A slow Christmas message from @aliceandthorn…
It’s a busy time of year. Busy organising food preparations, busy caring for children, busy purchasing presents. It can be overwhelming, stressful and exhausting, yet this time of year is said to be a time to wind down, relax and enjoy with family and friends.
So, this December I’ve set out to create a wholesome and peaceful month in the run up to christmas. I’ve prioritised my health, my family and overall, my sanity. It’s been wonderful going for long walks collecting foliage for our home, spending those few precious moments to watch the snowfall in the mornings and supporting smaller businesses when I start the Christmas shop in the hope I will see them again next year. It was wonderful just last week I had the opportunity to work with the Silver Mushroom to create my festive themed tablescape. I had the Christmas music playing and so much joy and gratitude was found for simply being in the moment and creating something truly magical. I themed it around all the pleasures I adore, earthy tones, dusty antique finds and beautiful new tableware from the Silver Mushroom’s very own collection.
Whichever way you choose to celebrate Christmas this year, have a wonderful one and please remember, you simply can’t pour from an empty cup.
In the interest of following Alice’s ‘slow Christmas’ mantra, here are some ways you can embrace a slow, meaningful Christmas.
Go Offline
I find that a lot of the time my ‘switch off’ time is spent on my phone. That shouldn’t always be the case. Try to enjoy more intentional, present time off, with the people that surround you. Whilst we all love documenting our memories it’s important to be truly present in each moment. Fully soak in what you have worked so hard for. Memories are the most special at the moment of making.
Slow Down
From the very first day of advent, we tend to fill our days with Christmas parties, family outings, parties, trips to the Christmas markets, and more than one ‘this is definitely my last shopping day’. Focusing too much on these can make us forget to part-take in the magic of the season.
So, slow down.
This final week of December, I’ll be taking an evening to get in my matching Christmas pj’s with my mum with hot chocolates. I’ll be going to the cathedral to watch Christmas carols, and having a small group of friends over for mulled wine and a catch up. Don’t forget about the ‘wholesome’ Christmas events whilst you’re wrapped up in all the excitement. Don’t get me wrong, I love the festive fun as much as the next person, but try not to enter the new year even more exhausted. Take time to recuperate and enjoy your time away from work.
Find Joy In Your ‘To-do’ List
As Alice said, we tend to forget to enjoy the beautiful parts of Christmas. From setting the perfect tablescape, to the cooking of Christmas dinner. What we must remember is that food, and cooking is perfected with love. It sounds cliché, but a disgruntled cook will make for a disgruntled dinner. Recruit your family members, pop on some Christmas songs, and indulge in a glass of bubbles or mulled wine. Enjoy the cooking journey. It’s not every day that you get to cook and eat a special meal with all the family. Most importantly, remember to be thankful. Thankful that we have food and family in front of us.
Lastly, Remember What’s Important
If you’re anything like me, you may have spent hours choosing gifts, wrapping them perfectly, thinking they’re not enough, and buying even more. Or panicking that you missed someone that you haven’t spoken to in 20 years off your Christmas card list. Or thinking that your trifle doesn’t quite live up to the one from last year which was ‘to die for’. As wonderful as gifts, and trifles are, they’re not the be all and end all. Take a step back and focus on what Christmas is truly all about to you. From spending time with family, holding up yearly traditions, or religious affairs – all of these are more important than having the ‘picture-perfect’ day.
We hope you have a fulfilling, peaceful, and restorative Christmas.
Love @aliceandthorn and the Silver Mushroom team X
