December Thoughts
Joyful Traditions & Family
Take time for family, friends, relaxation, fun - and YOU. Enjoy positive activities and traditions that bring you joy.
If a “tradition” is no longer joyful, drop it. Keep traditions that are meaningful, and don’t be afraid to create new traditions.
When I was little, I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving with my grandmother and mother. It was our tradition. We would head to downtown Portland, Oregon. Shopping on the day after Thanksgiving wasn’t so crazy back then. We enjoyed stress-free shopping, had lunch in a “fancy” downtown restaurant, and relaxed after preparing the big meal the day before. It was our day to get away and kick off the holidays. I have fond memories of that time period. I would NOT do that now, however. Fighting crowds in a mall is not my idea of having fun, and downtown areas of cities I enjoyed as a child no longer provide the safe, clean, relaxing environment I enjoyed many years ago.
New Traditions
One of our favorite family traditions during the Christmas season is “Fattigman Day.” Due to all of the special family diets, we actually do not gather for Thanksgiving day for a meal together. We each give thanks in our own ways, and then gather as a family during Thanksgiving weekend for a fun day of making fattigman. My husband makes home made eggnog (he uses pasteurized eggs), and our daughters come over to help in the process.
I decorate for Christmas before Fattigman Day, and we enjoy a festive day as a family.
Gathering for Fattigman Day, rather than Thanksgiving, works for our family. Don’t be afraid to change things up and create new traditions.
Northwest Mountains
We recently took my mother in law up to Mount Rainier - a nearby mountain and favorite area for exploring. On the way to and from she kept saying, “It is so beautiful.” Yes, it was. Another precious family memory was made. Take time for the beauty of nature around you. Nature adds balance to our hectic lives, and keeps us grounded.
Cozy Winter
I love winter season. I love the snow, the crisp days, and the quiet time. These photos were taken in December of 2021. We have not had icicles yet this year (December 2022), but I am sure they are coming.
Mini Vacations
Winter in the Pacific Northwest provides ample opportunities to enjoy both the indoors and the outdoors. I recently took in Julefest at the Nordic Museum in Seattle. I attended with family and friends. My mother used to take me to Julefest when I was little, so this, too, has special memories for me.
On cold mornings, I enjoy a hot cup of coffee. The cup was given to me as a gift from a dear friend. I think of her whenever I use the cup.
Create your own “vacations” throughout the holidays.
Stay Creative
I am enjoying our new projects. The ornaments we made are on our tree, and I am thinking up new ornaments. The painted glass ornaments and painted wood rounds are easy to make, yet so beautiful.
From Spruce And Fjell, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and any other holiday your family celebrates. Enjoy!
Article: Christina Sherrod