Making Your Season {Merry}

It's 3:24 in the morning.  My tonsils are swollen and sore, a canker sore is at full tenderness on the underside of my tongue (just what you always wanted to know!); the Squirt fell asleep around 7:00 PM, woke up at 10:30 AM, and has been awake ever since, mostly self-entertaining, thank you guardian angels!  I've slept on and off but woke up due to screaming tonsils to gargle warm salt water, attracting his notice, and am now attempting to find sleep again in the fetal position while my wordlessly loquacious almost-three-year old climbs all over me.

I might as well share all those Christmas-y pictures that I never got around to posting.

(Currently, I can hear that my son turned the tap on in the bathtub, and I know he's sitting in it fully clothed, socked, sweatered, and all.)

So, my (belated) home Christmas preparations:

I'm happy with the gradual Christmas decorating I did this year, taking out and adding things in stages throughout Advent.  I've read that other people take out the winter-themed decorations and leave the Christmas things to Christmas Eve.  I like that, but in all honesty, if I was going to do it all in one day, it would never happen.

For wintery things, I like to look in my own backyard, so to speak.  By my own back yard, I mean . . . my parents' backyard.  I collected some of the prettiest, fullest, and biggest pine cones from the grass, spray painted them gold, and piled them in a festive basket.  (One can never have enough baskets; I have a theory that the amount of stuff one can find that needs storing in baskets is directly equivalent to the amount of baskets one happens to have; in other words, I can always find stuff to put in baskets).

Christmastime, oddly enough, is a time when my energy bills go down.  I know it's usually the opposite for most people, but in our small apartment, if I'm going to have an abundance of stringed lights up and on day and night, I might as well leave the electric lights turned off.  And do.

I light my Advent wreath throughout Advent as well, so that by the time Christmas Eve arrives, the candles are burned down to tiny stubs.  And then I buy some green, white, or red ones on clearance and replace them in the Advent wreath; I might put a thick white one in the middle for the Christ Candle.  I'm an enthusiastic regular-season candle consumer, so there's always the scented ones I buy on sale or the plain ones I buy in bulk and, of course, the votives on the home altars.

Now, this is one idea I've seen appearing, to my delight, in other people's homes.  And it's such a fun and easy idea:

I'd lost the how-to of making them into the distant memories of my childhood until about four years ago, when my parish called for free hands to come to a snowflake-making party in order to furnish the decor for our Marian winter ball.

I've been making them ever since.  Small ones, big ones, fancy ones, simple ones.  Since I only have one child under three, it takes a little bit of doing to get to full paper-flurry, so I keep all the ones I make each year and add to the collection.

With string, I tied the littlest paper snowflakes to the Christmas tree for a folksy, homemade theme.  They're light, shatter-proof, and not a big deal if someone rips them off the branches, unlike pricier, breakier ornaments.  Pictured here along with the snowflakes: some paper origami ornaments from Ikea (but you could probably find a tutorial online, I'm betting, and very easily make them yourself) a box of 99 cent candy-canes (again, not a big deal if the Squirt gets hold of them--and he does), a spool of festive wired ribbon, some cheap beaded garland I bought a year back on clearance, and three Scandinavian conical fabric ornaments.

After I took this picture, I added some wooden ornaments I uncovered in a storage box, a peppermint framed photo of the Squirt from last year's Santa-sitting, and a homespun ornament made from a recycled Christmas card, scrap-booking materials, laminating sheets, and ribbon.  Also functions as a bookmark.

To make this little seasonal photo collection complete, I should have a genre for the food, but I never got around to baking much this season, much less putting together a pretty photo banner.  Still, I somehow managed to gain somewhere between five and ten pounds.  Oh well.

Someone bought me a sweet little cupcake, though.  Forgive the picture repeats, but enjoy the Picmonkey abuse:

I get a little OCD carried away.  But there it is.  We did buy a real tree this year, actually more of a bush, because a fake tree costs just as much, if not more.  This one is potted and so is a long-term purchase I can justify.  We got it at a local farm, and I asked to stuff a gaping shopping bag full of boughs clipped from the bottom of purchased trees.  They always place them in a large, conspicuous pile, and the wreath-maker can usually be found right next to it winding the flexible limbs around metal frames.  But there's far too many for her to use up.  So this year, and the last, we were allowed to take extra greenery home.  Free and festive, it's probably my favorite part of the winter/Christmas decorating, and the most traditional.

