HH Town House Living

Here’s my list:

Smells. The aromas of the Christmas season are ones we don’t get any other time of year. There’s the pine, and peppermint (of course), but there are also special smells unique to each family. My family always had cardamom buns and Swedish mulled glögg. The smells are as delicious as the taste and instantly bring me back to childhood. We always make clove designs in oranges and the smell fills the house. There is the smell of our wood stove where we sit around and read aloud on winter evenings. Smell is one of the most powerful triggers of memory. I’ve brought these traditions into my children’s lives and they will bring them to theirs. It’s a joy for me to have these memories flood my senses but it’s even more to know the experience they are giving my children.

Annual Experiences of Quality time. There are traditional experiences we do every year. Drive through the city and look at the lights, bake cookies, Christmas crafts, a day in NYC. This makes us slow down, and enjoy the moment TOGETHER! For instance, we got in the car last weekend and drove to cut down our Christmas tree. I’m always tempted just to go to Home Depot where I’m guaranteed to get the size and look I want. But then we wouldn’t have the long drive, with the laughing, and the carols, and the hunt for the tree, and all the rest that we cherish together year after year. We might feel like we’re so busy this time of year that we don’t have time for these slower experiences, but making the time is what creates those precious moments for our families.

The Same Old Decor! I say this facetiously because to kids, it’s not the same old decor. We see so much online that for a mom who is into stuff (like me) I can feel like “I need something new”, but kids don’t give a rip. They are so excited to see the same old tacky Santa figurine each year, and the same simple St. Lucy print that I hang in the kitchen each November. It’s not lackluster to them. Seeing the same special items is what sparks that joyful anticipation and beautiful sense of tradition. I have discovered this is more meaningful for families than a showhouse full of trendy new decor each year.

A Blank Canvas. What is more cozy than a peaceful home? One way this is accomplished is by having a simplified, clean house. I just did a huge declutter. It was scary, but I’m feeling so much lighter. My parents had this tradition of a huge purge right around Thanksgiving. I grew up with a simple home where you could actually see the decor because it wasn’t surrounded by superfluous junk. Clear it all out. You’re about to get more! Having a clean, calm, decluttered home, is seriously one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family.

Remembering WHY. What can we buy to make us happy that could fix a house full of strife? A Gingerbread latte can’t fill an empty feeling. I think the holidays can be hard, because it’s meant to be a time of joy, but can reveal when things are broken. The house is gorgeous, but what if you’re yelling at your kids, or fighting with your spouse?

I remember a time as a family we went to a lights display in our city. I was all stressed out for some reason I now forget, and I was snappy. Our kids were just so excited to be going to see the Christmas lights. Seeing their delight, I was flooded with this feeling that I was missing being a real part of this special moment together, and for what? This is no guilt trip. We can ALL get there. If you find yourself stuck in stress, wake up early to find some alone time to journal about the source of stress. I pray, read scripture or a devotion and dig for solutions. I’ve always found, when I search, there is a way forward.

What is this time all about. What are the holidays for? Why does the whole world decorate and celebrate every year at this time. If you think about it, it’s pretty incredible. The whole world seems to unite in joy. I experience this time as a gift from God. He is in my life, directing my path, and in the midst of my family. He is the source of joy. He is the source of peace. Incredibly, I don’t believe He is offended if people don’t recognize the true reason for the season. I think He is so longing for people to experience His love, He’s ok if they don’t yet realize what’s at the center of each of our stories. But there is awesome joy and peace when you do!

So, whatever state you find yourself in while reading this post, take a minute to regroup. In the midst of the busyness, what should I let go of and what should I hold onto. We are the cultivators of our family life and with minimal forethought the pleasure is ours to promote their joy in the truest sense of the word. I’m cheering you on!