Preparations...

via beautiful-portals tumblr

These days I find myself puttering around the house, making lists and little preparations for the upcoming holiday.  We will be the hosts again this year, so I'm getting ready for our little house to be full of family.  I'm collecting menu ideas, moving unseasonal coats out of the coat closet, using up pantry items, cleaning out the medicine cabinets, and generally removing clutter.  Actually, I remove clutter pretty much all year round - clutter and I are not friends, but I'm a little more focused on it at the moment.  I continue to do a little bit each day so that I'll be ready to just relax and have fun when everyone arrives.  And for the record, I am wishing that our street looks something like the above picture on Christmas morning.  

I'm also trying to do a little every day to honor the holiday season.  My cards are set up on the dining room table, and I am addressing a few each night.  My iPod is now full of holiday tunes, some new and some old.  I love a mix.  I put a little egg nog in my coffee this morning.  I water my beautiful tree.  I am collecting cookie recipes, unable to choose between so many yummy options.  I am gathering gift boxes in my closet and am looking forward to a wine-and-gift-wrap night in the coming weeks.

I've noticed some people letting the stress get to them, and I want to tell them to go have a cup of hot cocoa.  Stir it with a candy cane even.  It's the most wonderful time of the year...

via little emma english home

via mary ruffle

via pinterest

A bit much, perhaps, but how awesome is this scarf?  8 feet of luxurious merino wool.  Wow...

via etsy