That's my easy, nearly-free, commercial Christmas.  Timed perfectly to when you've got to start taking things down (if you haven't already).  It's now past four o'clock in the morning her.  The ibuprofin has set in, the pillow is calling my name, and the toddler is soaking wet.  Have a good one (night, morning, rest of the Christmas season)!

(Parentheses!!??!?)

Theme Thursday: Mess

Dec. 26, Second Day of Christmas.  Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, who was stoned in Jerusalem two years after the death of Christ and is patron of coffin makers, deacons, headaches, horses, and masons.

Santa's workshop?

I don't know about everyone else, but Advent flew by for me this year.  So I'm still putting together presents.  Got some inspiration from Santa's helper here, and I'm loving it.  Scrap-booking, collages, and basic paper-crafting are things I enjoy and have readily available, so it's the perfect option for me.  Even though it makes a mess!  No pictures of the finished products yet because some of you will probably get some in the mail before the Christmas season ends.

Happy Christmastide!  Here's one of my favorite carols to listen to while you drink hot chocolate and eat lots of Boxing Day leftovers!

Theme Thursday is hosted by Cari at Clan Donaldson.  Go and make messes merry!

Nadolig Llawen!

Dec. 24, Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord.

". . . there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart.  Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond.  Is it all real?  Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding."

Christmas blessings to all who visit this blog and all their loved ones, and to our Eastern and Greek brethren, the same hearty sentiments in a few weeks' time!  Nadolig llawen!

Advent Unplugged: Not What I Expected

Or, Nobody Likes a Pity Party but Everybody's Still Invited

Dec. 20, Friday of the Third Week of Advent.

. . . and it wasn't even a coach before midnight!

I know Advent's not even over yet, but I'm already feeling Christmas burnout.  And I've stayed well away from the secularism and commercial bustle of the season this year.  I've almost had to, as a matter of working-mom survival.

My early Advent reflections had me on board with Molly and Christy and Masha and Haley about switching off and tuning in for this season of quiet expectation.  If I didn't have the resolve to follow through, daily life has made me follow through, but with its own, twisted sense of humor.  (Hyperbole, but still. . .)

In addition to Ordinary Time liturgical living and feast days, I wanted to be on top of daily Advent meditations, a Christmas novena, giving to those in need, spending more quality time with my son, attending a daily Mass or two, and choosing or making thoughtful, meaningful gifts for those closest to me.  I don't have the finances to provide everyone I would like to with Christmas gifts this year; but I would have liked to be able to give the gift of creative and loving effort, or at least time and friendship, and even that has been lacking.

It's less than a week before Christmas, and I'm not even sure if cards are going to go out this year.  Fortunately for Catholics, Christmas extends well into January, so there's still time for that.  Maybe.

(Oh, and wholesome, home-cooked meals for myself and my son and keeping a tidy house?  Fuhgettaboutit.)

I mean, I wanted to deck the halls to cheerful music, fill our home with good baking smells for the holy days, meticulously practice the beautiful devotions that are so numerous this time of year.  It's not like I've been wasting time internet shopping or attending Christmas parties every weekend.

Yet despite those things--though they are good ways to observe the season and a far cry better than absorbing oneself in commercials of shiny cars with giant bows on them--it occurs to me that I've had a successful Advent after all.

This month has been particularly difficult.  At one point, my debit card was declined, my EBT was maxed out, my water shut off, and I couldn't get my prescription refilled so was dizzy and cloudy-headed and scheduled to close at the deli that evening.  I canceled indefinitely my son's speech therapy because, despite being paid for by Medicaid, I had to drive an hour out of the way once a week and then an hour back to get there.  I've plunked extra money into tests trying to find out what's wrong with me and why I keep getting sick, not to mention the recurring fatigue and body aches unrelated to viruses; so far, the results have been a big FAT NOTHING.  (So I'm imagining it?)  I resent that all these weeks--the four weeks that lasted an eternity when I was young, so that Christmas never seemed to come--have flown by without any sympathy for my convenience.

