So. How was it?
I hope your holiday was peaceful, joyful, and full of connection.
Or at least peaceful. (wink)
We had a lovely (albeit a bit overstimulating) holiday at my childhood home.
The overstimulating part is fascinating, considering that it is simply the four of us plus my parents and my sister. (I'm beginning to suspect that my people might be a large part of the stim-factor. [See cookie plate above.] Hmmm…)
Indeed, my sister, the kids, and I got carried away on the grain-free and gluten-free treats, so no one was lacking in the sugar buzz department. We even recreated some old family favorites like peppernut and pecan puffs, sans-gluten. Next year? Kling. (Sweet, non-potato lefse.) Oh yeah.
Truly in all it was a perfectly lovely holiday.
I left feeling the gratitude I always do after a holiday with my family. The word that comes up for me is thougthfulness. No hastily bought gifts, no excess of stuff, few off-limits treats that my kids can't enjoy.
The gifts in particular are a treasure.
Goodness, my mom bought me not only the cookbook I've been coveting, but also a vintage manual egg beater and yes, a pStyle (TMI? Sorry. But public toliets weird me out plus we're often out in the woods. This thing is brillaint. I can't believe I just told you that.)
Really. Who gives gifts like that? She's fabulous.
As for my kids, it's even better. My parents gave each of my kids four things: a pair of pajamas, a pair of pants, and a book. They also gave Lupine a headlamp and Sage a watch.
That was it.
Practical, simple things. No noisy electronics or plastic or junk.
It felt a tiny bit like Little House when Mary and Laura each got a peppermint stick and new mittens and were happier than ever.
Okay, not exactly like that, but close.
I've talked about this before and tend to get a lot of emails asking how I got my folks on board.
The truth is, I got off easy. My parents just inherently "get it".
You see, my grandparents went over the top for my sister and I and it troubled my mom. She asked them to ease up and they didn't. (20 gifts for each of us was not unusual on Christmas back then.) And it really bothered her. It was way too much.
So when I asked my mom to give few gifts and ones that aligned with our values she agreed. Embraced it even.
I know for many it isn't so easy. All I can suggest is to keep at it if it is important to you – lovingly and respectfully – and hopefully they'll catch on. Do your best to see their hearts. They are probably doing their best with what they understand and how they see the world.
One resource that might help is the Alternative Gift Registry. Here you can ask for whatever you are wanting and guide your loved ones towards choosing appropriate gifts.
And now?
I'm so glad to be home.
Back in the quiet of these hills.
And I'm ready to get on with the rest of winter. To snuggle in and find our rhythm again. Because no matter how magical a holiday is, finding our everyday groove is always cozy comfort.
That cookbook is great! I have checked it out and renewed it from the library three times (with overdue fines twice!). I need to buy it….the recipes I have tried have been truly simple and I love that!
I am CRAZY about this cookbook. I only got it once from the library since it had 5 holds on it, and yes, I had late fines by the time I got it back!
I’m so glad your back online and how great to hear you had a wonderful gathering with your family. Now to getting back to our routines, yes, cozy is the right word for that. Thanks for sharing your links, the Pstyle cracked me up but we have all had moments when we could have used that little device. And I already placed a hold on that cookbook, there were 45 holds before me so maybe by next Christmas! Have a great day Rachel!
How good, it was nice for us too. This year my dad did ask me (instead his girlfriend) what my son would like, and so he got 3 book from he, and loved them. And there was just two gifts that were not quite on my taste from other relatives, but it was fine. We always stay at home, just the two of us, and that keeps it simple.
I just bought that cookbook last night as I’ve been looking for some new Paleo recipes and this book seemed to cover a lot of territory. I have been pouring through it and can’t want to try some of the recipes!
funny! i got that cookbook for christmas too! and my kids also both received PJs from the grandparents (hand made by my mom, an excellent seamstress) and headlamps from their aunt & uncle!
I too am glad for the holiday to be over. It was wonderful and full of activity and things were lovely but I’m looking forward to 2013 and changes I want to make.
My inlaws are great with gifts, they ask for a list ahead of time and pretty much only get items on that list. Towels, sheets and a yogurt maker for me this year! My son received clothes, pajamas and a fire station from kid craft that was exactly what I would like him to have. Helped that I ordered it and my inlaws paid 😉
That sounds like a lovely holiday. This year we tried to make the holidays as simple and as family oriented as possible (Santa brought one present for my 2 year old and one for the entire family to share.) I’m still trying to get my mom on board with cutting back and slowing down during the season. I’m so happy that I found your blog through Simple Homeschool this evening. I can’t wait to continue to follow along on your journey.
Okay the p-style is fun. I found something simliar that dated back to the 70s when I helped clean out hubby’s grandparents house. I’ll have to give it a try! 🙂 (And they sell the Diva Cup, which you already know I’m in love with!)
I can’t wait for you to share some of those cookie recipes with us! We made cocnut macaroons and some bark, but skipped everything else this year. My kids were amazed to find out they were all GF! Looking forward to more time at home before the holiday next year! 🙂
I’m not sure “fun” is the best word but then again, yeah. I guess it kind of is! Love that you snagged a vintage model.
Synchronicity!
Sounds perfect!
Thanks for your comment Gina. Your holiday sounds simple and lovely.
Just wanted to say thanks for the tip on the pStyle. I’m just back from a week canoeing in the north woods, and I was so happy to have my new pStyle with me. No need to expose my bum to the mosquitoes, and the results are much drier. I’m looking forward to using next winter cross country skiing too.