Sounds to me like you're doing it just right: noticing all the things, following some traditions, supporting people you love, hanging out with warm tea, and making some pretty spectacular art for us to feast on. I'm such an art newbie that I find I can learn things from staring at your paintings, so that's a gift to me. I also don't love being out in the cold, but I really like the freedom it gives me to hibernate indoors with furry kids and a less-furry husband. Sparkly lights are a bonus at this time of year. Thanks for sharing it all and I will see you in the perspective class!
It's the months of relentless "happy holidays" propaganda everywhere that depressing, and that it all has to be on 25 December or you've failed Xmas. Growing up we often had extended family Xmas well before Xmas day!
I look forward to Xmas nowadays because I get to have the box of books we've bought through the year and saved. Gives me an excuse to spend datk northern hemisphere winter days reading too.
You’ve expressed the myriad of emotions unique to this time of the year that many people experience. I myself yo-yo between excitement and season-related anxieties. To help manage the ebbs and flows I find a few things help me slow down and breathe. The first is a walk either very early in the morning or very late at night to see the holiday light displays. The second is a rather generous glass of amaretto with Coke! Thank you for being such an inspiring and kind creative dynamo! I have thoroughly enjoyed your Substack postings, prompts and meet-ups this year. Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful holiday season along with a happy, healthy New Year.
I can so so relate to the guilt/pressure/excess-of-stuff emotions-- while also enjoying giving and receiving. This post has made me reflect on where all that comes from for me. Such a conundrum of a season:)
Sounds to me like you're doing it just right: noticing all the things, following some traditions, supporting people you love, hanging out with warm tea, and making some pretty spectacular art for us to feast on. I'm such an art newbie that I find I can learn things from staring at your paintings, so that's a gift to me. I also don't love being out in the cold, but I really like the freedom it gives me to hibernate indoors with furry kids and a less-furry husband. Sparkly lights are a bonus at this time of year. Thanks for sharing it all and I will see you in the perspective class!
It's the months of relentless "happy holidays" propaganda everywhere that depressing, and that it all has to be on 25 December or you've failed Xmas. Growing up we often had extended family Xmas well before Xmas day!
I look forward to Xmas nowadays because I get to have the box of books we've bought through the year and saved. Gives me an excuse to spend datk northern hemisphere winter days reading too.
You’ve expressed the myriad of emotions unique to this time of the year that many people experience. I myself yo-yo between excitement and season-related anxieties. To help manage the ebbs and flows I find a few things help me slow down and breathe. The first is a walk either very early in the morning or very late at night to see the holiday light displays. The second is a rather generous glass of amaretto with Coke! Thank you for being such an inspiring and kind creative dynamo! I have thoroughly enjoyed your Substack postings, prompts and meet-ups this year. Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful holiday season along with a happy, healthy New Year.
Samantha, it IS a hard time. So much pain. Here’s my story about my husband and I spending every Christmas in a completely different culture, Mexico. https://www.travelawaits.com/2716063/why-i-love-spending-christmas-season-in-mexico/ I hope it helps! Abrazos (hugs), Louisa
Loving the dog sketches, can't wait to see the whole collection 🐶
I can so so relate to the guilt/pressure/excess-of-stuff emotions-- while also enjoying giving and receiving. This post has made me reflect on where all that comes from for me. Such a conundrum of a season:)