would be nice...

We have been so busy just getting from one day to the next lately. Mark has been gone a lot, I have been busy getting Tristan where he needs to be. I think this school vacation will be nice to spend some time at home, share some soup with new friends and maybe one day trip somewhere like the mountains or the sea ( ahhh Maine)...

So, yes, this year is different and trying to find the a new ways to manage the different can be a challenge but maybe in the process we'll find new traditions....

Maybe a soup feast at my house next year??


In the meantime, Merry Christmas to you all! Please watch this space next week for a giveaway and the announcement for my Etsy Shop opening.


6 comments:

Wendy said...

Merry Christmas--hope you all have fun discovering some new traditions! All of that time outdoors sounds lovely!

Ellen said...

Merry Christmas!

Wendy said...

I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday celebration - despite the changes in your routines.

Anonymous said...

I was so "blah" during the whole Christmas celebration. It's just not what it used to be. I'm afraid my family has fallen into the whole commercialization bit of it all and I'm determined to get out of it next year! I hope you do have a blessed and happy 2011!

Kristina

Anonymous said...

Technically, you're right down the road from my in-laws I bet. Mark and Glenda Raymond...they live in the yellow farm house with the big barn at 389 Lane Rd. You can see it from route two on your way by the field. I live in Norridgewock, but we go that way all the time! I would love to meet up with you! :-) I normally work during the week, but we can definitely plan something. I'm on vacation right now, I don't know if this week is anything you could do.

~ Tasha

Kathy said...

I feel your angst over the bread and the vintage skier. Seriously Cheddar. What were you thinking? Oh, that's right, dog's do not think in the human way.

((hugs)) I'm not a budhist either. I feel the pain.

New traditions are always welcome eventually, but I think missing the old traditions is difficult until the new ones are embraced. Hang in and next year ... things will be just a bit different than this. :)

Love you. Love peirogis (hint, hint)