I confess that I’m having a wee bit of a hard time getting in the Christmas spirit this year. It’s just not there yet. I have a stray moment or two, but the rest of the time? Nothing. As I travel around blogland, it seems that everyone is in the process of decorating or has had everything up since Thanksgiving. I’d planned to start decorating this week but I can muster no enthusiasm.
Do you ever feel a bit blue this time of year? That’s what I’m feeling – a bit blue. Not sad or down…just a bit blue.
Since this little white tree was in the house and not in the shed, I pulled it out the other day. This is the extent of my decorating.
I bought this little tree last year at Michael’s because I’d won that adorable tree skirt in a giveaway. So, of course, I had to have a tree for the skirt.
Beautifully made by Lizzie of Vintage Lizzie. She also gave me the most gorgeous Christmas stocking and all sorts of other treats.
More pink and white on the kitchen table. Flowers are a necessity, I’ve decided. Especially in the winter.
As to the blue feeling, we’ve had a tough year. We’ve lost some family members and dear friends. My mom is ill. We’ve had many challenges. I can’t help but wonder if this ‘blueness’ is a natural reaction to all of that. It probably is. I think the best thing to do is feel it, acknowledge it and know that time will change that feeling into something lighter, happier. Dare I say it? Maybe even joyful.
I haven’t started either, I am not blue, just thinking of all the mess I will have to clean up!!! aghhhhhh, but I guess I will get started maybe this weekend!!! you are halfway there!!! at least you have a tree up!
hi claudia,
i’m right there w/you. i have not done a thing to decorate for christmas. i’m hoping this weekend something will kick in b/c we will be having a few people over between then and christmas. i know for sure i’m doing it ‘lite.’
~janet
OMG Claudia, look at your beautiful hair???
I LOVE IT, really more than your sweet tree LOL.
When did that happen? Good for you girlfriend.
Hi pups… looking great.
LOVE THAT RAINBOW.
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo
OMG Claudia, look at your beautiful hair???
I LOVE IT, really more than your sweet tree LOL.
When did that happen? Good for you girlfriend.
Hi pups… looking great.
LOVE THAT RAINBOW.
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo
Hi Claudia well you know there is a *time for everything under Heaven..a Season. So we feel what we feel and you know thats ok. Let Christmas and the meaning of it just sink in slowly..as you feel what you do. Presents lovely ones come in small packages and so your tree is a small treasure as is the feelings you have as this time. The Lord often speaks in a small voice! Rejoice for the Saviour has Risen!
huggs,
Janet ox
I’ve had a reluctance to decorate for years- probably because I don’t usually get to spend the holidays with family- and I’ve always found the taking down the decorations kind of depressing- the house looks blah, and the weather is cold- wow, this is starting to really be a downer of a comment. Anyway, I usually at least put out a bowl of my favorite ornaments and find a wreath for the mirror over the fireplace- and if that’s all I do, that’s ok.
You have described exactly some of my own thoughts this year. Lights and decorations were up on our neighbors’ homes before Thanksgiving. It almost made me not want to put up anything at all this year!
The best tree I remember from my childhood was one that was put up and decorated only days before Christmas Day. It was also one of the last trees left on the lot, but one of the most perfect. It had probably been hidden by all those on top of it. Sometimes I believe the best part of the holidays are the unplanned and unexpected moments — not these days of hurry and decorate. Your holidays will be beautiful, even if different this year. That’s the miracle of Christmas!
Hi Claudia,
I always feel a little blue during this time of the year. It’s okay. The Christmas spirit is inside of you which is what’s important.
You have your lovely tree up! That for me would be enough with just lights but my hubby likes decorations . . . . .
xxoo
Marsha
Hi Claudia,
you are not alone…..No Christmas tree yet for me. When? I decorated 3 shows with Christmas and now I don’t have any Christmas spirit left for my house. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays. Ciao Rita
Your tree is lovely. If that’s all you feel like doing, then it’s enough, Claudia! Don’t force yourself to feel something you don’t feel. I was like that last year. Fresh flowers and a pretty white tree with an adorable tree skirt is certainly enough to celebrate.
Brenda
Some Christmases are harder for me than others for all the reasons you mentioned. I agree about acknowledging it … sometimes it seems the holidays bring pressure to feel or act or decorate a certain way which is difficult to do if you’re not feeling it. I do always look forward to the new year though. :-)
I have to mention how lovely the flowers are against your pretty painted table. Wishing you joy.
The pink is perfect for your home, Claudia. You have up more Christmas decor than I do. I would love to decorate but simply COMPLETELY dislike dismantling everything after the holidays. Such a mess to deal with and the later into my 50’s I get the more I don’t want to decorate and DON’T. I’m not bah humbug… I just don’t want the extra work that so many others take upon themselves this time of the year and then get so stressed out. I just think that’s a little nutty of some of them.
