I’ve never gone into the Christmas holidays more unprepared than I am this year, and, oddly enough, I’ve never felt more peaceful.
Bear and I decided to give ourselves permission to have the most relaxed, laid back, no-expectations Christmas possible, and it has been truly wonderful. In the beginning it was difficult for me to accept that it really was OK to do nothing, a little bit, or as much as we were up for, but now I’m so very happy in the sure knowledge that it really is.
Today was the first day we both woke up wanting to be Christmasy and holiday-ish. No doubt due to finishing major projects and getting some long overdue rest. So off to town we went with big ol’ smiles on our faces.
We had so much fun lingering over breakfast and coffees, pottering about finding little treasures for ourselves and others, stopping in at all our favorite shops to see what we could find. We chose a Christmas tree – a cute little live Juniper that will be planted in the yard when the holidays are over – and stocked up on fresh bread rolls and mince pies at the bakery. Bear bought a ginormous ham that will feed us for WEEKS, and we picked up semi-dried tomatoes, grilled capsicum, marinated artichokes, cheeses, mustards, mussels, sardines, and all sorts of things for a humdinger of a smorgasbord. We had a grand time.
To celebrate the completion of projects and the return of some vim and vigor, we treated ourselves to an hour in our new favorite spot in our village of Allora, the Frog and Swallow Cafe, run by our friends, John and Jackie.
It’s a blissful spot, a cool and peaceful respite from the summer heat. We ordered cold drinks and our food, then sat down to luxuriate in uninterrupted reading. Bear sipped on iced coffee whilst perusing a car magazine, and I drank sparkling water and paged through an inspiring French cookbook.
Lunch arrived, and after one bite of the crispy cheese tuile atop my Cheese and Onion Tart I was a happy woman.
For dessert we sighed swooningly through bite after bite of Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with cream. Oh. My. Neither of us could think of a better or more delicious way to start off our holiday celebrations.
Now we’re back at home wrapping pressies, listening to Christmas music, and taking breaks to watch movies and take naps.
Wishing you a beautiful and relaxing holiday with people who make your heart happy. XO
That torte looks delicious and what a grand relaxed Christmas you are going to have. Enjoy 🙂
We are looking forward to it so much, @budgetjan:disqus Wishing you a very happy Christmas!! XO
Hi lovely… I too am totally unprepared. I fell ill about a week ago and finally dragged myself off to the doctor, who sent me for a chest xray and various other tests. Am on strong antibiotics now, but not at all ready for Christmas… it will be subdued celebration methinks. Wishing you and bear happy holidays and thank you for your friendship throughout the year xox
Oh @liz_posmyk:disqus , I’m truly sorry to hear that. XOXO Bear and I have been sick off and on all December too and it’s been dreadful. Wishing you true rest and fast healing so you can enjoy your holiday. XOXO
it all sounds good! we have taken the same approach to xmas over here. (we’re all too busy these days, no? but in good ways ultimately – YES!) that chocolate hazelnut torte with cream. mmmmm mmmmm. just repeating those words makes me very happy. have a continued very happy xmas and best wishes and many book sales for 2015.
http://mlleparadis.blogspot.com
I’m so glad you’re relaxing too, Claudia! Wishing you a fantastic Christmas and New Year!! xo
That does sound like a very relaxing lunch. Have a very Merry Christmas Krista xx
Thanks so much, Charlie! Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. XO
What a marvelous way to spend the day!
that torte looks amazing! We have made one rule this Christmas, no gifts! I am donating things to charity instead 🙂
Yummy food! Better than that is taking life one day at a time and not making bigger expectations that you’ll feel bad if you don’t meet. Merry Christmas to you both!
I say this is how we are supposed to approach Christmas, no stress, eat and be merry as you please. Heres Cheers! 🙂
Sometimes No plans are the Best plans!