christmas...
the big things in life seem to usually grab all the attention - often for very good reason, but it's the little things that bring us back to who we are
they're what settle us, bringing equilibrium to the see-saw of life
this time of year, when the days are darkest and life draws near, the seeking of warmth of comfort tend to be what's needed most
i don't have all the "To Do"s done but i have spent wonderful days with family and friends in the companionable enjoyment of simple small pleasures
visited with our son in edmonton for a week and during a break from studying, he and i did some watercolour painting - there were a few ideas on pinterest so i tackled the two you see here
quick and simple, seasonal but not overly so
yesterday was a baking day and for the first time in a long while i made butter tarts... my grand-mother's recipe, using currants, not raisins
i miss her most at christmas
the times we lived with them in the big house, excitement filling it from top to bottom, with five adults and four children under 8 years old, it was a houseful and my grandmother loved every second of it...
then it was parcels that came in the mail after they moved away, loaded with christmas baking - the butter tarts were a favourite of all and they seem to bring me nearer to her than anything - except maybe fudge...
it's time now to take care of those last few things on the list,
and then to put my feet up, and enjoy the quiet magic of christmas
and to wish you the best of the season
Merry Christmas!
3 comments:
Butter tarts are a staple here as well,even though Resident Chef and I don't really appreciate how sweet they are. # 2 son, who lives in BC, expects them to arrive in the mail prior to Christmas even though they rarely arrive in any semblance of being in one piece. He insists that they taste just as good scooped out of the tin and eaten with a spoon. I suspect it's more the feeling of being the taste of home rather than the tarts themselves.
Merry and happy Christmas wishes to you and yours Jillayne!
Just reading this as I sit sipping tea in bed on Christmas morning before getting up and beginning the preparations for the dinner to be put in the oven later. Son is home, a visit to Mum in her care home later, the flurry of bringing the roast together before sitting and enjoying, phone calls from siblings, thinking fondly of loved ones who are no longer here but feeling their presence, small gifts from the Christmas stockings (we don’t do big at Christmas), a cosy feeling of belonging and gratitude at the end of the day when I will reflect on how fortunate I am. Not to be taken for granted but to cherish. The small beautiful moments in life are the most precious and, as you express, these are the things that will create the memories and the stories of the future. Thank you for this lovely Christmas message Jillayne. I’ll be thinking of you waking up to your Christmas morning as our Christmas Day begins to quieten down to evening. Happy Christmas to you and your family xxx
A lovely memory, to be sure. I hope you had a peaceful and joyous festival!
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