DI
Enjoy the simplicity of your Holiday Decor!
No you are not alone Claudia. I used to really love Christmas and went all out but now living so far away form my family and having a real humbug of a husband I don’t like it one little bit :-(
You have had a tough year so I am sure that all adds to the feeling blue xxxx
I had a horrible time last year. But this year I was ready to go. I set out for 2010 to be a year of change so I have actually handled them well this year. Lots even loosing Casey were so hard. But somehow I feel I needed change. That was the first year I remember feeling that way although I am sure I have. Easy to go along with others but doing the little things at home just doesn’t work. Your tree is lovely! I have been looking at a little one like that too! I hope you can get over the blues and look forward to what next year will bring♥
Hugs, Lisa
Aw, Claudia…I’ve read of several bloggers who have had a difficult year and are just not feeling the decorating mojo yet. I think it’s totally understandable.
Your little white tree is perfect. Perfect, I tell ya. I want a tall skinny white tree for next year, but I don’t think my kids will let me. They’re all about traditions….maybe I’ll get one for the front school room, just for me. :)
Here’s some cyber pink and aqua and silver Christmas glitter to help you get in the mood…..
Sweet Claudia…
I’m so sorry you’re feeling blue…. I fought with that too…. My Mum passed away the day after Christmas nearly two years ago… She LOVED Christmas and was such a part of everything about it…. I want her here to enjoy it…. I know you’ve had a lot of loss this year… Give yourself a hug from me… You’ll get to it when you get to it!
Huggies,
Spence
Claudia, your feelings are natural, I believe. I just have put the outside lights up and we don’t have our tree yet. The holiday season is difficult for many people for many reasons and it’s the time of year I miss my parents the most.
I love your little white tree and the skirt that inspired it’s purchase is so sweet and seems right at home in YOUR home.
Now I am going outside into the wonderful cold weather we are experiencing here in FL, take a deep breath and head to the stores to get some shopping done.
Hope your blues scatter to the wind. Ann
This has been a tough year for you. I think you are allowed to feel a little blue. (or at least aqua.)
I am trying (on purpose) to decorate less this year. I left half the holiday decor in the boxes. I”m not feeling blue though, just want to simplify things a bit.
That might be a hint of grieving for things that are no longer the same.
The holidays are hard when that’s the case. I like your little white tree ~ maybe that will be enough for this year. Put some garland on Leticia and call it done (: xo
I was all psyched to decorate around mid to late November when Christmas started appearing in Blogland. Then something happened… kind of the blues or the blahs that you described. I put the thought of decorating away for a while and just didn’t worry about it. It took a little push, but I got started. I think once the first set of white lights went up, I felt better.
Your tree is so sweet~ I love the white, and I LOVE that beautiful tree skirt! That fabric is so wonderful.
Hugs,
Jill
PS: I agree, flowers in the winter are a must!
I went through that last year, and just didn’t do alot of decorating. This year, I jumped on it before the blue could hit.
I think your white tree and skirt are beautiful!! And if that’s the most you can get done…enjoy it just the way it is!
Instead, relax and spend your time doing things you love, spend time with loved ones, and don’t worry about the decorating.
Sending big HUGS! Debi
You are *way* ahead of me! Maybe a tree is enough? Or maybe you just need to jump in?
Rene
Strange, but I’m feeling the same way, not depressed just blue, honey. I asked hubby earlier today if he’s ever felt “unmotivated” and he said no. I found that odd. I’m a more upbeat person than he is and yet I’m feeling very, VERY unmotivated lately. Just feed me chocolate and I’m fine however. Well, actually, today I’m putting a ruffle on a tree skirt and I guess you could say I’m semi-motivated. We’ll see what tomorrow brings. This house is a mess so maybe I’ll clean tomorrow. Just want to sit and read lately, sugar. I suppose that’s just fine. ;-)
xoxo,
Connie
I know that feeling too. I think for me it’s the weather. It gets dark so soon that by the time I’ve left work the sun has set and I’ve not enjoyed daylight at all. I do love your tree and skirt and if that’s all you get done don’t feel bad, do what works for you…make your own rules.
I hope you feel better soon. Sending hugs your way!
Abby:)
Hi Claudia….After a stressful year sometimes it is hard to get into the holiday mood. But as they say “this too shall pass”…I always try to remember that when I am in one of those moods and it usually does. ~Hugs, Patti
if its any reassurance, I haven’t started either. I’m looking forward more to baking than decorating. Might have the nativity set out this weekend. We shall see….
