Seasonal Frenzy Disorder

Bonjour,

With the Christmas season in full swing, it is difficult not to get caught up in the frenzy of it all.  As a female of the boomer generation, I am programmed to feel I must "do it all."  I must decorate my home to perfection, shop for all the perfect gifts, wrap those gifts perfectly, bake lots of delicious, perfectly-shaped cookies, etc.; and, to be honest, I truly love doing all these things, but the perfection business can be a tad repressive. As I have gotten older, I have learned to slow down and I do my best to try to be satisfied with less-than-perfect. Now I strive to enjoy the special moments, because that is what it's really all about, isn't it?

In that vein, I did take time to attend the party for the local Historical Society members that I told you about last week.  And I did not fret and try to find the perfect outfit (as I may have done in my younger days) but wore something I had hanging in my closet. And, as is usually the case, that fact had no bearing on the experience.   I had a fine time visiting with old friends and the lovely old home was decorated beautifully.

Saturday was devoted to attending Dickens on the Strand where we ate festival food, drank, shopped and saw the "Queen."

A great time was had by all...and I managed to get my annual photo of the grands by the Tremont House Christmas tree...and they were smiling.

I hope you are enjoying the season and finding time to experience those special moments of joy that only this time of year can bring.   I'd love to hear what you are doing.  Please comment below or via the link above.

(And should you need a small gift, please take a look in my shops via the links above.)

Until next time, wishing you many peaceful moments.

Adieu,

Noël

Bonjour,

The Christmas season with all its festivities is fast upon us.  In France, Christmas is called Noël and is celebrated somewhat differently than it is here in the United States.

In parts of France, the celebration begins on December 6, with la fete de Saint Nicolas, when parents traditionally give gifts to their children. On Christmas Eve, children, in hopeful expectation, leave their shoes by the fireplace for le Père Noël, Santa Claus, to bestow gifts. Christmas Day festivities typically begin at midnight, when families gather for worship and a celebratory dinner, le Réveillon, after midnight mass.  Adults usually wait until New Year's Day to exchange gifts.  The season doesn't end until the final celebration on Epiphany, on January 6.

How do you celebrate the season?  The celebration begins for me tonight, as Monsieur and I will attend the first party of the season, given by the local Historical Society for its members and their guests, and located in one of the city's historical homes, the Pompeiian Villa.  It is always a pleasure to tour the home, decorated in all its Christmas finery, and to visit with other patrons dedicated to the preservation of our local history.

The Pompeiian Villa
Port Arthur, Texas

Saturday we will spend the day in Galveston at their annual festival, Dickens on the Strand.  This event has signified the beginning of the Christmas season for us for many, many years.  We started taking our children when they were young, and now they accompany us with their families. It has become a tradition that cannot be missed.  There are vendors selling handmade crafts and food, and the local shops are filled with seasonal wares.  And, of course, all involved are dressed in period costumes and the area is decorated to resemble Victorian England.  I hope to share pictures with you next time.

Until then, wishing you a lovely beginning to the season. 

Adieu,



p.s.  If you may need a small gift for a friend or loved one, maybe an item of handmade jewelry would           fit the bill.   I invite you to take a peek in my shops via the link above.  Merci.