Sunday, December 18, 2011

What matters . . . . .

This weekend was full of reminders of what this holiday season should be for everyone.  Its not about shopping, spending, and driving yourself crazy trying to do everything perfectly.

What should be the focus is spending quality time with family and friends.  And that is exactly how I spent my weekend. 

Saturday I travelled to Truro for a family cookie exchange.  I listened to Christmas music in the car for my hour drive and had a lovely afternoon visiting with the Jones family.  My cousin hosted and prepared some appetizers and cider and of course, the table full of cookies.  We talked and laughed and spent way too much time trying to complete what appeared to be a very simple little puzzle.  Nine pieces . . .   How hard could it be ?  Well, according to the box there were approximately 300,000 wrong combinations.  Well, we never did solve it.  (The key has to be in the double club piece . . . .)  It was frustratingly fun though. 

I drove back home, singing Christmas carols all the way, to arrive at party #2.  My friend's family hosts an annual Christmas Family & Friends Extravaganza the Saturday before Christmas.  Their home is always packed with people and there is just no end to the food.  Huge pots of chili, seafood chowder, meatballs, rice, noodles, sweet and sour pork.  Then a fruit/cheese and dessert spread on the dining room table.  And lots of Gloria's famous divinity fudge (my favorite).    I'm sure I gained 5 pounds just this weekend.

The perfect end to Saturday night was coming home to discover my favorite movie was on TV -  It's A Wonderful Life.  I'm sure I have seen this movie 100 times, but I can't resist it.  I love those old Christmas movies - the cheesier and hokier the better. 

AND FINALLY - - -  I decorated my Christmas tree this morning.  Yippee - now it actually feels like Christmas in this house. 

And in a tradition that began after losing a beloved uncle about 15 years ago - I hid the "Christmas Frog" within the branches of the tree.   Can you see him ?


Just a few more close ups of the tree.  My overall tree shots were all blurry.  I'll try again another day.




17 comments:

  1. What a lovely nice weekend.
    It all sounds like the best way to spend it.
    So glad you shared your pictures of your tree, it is beautiful!

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  2. I'm so glad you had a good weekend! It sounds like your Grinch is just about gone. ;) I like your Christmas frog, he's very cute. And we have that exact same beaded garland on our tree too!

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  3. I'm with you, Kim - the cookie party (and finishing my last assignment) chased my grinch away, too. Thanks for coming - our New Year's resolution is going to be to see you more!

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  4. Friends, Family, Food, what a good way for you to spend your weekend. I love those glass ornaments. And the angels. Very pretty.

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  5. Sounds like a perfect holiday weekend.....I have the tree up and as decorated as it will get (sans the topper - long, long, story about the tensions between a husband and a wife....) ;o) Ventured out to the store today (major trauma for me.....) Not done shopping - and fretting over getting what I did manage to buy wrapped. (And, gee - to my dismay, bought the husband the same exact shirt I bought him last year....hmmmm...) Can you send that spirit that bit you this way??? ;o) Wishing you a wonderful holiday week....Smiles & Christmas Hugs ~ Robin

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  6. PS - Most beautiful tree....especially that adorable little frog. Our tree always sports a Christmas spider and web.... :o) Robin

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  7. Kim ~
    Sounds like you had a perfect holiday weekend and I am glad for you. You are most deserving! Your tree looks lovely. I've heard of hiding a pickle in the tree, but not a frog :)
    Merry Christmas, dear blog friend.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  8. How nice! Sounds like a wonderful weekend full of the Holiday Spirit! Lucky you!!!

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  9. You said it! Sounds like your family has held on to the best traditions! Sure... gifts are nice, but it shouldn't be a requirement to attend a family get together... Beautiful ornaments on your tree! I'm not so good at full tree pics either... but, I will try in a couple of days... Merry Christmas!

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  10. I'm glad that both parties were a success. I think visiting with folks you enjoy is the best way to spend the holiday. Shopping, no! Enjoy your week!
    Hugs!

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  11. I see the Frog!!!!! I see him! I am glad you are feeling the spirit Kim. Your tree looks very pretty. The FOOD sounds wonderful and I am glad you enjoyed yourself :)

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  12. What a nice weekend you said it so well. Kim what a very Pretty tree.

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  13. Wonderful weekend. I love singing Christmas carols in the car too. It just puts you in the very best holiday mood. Sound like you really had a great time. I had a great "party" weekend too. In fact I'm gonna get to blogging about it very soon. Love your tree. Merry Christmas!

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  14. Sounds like a wonderful weekend with lots of Christmas spirit.

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  15. Kim, you got a REAL tree. Hmmm, I can smell the the evergreen aroma just by looking at it.

    I'm so glad that your time with family and friends has put things into perspective for you and gotten you into the Christmas mood. Don't forget your stretchy pants. They come in handy especially at this time of year.

    I love your tradition of hiding a frog in the tree.
    Have a Blessed week. Hugs. JB

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  16. Sounds like you are ready to start enjoying the holidays now. sandie

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