Hi friend,
If it helps just a little, know you are loved here in the land of blog. Even with 3 adorable munchkins running around the house the blues still sneak in. I call them the ‘mean reds’ after my fave movie. I can relate to your feelings about losing family and all. I pray for your Mother & you Claudia. Go find an aqua tree & a little lamb to go under it. That’ll maybe make you smile a little. Lisa
HI CLAUDIA,
YES, THIS TIME OF THE YEAR A LOT OF PEOPLE GET BLUE, ME TOO. I GUESS ITS JUST THE HOLIDAYS COMING. MY DAUGHTER JACKIE AND I WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT THIS TOPIC. BUT, WE HAVE TO PICK OURSELVES UP, DUST OURSELVES OFF AND START ALL OVER AGAIN.
HAVE A NICE DAY. RIZZI
HPE YOUR MOM IS FEELING BETTER.
Actually, Claudia,
I did a bit of writing
on my own blues, today,
and it will probably
end up as a post this
Friday. Our minister
says that we feel things
especially deeply at
Christmas ~ the joys
and the sorrows. It is
so true. Be gentle
with yourself and when
you feel sad, bring your
mind back to your blessings.
That is what helps me.
Big hugs to you today,
sweet friend!
xx Suzanne
That tree skirt is divine! I adore the white tree with it. I put a white tree in my dining room every year and trim it in red to match the room.
Im sure you’ll be in the spirit in no time. Maybe baking cookies would help? Just the smell makes me perk up!
Oh, Claudia, I could have written this post. I’m feeling the same way. It’s been a challenging year in many ways for us as well. Some things I’ve shared on the blog, some things I’ve kept private. My heart really isn’t into decorating this year. But since the girls really do want a tree, I’m sure we’ll find a way to do that. But it won’t be the prelit one we bought a few years ago as we are afraid of Baby climbing it and perhaps biting through some of the wires. She is something of a wild woman at 10 months old. We’ll probably get a small, Charlie Brown tree somewhere and put some of our non-breakable ornaments on it so at least the girls have a tree. I do love that they still want one even though they are 21 and 25, and one of them doesn’t even live at home anymore :) Embrace your feelings and emotions and don’t feel pressured into decorating – unless the mood strikes you and YOU feel like it… Donna
Yes, yes, yes! I have felt like that many times. Not sure what I am feeling so far this year. :) Taking it slow. As Brenda said, the flowers and sweet white tree is enough. A simple Christmas can be a wonderful thing!
Love you my dear friend,
Maryjane
xox
Dear friend….I always say after rain there is always sun-shine!
I have had some tough years too, and last Christmas I even did not want to buy a tree at all! Times still are rough, but I know for sure I will survive! I just blog the bad things and try to enjoy the good things even, when there are not so many as I wish.
So, take all your Christmas decorations out, and just start…it will bright you up I prommis!
Sabihax
Claudia, I think that there are more people that feel this way. I used to love Christmas, it has always been a happy time for me…but lately not so much….
At first when my husband made a pile of trays I was all excited to fill them. I took a few pictures of some of the decorations I had put out…now the tree is in the corner all bare and empty…
Work has been so draining and my daughter was ill and none of other family seems to care whether they ever talk to me….I think this time of year just brings a lot of this to the surface and that’s why I feel blue.
Hopefully your Mom is better now and this feeling passes….your tree looks sweet with the ruffled skirt!
How are the scarves coming along? I still haven’t had a chance to try one, I did look over the pattern….
Maybe today will brings a boost of happiness and you will be in the mood!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
I’m sorry you have the blues, Claudia. I do get a bit blue this time of year. Thinking of my father can bring me to tears. His birthday was the end of October, and … He loved the holidays, and so do I.
Your new picture is gorgeous. You look Beautiful.♥♥♥
Take care of yourself. We’re all sending you big hugs.
I totally understand. Although we haven’t had a hard year I just wasn’t into decorating this year but did a little bit because of my daughter. If it was just me I would have just put up our main tree and left it at that.
I must say that tree skirt is totally adorable! It needed a white tree :)
Manuela
sweet Claudia, it can be a difficult time to feel festive when one has been through so much in a year. I myself would gladly fast forward to January but my sons would be disappointed if I did not decorate and celebrate, they are very big on traditions…that is what has kept me going.
Your Holiday tree is so sweet and that tree skirt one of the cutest.
The Holidays can be difficult and “bluish.” It is a time that we tend to reflect on the years past and feel the sad times. Let it happen.
Hugs, Cory
Hi Claudia,
You’re right, the best thing is to be with your feelings, otherwise they’ll come out in other ways on their own.
We don’t have a tree yet, not that we haven’t been working on trying to find one! Your little white tree is darling, when the time is right you’ll decorate a bit more or not but that’s okay too. Be kind to yourself!
Love your new profile photo. I’m having a hard time getting around these days and have missed visiting you. We’re missing family members here too this year and I’m keeping you in my heart.
xoxo~Tracie
Girl, I haven’t really done much of anything, either. And I was so hoping to dress the new house up for the holidays, but that’s hard to do when you’re not living there yet.
I do love your little touches, though!
Hugs,
Anne