Happy Week Before Christmas and Hanukkah!
Are you ready for the holidays?
We expect an awful lot of ourselves at this time of year. We take an ordinary month that is already full of home, family, career and social commitments and add two or three times as many tasks and activities into the mix because of the holidays. Then, if we do not get everything done or we feel overwhelmed or exhausted, we feel we have failed or get upset with ourselves. It's time to treat ourselves a little more kindly.
I remember watching my son performing in a Christmas play at school many years ago. While I enjoyed watching the play and was very proud of him, I was so caught up in ruminating over my holiday to do list, I was not fully present in that precious moment, which was over in what seemed like a flash.
While I remember the day fondly, I wish I had left my obligations at the door and truly immersed myself in it. Once those moments have passed, they are gone forever, and the years fly by.
So in the midst of the hustle and bustle, let's stop being hard on ourselves. Instead, let's take a moment to just soak up the fact that our friends and loved ones probably care a lot less about the food, activities, decorations and presents than they do about our presence. The gift of your time and attention may be the most precious gift of all.
Fresh Holiday Inspiration
Here are some articles and recipes that may ease the stress and help with your holiday preparations.
Gift Ideas
If you are still looking for holiday gift inspiration, I have put together a collection of thoughtful gift ideas, all of which I have either given, received or put on my Wishlist!
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Easy Christmas Morning Muffins
Carrot Macadamia and Cranberry Muffins are studded with crunchy macadamia nuts, dried cranberries, and warmly spiced with the all flavours of the holiday season.
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Coconut Date and Cherry Christmas Squares
These naturally gluten-free bar cookies are packed with seasonal flavours and bright red cherries, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays.
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Orange Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies have a deep gingerbread flavour highlighted with a hint of orange that makes them absolutely irresistible. They always get rave reviews!
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There's So Much More...
Visit the website for lots more holiday recipes and ideas!
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Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - If you purchase using these links I make a small commission. Your purchase price is unaffected.
This week I'm...
Doing far too many things at one time, but staying as present as possible so I can really soak up the joys of the season, one precious moment at a time.
Reading - Honestly not getting much time to read at the moment, but when I can I'm cosying up with Rewitched* by Lucy Jane Wood, a light but engaging page turner. It's also available on Bookstore.org* (both affiliate links).
Watching - Wicked - My husband and I went to see the movie last week and we loved it.
Listening to - Episode 110 of the Everything Cookbooks podcast and lots of Christmas carols.
Cooking - One Pan Salmon and Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables for a light alternative to the heavier meals this time of year. Cold leftovers make a deliciously easy salad lunch mixed with lettuce and a light yogurt dressing.
Baking - All the recipes I linked to above plus Chocolate Banana Bundt Cake - not specifically a Christmas recipe, but made in a season Bundt pan, it's perfect for entertaining!
That's all for now. I'm excited to finish decorating, write the Christmas cards, wrap some presents and do some more baking.
Until next time, remember to soak up the season and all the memories it offers. I know from past personal experience that this time of year can be bittersweet, but I hope that wherever you find yourself, there will be lots of joyful moments waiting for you.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and warm best wishes to you and yours.
Thank you so much again for being a subscriber. Remember you can reply to this email with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hi. I love to hear from you.
Warmly,
April x
April J Harris | Helping you make the most of life at home and away
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