and all through my house, not a creature is stirring.
This morning I sat on my balcony, iced tea at hand, book in my lap, listening to palm fronds rustle in the breeze and watching ocean surf play on the reef. I realized at that moment there was no other place I wanted to be. Didn't need (or want) to be at the mall in a last minute shopping frenzy, didn't need (or want) to be in line at the grocery watching my frozen food defrost (my larder is stocked through Three Kings Day), didn't need (or want) to be doing an airport dash to a plane headed for someplace nippy, didn't need (or want) to be anywhere other than where I was.
I also realized that my gift to myself this year is simply this: contentment.
Wishing the same to you and yours this holiday season.
Penny Pincher
Friday, December 23, 2016
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Cheap and Cheerful Christmas 2016
As I write this, I'm listening via the internet to the Holiday Channel on WQXR (NYC classical radio station), highly recommended for holiday listening; for lighter fare I also like Easy Listening Christmas 2016 on Shoutcast.
My halls are decked in minimalist fashion, this year I aimed for tasteful vs overkill. Nothing new to me this year, all decorations are from seasons past. First out, my woodland Santa cookie jar, a gift many years ago from a friend I now keep in touch with via email. On the step cabinet, chubby candle holders with battery operated tea lights flank my small star shaped Santa (folk art that reminds me of the balloons in the Macy's parade); my faux bamboo is topped with a glitter santa hat that was part of a now defunct Norfolk pine in a pot. The dining table is covered with my favorite vintage Vera Christmas Goose table linens, and in the center a green depression glass bowl filled with red bells. Two bottle trees - one in the kitchen, the other on the step cabinet - are aglow with multi-colored twinkle lights; on the wall near my desk hangs a tree made of twinkle lights mounted on a plastic frame. In a small place it doesn't take much to create a festive atmosphere.
I gave Black Friday shopping a pass this year. After looking at the ads, there was nothing I needed or wanted. Staying home seemed the smart thing to do. This year I'm more into saving than spending. It's a gift to myself.
However you celebrate the holidays, may they bring you joy; and to all, a New Year of peace and prosperity.
Penny Pincher
My halls are decked in minimalist fashion, this year I aimed for tasteful vs overkill. Nothing new to me this year, all decorations are from seasons past. First out, my woodland Santa cookie jar, a gift many years ago from a friend I now keep in touch with via email. On the step cabinet, chubby candle holders with battery operated tea lights flank my small star shaped Santa (folk art that reminds me of the balloons in the Macy's parade); my faux bamboo is topped with a glitter santa hat that was part of a now defunct Norfolk pine in a pot. The dining table is covered with my favorite vintage Vera Christmas Goose table linens, and in the center a green depression glass bowl filled with red bells. Two bottle trees - one in the kitchen, the other on the step cabinet - are aglow with multi-colored twinkle lights; on the wall near my desk hangs a tree made of twinkle lights mounted on a plastic frame. In a small place it doesn't take much to create a festive atmosphere.
I gave Black Friday shopping a pass this year. After looking at the ads, there was nothing I needed or wanted. Staying home seemed the smart thing to do. This year I'm more into saving than spending. It's a gift to myself.
However you celebrate the holidays, may they bring you joy; and to all, a New Year of peace and prosperity.
Penny Pincher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)