SNOWMEN Who Don't Melt from the Warmth

I love snowmen!

I've collected many things through the years, but I honestly think snowmen are some of the cutest, cuddliest things created. And the choices they have! Men and women, children snowpeople. Active ones, those formed with families. Bright colors, cute costumes. White, antiqued, clear iced ones, funny, and nostalgic ones.

A friend has all the ones she's collected in her shelves and top-of-cabinet spaces. Darling! I stand open-mouthed studying each one.

Take the new one I bought this year (at a bargain shop, so I didn't have to spend a lot of money!) It was a stackable, 3 round boxes with the snowman's head, facial features, & hat on the top small one. Hands & buttons on the second, and I think maybe a little decoration on the bottom one.

Interested in mystery? Hmmm. What could be hidden in those boxes? For children, a gift of such fun boxes would be (especially with promises of hidden treasures) -- delightful suspense. A friend? Give her a snowman box with some of her favorite things tucked inside. Who could ask for more?

And they make such fun Christmas decorations. Do you like simple things? Use only a few, and better, pick out a select few that are sleek with simplicity. Scatter them here and there throughout your house. Want only one focal point without having them all over your house? Then choose a table top and set a several small ones together as a collection.

Use a large one to greet your guests at your front door. Or pick out a few snowmen ornaments to use as name tags at a dinner. Place settings with the folded card tucked inside the snowmen ornament string/loop are cute as take-home mementos.

Most of all, if you decide to love those melting human-creations, enjoy their simplicity.



Some Pre-holiday hints to make this month go smoother:
First of all, take it easy. Don't over extend yourself. Enjoy the holiday season. If there's been a tragedy in your recent life, try to reshape this holiday to make it fun and fulfilling once again. Try to make some changes in your traditional celebration. Don't try to live out the expectations of others.

* Who do you want to buy presents for? Divide your list in two parts: large and small. Those who receive larger gifts and those who will get the smaller one. Then divide again. Do you really need to buy a gift when a little memento or card will do? People just want to be remembered.

* Do you want to bake? Choose a few of your favorites. Don't do a massive baking, unless you really want to.

* How will you decorate, and do you want to? Look through past year items. Any need repairing? Replacing? Discarded?

* How much money do you have to spend? Be firm with yourself! Try doing more with less money. Be creative. It may take a little more effort, but in January, you'll be glad you did.

* Are you entertaining? How much? When? Plan early, invite early, so that you won't be disappointed and your friends and family will have time to make their plans and accept yours.

* Cleaning? Be kind to yourself. If you can afford it, hire someone to help you. Or if you have close friends, have a cleaning swap. Maybe three afternoons. Result: Spic and span houses.

* Interested in participating/enjoying some Christmas festivities? Choose selectively. Look for free Christmas programs and cantatas. Go to parks to enjoy the festive light displays. Churches offer many programs and plays.

* Worried about spats in the family get togethers? Sometimes there's not much that can be done. Try prayer. Try getting the parties together on neutral ground and allowing them to talk the problem out. Let a friend or someone similar be the mediator; stay out of it personally. Or if all else fails, arrange for visits from each at different times.

* Traveling? Remember that if you travel on Christmas eve or Christmas day, many places will be closed. Plan on your meals, your place of stay.

Remember: the key is to take it easy. Christmas will still come regardless of how much we do or don't do.


Quote:
The first fall of snow is not only an event but it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up to find yourself in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found? -- J.B. Priestley

Blessings.