The latest flu-cold-thingy has forced me to to bed and quarantine in my leisure hours, so I've been able to reflect a little.  There would probably have been a time (like, this summer) that I would have pushed myself to do everything; and if I didn't, I would have moped and felt guilty and disappointed about it.  But I'm not going to do that, and I haven't been.  As for the things that do happen, I'm making an effort to put them in perspective.  Allow me to post this exercise to the internet for everyone to see:

I haven't enjoyed the traditions of the Church's seasons to the fullest like I wanted.
God makes sure that my intentions and offerings are pure by frustrating my plans.

I haven't been able to put together thoughtful little gifts for coworkers, friends, and family.
God graciously makes me aware that my poverty is not only material but spiritual, and that true gifts come through His grace alone, for which I take no credit.

I am sick and poor and weary.
I am whole and well fed, with a roof over my head, clothes on my body, books to read, a healthy son, access to the Sacraments, freedom and talents, and loving friends and family.

I've failed to keep my Advent devotions and novenas.
Prayer does not have to be formal or beautiful but is any sort of communion with God that comes from a deep need in the soul reaching out to Him.

So this Advent hasn't turned out the way I planned or wanted.  It's drained me and hasn't been the restful season it's meant to be.  But in His own mysterious way, God has chastened me.  He's given me a pretty obvious lesson in humility (again).  Instead of feeling sorry for myself because my cell phone's screen goes blank at will and during every phone call; my glasses are old and I haven't updated my prescription in over five years (contacts--I wish!); the underwire of my only bra from Walmart is broken; I haven't got a single thing for the Squirt this Christmas, much less gone Christmas shopping; and my friends must be feeling pretty neglected at the lack of communication, birthday party attendance, and season's greetings . . . I'm gonna let it go.

That's my Advent.  Instead of wallowing in it, I'll lie it all down before the manger.  (Frankincense-and-myrrh are nice, but what do you get the God who has everything?)  Christmas is coming, ready or not.  And thank God for that!  Because if He waited for me to be ready, He'd be waiting a long, long, long, really long time.  Alleluia!

3 Reasons I Love Advent

Dec. 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Second Sunday of Advent.

1.  Winter

The Church is simultaneously universal and local.  At the earliest, she had little trouble adapting herself to peoples and climes.  The conversion of the Irish and Mexicans were fruitful transitions: the Irish recognized the truths they had always observed and at last saw their wellsprings; Our Lady appeared as sister and maiden among the native peoples of Mexico.

The Church cast its roots in Europe and saw that her children needed Advent in winter.  Winter, especially in the farthest northern reaches, must have seemed an enemy to life itself, shutting the world in cold and dark and banishing memory of sunshine.

Advent comes in December because that is when it is winter.  Winter comes in December because that is when it is Advent.

2.  Watching

While frost puts earth and nature to sleep, its chill lends me a new alertness; something familiar comes with the first thrill of autumn, rushing withered leaves and lifting them in invisible undulating currents--and higher, under the wings of geese flying south.  Advent tells me, "Listen! Watch!  Be still!  The Bridegroom is coming, be wakeful!"

You've met the feeling--it may be in anticipation of homecoming or a special event.  Children know it well who lie awake or fall asleep in armchairs on Christmas Eve, watching for the arrival of Santa Claus.  The expecting woman and adoptive parents are tuned for signs of stirring in the dark, the first warm dark of the womb.  It is not a wary watching, but a thrilling one.  Any moment now. . . a sweet and painful tending of the flame of anticipation.

3.  Waiting

That hitch in your chest, the feeling that your heart might leap at any moment, as it watches for the sign--only say the word!--is held back by the thinnest of tethers; the waiting.  The waiting is both discipline and gift.  It distills and purifies, hardens our intentions into a fine mold, and makes us worthy of that for which we watch.  Like the sweet buildup of the marriage act between spouses, the not-having, the un-being is as good as the thing itself.  It tells us, in that singular and familiar Christian truth, that we are not, and He Is ("I Am"), and that this separation is the very reason--oh happy fall!--for our consummation.

Christmas is coming--the pivotal moment when God Himself penetrated His Creation, and changed everything, forever.

