My article is late this time. Rochelle sent me an email last week and wondered if I was going to be able to get something to her. I hate to let people down. But life just kind of gets in the way of the best laid plans sometimes doesn’t it?
My daughter needs an operation. Not a major operation, but an operation just the same. She has an extra bone in her foot which is causing her immense pain these days and it needs to be removed. The frustrating part is the process to get us to the operation stage. Things like this can be all consuming. I’ve decided being 11 is hard, she’s facing some big challenges at the moment and unfortunately they’re things that I can’t fix for her. It’s hard being a mum sometimes.
It does kind of put things into perspective a little too though. Makes you appreciate just what you have and how fortunate we are. Makes us appreciate those family celebrations just that much more too. Birthdays were all done and dusted for us in August so now we’re ploughing headlong into Christmas, it can be a bit overwhelming. Trying to juggle the kids end of year things, work, and everything that goes with the rush of the build up to Christmas. I feel exhausted just thinking about it!
I don’t know about you but we always do something really special for the kids’ teachers each year. They do such a fantastic job throughout the year, not just teaching our kids but all the extra things they do, they always go above and beyond. We feel it’s important to acknowledge that. I still don’t know what we’re doing this year, but last year we put together a gift box full of yummy goodies such as homemade honey butter, shortbread, fudge and this little number:
http://www.make-it-do.com/cook-it-bake-it/cookies-in-a-jar-for-santa/
Christmas isn’t about the flashest gifts or the amount of money you spend. It’s nice to be able to take some time and make some gifts, or make some decorations. Here are a few ideas I’ve found over the past few weeks.
Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies – don’t these look just fantastic! I think I’m going to add this to the list of things we’ll be doing for friends, neighbours and teachers this year!
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/peppermint-pinwheel-cookies-10000001860238/
These Santa and Reindeer Truffles look just as good too!
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/santa-reindeer-truffles-50400000107934/
How about letting the kids try their hand at making some fab looking Christmas decorations for the tree? I found this tutorial which looks pretty simple and super fun!
http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.co.nz/2008/10/felt-ornament-how-to-2-baubles.html
Wow! These Christmas Star decorations are amazing! These would look stunning on any tree!
And for those who are perhaps a little more adventurous, you could try this!
Spending Christmas together with those that mean so much is the most important thing. I love it when all the shops are closed for a change. I love listening to all the sounds across the neighbourhood on Christmas morning, all the excited squeals from the young kiddies as they discover what Santa has left for them. Seeing some riding their brand new bikes to the park across the road. Seeing carloads of families heading off to spend Christmas with those closest to them. Christmas is a magical time in our family. To us, it’s just about being together. Reflecting on the year that’s been, and thinking about our hopes and dreams for the year to come.
My daughter finishes primary school in a few weeks, she heads off to intermediate next year. She will be receiving her Honours Badge at school next week, something she’s worked incredibly hard for. So even though we might not have been able to have her foot fixed before Christmas, we can certainly celebrate that achievement!
I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas. I hope it’s full of fun and laughter and fun family times.
So, what do you have planned for this festive season? I’d love to hear all about it.
Until next time, take care, see you in 2013, Nicky x
