Finding my Christmas groove / by Suzanne

DSC_5401.jpg

I'm trying to feel festive. I am.

The feeling is there, percolating, but slow to fully present itself. As I write this I only have two wreaths, a bit of greenery and a few pine cones in our home. That's it!

I need to get inspired.

Nothing like attending a Christmas party to kick start those festive feelings and get your own ball rolling.

For the past several years, Cindy, who I met in the schoolyard years ago, has hosted a Christmas party. It started out as a sort of ladies luncheon, which was fun until around 3:15 pm when there was a mad scramble to get on our boots and coats, and skedaddle over to the schoolyard before the bell rang.

Now it's an evening affair and still as festive and wonderful as ever.

DSC_5378-685x1024 1.jpg
DSC_5423-685x1024 2.jpg
DSC_5376-685x1024 3.jpg
DSC_5430 4.jpg
DSC_5414-685x1024 5.jpg
DSC_5462-685x1024 6.jpg
DSC_5424-685x1024 7.jpg
DSC_5395-685x1024 8.jpg
DSC_5416-685x1024 9.jpg
DSC_5426-641x1024 10.jpg
DSC_5454-685x1024 11.jpg
DSC_5434-685x1024 12.jpg
DSC_5383-685x1024 13.jpg
DSC_5471-685x1024 14.jpg
DSC_5411-685x1024 15.jpg
DSC_5435-685x1024 16.jpg

It's always a treat to gather at Cindy's home and particularly so this time of year. Her flair for seasonal decorating is inspiring; all lights, greenery, flowers and simple iconic ornaments. Combined with great food and drinks it hits the perfect note of festiveness.

The last few years, Cindy incorporated a fun element: an ornament exchange.

Everyone brings a wrapped ornament which we place under the tree. Near the end of the evening we draw numbers and then take turns picking. It was interesting to see how many animal ornaments there were this year. We're a trendy bunch I guess. (I got a squirrel ornament - those of you who know me well will see how appropriate this is!)

Thank you Cindy. You've started a wonderful tradition and I'm so happy to be a part of it.

DSC_5488-685x1024 1.jpg
DSC_5487-685x1024 2.jpg
DSC_5490-685x1024 3.jpg
DSC_5494-685x1024 4.jpg