3 Reasons I Love Catholicism hosted by Micaela at California to Korea.

Liturgical Living: Saint Nick's Day

Dec. 6, Feast of St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, giver of gifts, protector of children; he is patron against imprisonment, robberies, and robbers; apothecaries; bakers; barrel makers; boatmen; boot blacks; boys; brewers; brides; captives; children; coopers; dock workers; druggists; fishermen; grooms; judges; lawsuits lost unjustly; maidens; mariners; merchants; murderers; newlyweds; old maids; parish clerks; pawnbrokers; perfumeries and perfumers; pharmacists; pilgrims; poor people; prisoners; scholars; shoe shiners; spinsters; students; thieves; and travelers.  I like the image of jolly old St. Nick as protector of thieves and puncher of heretics.

illustration by Elisabeth Ivanovsky // source

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!  We found candy in our shoes this morning, and picture book adaptation of the story of the three poor sisters and the saint.  We made Christmas cards for wounded heroes with friends, and topped the evening by walking downtown to watch the Christmas parade.

I've a myriad of thoughts about Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Father Christmas . . . but it will have to wait until tomorrow because we. are. tired.  So please come back around then.  Our family is still young and our holiday traditions still malleable, and I'd like to hear your thoughts and feedback.

Hope your feast day celebrations and observations were fruitful and jolly!

Theme Thursday: Lights

Dec. 5, Feast of St. Sabbas, a monk and hermit of the 5th century.  He prophesied that a pilgrim sharing his name should be given the Milk-Giver Icon, or Γαλακτοτροφουσα.  Thursday of the first week of Advent.  Last day of Chanukkah.

ISO 200 // f/1.8 // ???

I chose black and white for this photo because without color, it truly becomes an image of light and shadow.  It is also the last day of Chanukkah, the ancient and original Festival of Lights.  I'm sorry I missed it this year, but our calendar is so full already, it was probably for the best.

This season (if you live in the northern hemisphere) is all about that juxtaposition of bright and dark; as we climb into the valley and emerge, in late December, at the turning of the tide, at the tilting of the earth back to warmth and light.  The sun is failing earlier and earlier each afternoon, but it makes time spent in its company all the more precious.  In addition to the candles on the Advent wreath, on our home altars, and in the kitchen, we've brought out the stringed bulbs to deck the doors and mantles.  I like taking my time decorating for Christmas.  It increases the anticipation, the almost-impatience awaiting the coming of the Christ Child.

"Anyone thinking of the Holy Child as born in December would mean by it exactly what we mean by it; that Christ is not merely a summer sun of the prosperous but a winter fire for the unfortunate." -- G.K. Chesterton

I'm hungrily devouring the Advent-y goodness put out by all this time of year.  Fresh copies of Soul Gardening and Dappled Things arrived in the mail yesterday, perfect for evening meditations and cozy reading over a cuppa tea.  Molly has a pretty and neatly organized printable of her liturgical seasonal plans.  That's a God-send for someone like me who wants to jump submersion-Baptism style into the gorgeous Church traditions but doesn't have the time or mental clarity to sit down and plan.  Christy-of-the-noble-moniker tempers my over-the-top enthusiasm with good advice and a "calm the Jessie-tree-down" post!  Masha's contemplative reading is always inspiring.  And, of course, Haley.

I've got more on my mind for Advent Unplugged, but I want to dedicate a single post to that later.  This one's Cari's.  So go forth and see the light!

Psst, don't forget to put your shoes out for St. Nicholas tonight!

Deck the Halls

Nothing beats the smell of pine in winter.  We're not old enough to have a Christmas tree this year (Mama is afraid we'll pull off and break all her favorite ornaments), but we've made up for it by decking our little matchbox of a house with lots and lots of greenery.


Here are some holiday tricks and tips:

See if your local Christmas tree farm has cuttings they're willing to give away or sell to you for a reasonable price.  They can't make evergreen wreaths out of all them!

Broken glass ornaments?  Instead of throwing them away, collect the shards, cover them with a paper towel and smash them into little bits.  Then put the tiny shards into a clear glass ornament for a brand new one you can't buy in stores!



Save money and use things you already have around the house to decorate.  We have tons of homemade fun cutting out snowflakes from printer paper (okay, so Mama cuts them and Afon pretends to--no scissors for toddlers!).  Use paper bags from grocery shopping to wrap presents for a whimsical bunch under the Christmas tree boughs.  Collect pine cones from the park or your backyard.



Search thrift stores for old ornaments.  Use them as vase fillers and place them in bowls with evergreen clippings.

How do you decorate your home for the Christmas season?