I'm a December kid, the 9th to be exact. So that means every year my birthday has to fight the thick haze that is the holidays. Me and thousands of other people who try not to feel cheated. I'll admit it, I'm down right grumpy about it. I remember as a kid that it was actually special. My family went to great efforts to celebrate my birthday as an exception to the holidays. I'd get a double dose of presents when the boxes from the East Coast family arrived with Christmas presents in early December. I know my brother was always a little jealous of my haul come December. But there would be gifts in birthday paper and gifts in Christmas paper and it would make me feel so special. Or I would would bestow upon me the glorious "combined" birthday/Christmas present that was always worth it. Looking back at it I never remember my birthday even being near the holidays as I was growing up.
I was out running some errands the day after Halloween this year and wouldn't you know it, there were Christmas carols blaring everywhere. Slow it down people, one holiday at a time!! In our house I make it a point to take this season slow and recognize each event, in order. I'm a stickler about it. Thanksgiving menu plans mean mulling over stacks of back issues of magazines to try new dishes and techniques. That's a chore I savor and enjoy for weeks even if I don't cook any of them. And there is a rule that we don't put any Christmas decorations up until after my birthday.
I have been thinking about the advent calendar that I had as a kid and trying the find one for my daughter, or the inspiration to make one. I want her to savor each day of December as it should be, one day at a time. I remember coming down in the morning to find the exciting little treasure awaiting us in the pocket of that felt wall calendar that my Mom made. I want the responsibility of searching out those little treasures for my little chickpea, a little charm, a hand written note, a smooth rock - for her to stop an appreciate a little gift each day. I love the one above for it's modern flair and bright colors.This one below is a great idea with a new twist and is just a lovely decoration. I think I could love with it even around a little earlier than the 9th.
