Sunday, December 19, 2010

Home for Christmas

























I'm back home after my little birthday holiday...we took off to the beach house for a while and I had a lovely birthday because I had suprise visitors come to help celebrate with me. Mum and dad and my sister and her husband and my niece. They took me out for lunch and then prepared a birthday dinner at the house. We had a little fire outside and sipped champagne, then everyone stayed the night.

It's always lovely to come home again though, because I still have much to do before Christmas Day - I am cooking a traditional lunch for my family, and then my in-laws are joining us Christmas night for dinner...it's always a very big day.

I tend to feel quite overwhelmed at this time of year, so I always ensure that I take the time to slow down and reflect upon what Christmas means to me. I get such simple joy from being at home, listening to carols, watching Christmas movies and cooking shows (love those!) and enjoying all my decorations with my family around me.

Yesterday, I went through some old photos, and decided I would scatter some amongst my holiday decor - memories to make me smile. These are just some of my favourites. The one of me was taken just after my 16th birthday at mum and dad's. Yes, I still had a stocking on Christmas morning, a tradition my girls still enjoy.




















This one of the girls is taken at their nana and pop's - I love this photo! The stocking Georgia is holding is hand-made by mum and is embellished with lots of tokens from our childhood - badges and pieces of broken jewellery, so it is very special. I remember that my parent's had mistletoe hanging in their entrance, and every one that came to our home was greeted with a kiss under the mistletoe...























I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your lovely words throughout the year. It has been such a pleasure getting to 'know' you all...I am feeling some big changes coming to my world in the next year, and am unsure where they may take me. So, with that, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and will bid you farewell for a while. I may pop in now and again over the next month or two, but intend to try to enjoy some old-fashioned time with family and friends without computers and mobile phones...hmmm, wonder how that will go? Be safe, and remember to enjoy the little things because someday you will realise they were the big things xxx




12 comments:

  1. Well....you have a restful time off.....we all need to step back and take a break every now and then. I have to say that I will miss hearing from you.....but I will check back often and see if you have popped in.....see you when you get back.

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  2. Hi beautiful Tina!! What a beautiful post..such lovely sweet memories and gorgeous photos!I love the butterfly in the ornament!Happy you enjoyed your birthday! Yay!

    Thankyou for coming into my life..I wish you much joy and magic always..and whatever your path holds..may it sparkle and be most divine for you!!

    Hugs..enjoy your time away..!

    Wishing you many new adventures in your new cocoon..and may it bring you ..flying ..into a new world that honors and celebrates the magic of YOU!!
    Hugs and Blessings
    Victoria~

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  3. Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday.
    Alison

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  4. You know what? now I cannot remember if I have taken time to wish you a happy birthday. If not I do apologise and wish you a happy birthday!
    xxxo
    I love the photos you show. Big sigh...time flies. Such lovely Xmas memories.

    take all the time you need and am looking forward to hearing from you again.
    Do not worry about the photos for the birthday party Tina. I will put a link to your post if this is easier for you.

    I hope you and your family will have a wonderful Xmas!

    Much love from my home to yours.*.-.-
    ..*..*+_*
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    .*And lots of magic!!!!!

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  5. Tina, you are so correct when you wrote "remember to enjoy the little things because someday you will realize they were the big things." I have had to learn the truth of this the painful way. Those words are most profound, my friend.

    I wish you and your family a blessed and blissful Christmas. May your home and hearts be filled with much peace ... Hugs, P.

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  6. We will miss you. I wish You and Your Family a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

    Willow

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  7. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too. Enjoy your time off. Does us all good every now and again.

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  8. Hi Tina...wishing you a magical day and lovely christmas and new year! Thanks for your special spirit and friendship!
    Hugs
    Kiki~

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  9. Dear Tina, my birthday wishes are a bit late but they are heartfelt! Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year XO

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  10. Everything looks wonderful.

    Sending you blessings of joy and love for a magical Christmas my sweet friend. oxoxxooxoxxo

    Thank you for all the sweetness you always send my way.

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  11. Hello luv!!! I have taken a week off to soak in the glow and magic of my family and friends....today I have been drinking coffee and watching the cooking channel:)...wrapping a few gifts while listening to little naughty boys create adventures in their own little world a room away! i am going to put my boots on in 15 minutes to pick up my goddaughter to spend 2 hours of fancy girl time...no hurry, no stress...just BEING!!...I plan to make a fabulous soup with fresh bread, light candles and have a holiday movie marathon tonight! ....I have to MAKE myself enjoy and not rush during this week....sending you love, light, and joy just being!! Will miss you!!

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  12. I am so happy your enjoyed a lovely birthday - and what a delicious little treat you had there. Looks yummy. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday. It has been fantastic getting to know you, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming year! Happy Holidays!!! Theresa

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"We are each of us angels with only one wing...and we can fly only be embracing each other." Thankyou for taking the time to visit. Please leave me a comment, as I love to read them x