Well it’s that time of year again, when everywhere you look there’s some sort of craziness. The roads are packed with visitors from out of town, the malls are overwhelmed with eager shoppers and you might even be rushing about to find new pillows to make your sofa standout. Everyone seems to be rushing around looking for the perfect gift for their family members and friends.
This year I decided to take a step away from the norm. I’m really trying to find gifts or
plan events that will touch my family’s heart. I want to make memories vs giving boxes.
One of my favorite holiday events is making cookies. There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cookies in a warm house! It brings back cherished childhood memories of my mom making perfect Christmas cut-outs. She would make and bake them, and my dad and I would decorate them. Each cookie he decorated was a piece of art. His cookies were always the best; too beautiful to ‘almost’ eat. My mom has always made her cookies with love. She still makes them today now with my children and my grandchildren. She loved to spend the day together with her family, even if it ends with a mess. What amazes me even more is, she loves to share and give her cookies away after all the TLC it took to create each one.
Think about how different life is now. Do you make time to pass family recipes down or sing carols around the piano? Do you sit down on Christmas Eve and share a Christmas story? We live in a world of microwaves and pre-made food. You are able to hit the start button, text a friend “Merry Christmas!”, and all of a sudden your dinner is on the TV tray, ready to eat.
Sometimes, I miss the old way of doing things. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t want to spend ALL my free time in the kitchen. Trust me, I do appreciate the inventions of the 20th century. There’s a calming peace though to being focused, thoughtful and intentional. I appreciate my staff who always put care into their conversations and plans with our clients. I am proud to work with individuals who want the best for others even though the process might make a slight mess with fabric swatches piled up as rooms come together being decorated for a new look.
So remember these few things this season:
Smile a little more to those around you, may it be a stranger or a family member.
Treat them how you want to be treated, because an act of kindness goes a very long way!
Take time for memories!
NEVER underestimate the power of Christmas cookies!
Come in and visit my wonderful staff, we would love to help bring peace to any crazies you have about a new home or a change.