Hello… Did you really think I could be gone for such a while? I’m still on sabbatical, just dropping in to take a peek. Besides, you know Skirt in the Kitchen is my baby-cake, my little world of work apart from what I do for a means of dimes and pennies collected in a jar. I’ve missed you these past days… at least a week… Are you getting ready for sugar cookies, caroling, passing around a plate of peas to go with dressing and turkey or with a bright, juicy pineapple-glazed ham? Sit down for a bit, chat with me while we have a moment…
I’ve been under the weather, I’ve had the flu. Tonight was my first night out of the house. I layered my apparel, put on some lip liner after days of not really brushing my hair. This was my first night out of the house, in a while, and it was as nicely done as a night out on the town in a skirt and heels– It finally felt like Christmas, my husband and I took our children to Santaland then went driving around looking at Christmas lights. I like the bright blue falling snow icicle lights hanging from a porch. What do you have on your tree, in your yard, on the trim of your rooftop? What color paints a card of Christmas on your front door? What reminds you of home before you grew up and made a home for your children? The last year I had “at home” with my father, it was an all-blue lit tree, a real fir. I favor the bright blue lights over the many colored ones, but I like them all. I like vintage and modern; I also favor a Paris Blue in home decorating– at Christmas, too. It pairs well with Christmas rose-red in a crushed velvet; so bright blue lights are perfect any time of the year for me.
( A bird’s nest… )
Have you made all the preparations for your Christmas plans to be carried through, are there any last-minute shopping that you vow to get done? I find it just to relax this time of year, to not stress the tiny bubbles of “hope” materially and of rigidly planned holiday festivities at many gatherings that make it a chore instead of a blissful occasion. Even those nice new things are a tickle to have and give but it isn’t really about the shiny things when you think about it.
If you haven’t caught on by now, I don’t just stick to Christmas music. If I did, I’d tire of it too quickly. I still play a variety of tunes with a Christmas jingle in between the blues and some modern beat of regular songs. When it comes to Christmas music, I like them all, don’t you– or most? I prefer, however, Handel’s Messiah played soft and low, over and over… from Christmas Eve into Christmas morning… into the afternoon on Christmas Day. It’s what my parents loved, I loved it and still love it. I hope my children will grow up remembering that it’s a tradition that I don’t slack off doing among some of the things that I’ve let go at Christmas to make it a relaxing time of year with immediate family. Make it a memorable holiday, not just one day out of the month, but make it memorable in the way that you spend your time, not rushing through traffic lights to scurry over to another store. Slow down and breathe in the wonder of what Christmas is all about. Keep your nest warm, at peace, and comfortable throughout… From my heart’s desire, I’ll see you until then– “next year”.
Love to you and yours,
Susan Nuyt
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