Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Happy Holidays!


The holiday weekend is coming up and I have been rushing around buying gifts, wrapping paper, greeting cards, ingredients for cookies, and food for our Christmas celebration on Sunday. The tree is decorated and the house looks festive but I've hardly taken a moment to enjoy them.

Today I decided to wrap presents and finish my Christmas cards which was a very good idea as I was home most of the afternoon and got into the Christmas spirit. One of the reasons my mood was so merry was that I did it all to the accompaniment of a very charming podcast. Miranda Mills and Sophie Butler are best friends who live in England and the creators of "Tea and Tattle," a podcast "for the discerning woman" that covers topics ranging from "fashion to books to well-being and everything in between." Their current podcast is called "Christmas Traditions" in which they talk about their favorite holiday traditions and read passages from books that remind them of those traditions. Their choices include "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Christmas Pudding" by Nancy Mitford, and several others. I found myself smiling the whole time as I was reminded of being young and feeling the magic of Christmas. If you need some Christmas spirit I highly recommend this delightful podcast. Go here to listen.


The co- hosts of the podcast ask us to think about our favorite holiday traditions and books that remind us of those traditions. One of my favorite Christmas traditions is baking for my family and friends -- cookies, gingerbread, coffeecakes -- and all the delicious smells that waft through the kitchen and the house. A book that reminds me of this tradition is "A Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote. In that book a young boy remembers making fruitcakes with a beloved elderly relative every year and sending them to friends and strangers alike. It is a heartwarming and poignant story that always makes me a little weepy. I'm very grateful to Miranda and Sophie for encouraging me to think about this topic and reminding me of the power of memory and great books to add layers of meaning to the holidays.

I hope you are enjoying the build-up to the big holiday weekend and that you get to celebrate with family and friends. Wishing you all the merriest of holidays and a happy and healthy New Year!

13 comments:

  1. I'm so touched by this lovely post Sunday! Thank you so very much for writing about Tea & Tattle - I'm forwarding your post to Sophie so she can read it too :) I'm delighted you enjoyed listening to the episode and that it brought back pleasant memories for you. I adore that Truman Capote story too (and nearly included a reading from it on the podcast - maybe next year!!). Have a fabulous holiday, and I hope to see you in London sometime in 2017!! Lots of love, Miranda xxx

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    1. Same to you, Miranda! Wishing the a wonderful Christmas! xx

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  2. The sense of community and sharing at this time of year is lovely, isn't it, Sunday! We enjoy visiting historic homes and a local farm shop during Christmas. There can never be enough cinnamon in the air or fresh boughs on railings. Merry Christmas to you and yours! xx

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    1. Darlene, that sounds lovely! I love running around doing the last minute bits as all the stores are decorated for Christmas and everything looks and smells so good! But coming home to write cards or wrap presents is my favorite time. With the Christmas tree lights switched on! Merry Christmas! xx

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  3. Thank you for this lovely posts and for your fabulous blog. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. I've never listened to a podcast - will have to try this today while wrapping presents!

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    1. KSL, thank you for your kind words! I hope you get a chance to listen to the podcast. It is a mood lifter and will help you get into that Christmas spirit! Merry Christmas!

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  4. MERRY CHRISTMAS.............I think it is ALL DONE!
    The gifts the deliveries........THE FOOD!
    Time for a NAP NOW........I will start cooking tomorrow......as we celebrate the 24th!
    YOUR TREE is LOVELY!

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    1. Merry Christmas to you! All the best to you and yours! xx

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  5. I also love "A Christmas Memory" and read it every year. I bought a really beautiful copy at a thrift store a few years ago and really cherish it. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. Anbolyn, the same to you! Have a wonderful holiday. And I'm so glad you love "A Christmas Memory." Truman Capote was such a brilliant writer. All the best! xx

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  6. You home looks lovely Sunday! The podcast sounds like the perfect thing. I'll definitely have a listen. I hop to stop by the Morgan tomorrow & finaly see the Bronte show❤️

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  7. Hi Gail, thank you! Yes, do try to see the Bronte before it closes. It really is a wonderful show! Merry Christmas! xx

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