This year I have been trying to keep it simple.  Fewer decorations make the house feel more festive, takes less effort and time, and doesn`t look like a circus camping in the living room.  I decorated the tree to be something like we both remember growing up.  Old fashioned ornaments and colored lights.  A simple lighted garland running accross the front deck railing.  A few decorations in every room, not tons of stuff all over.

   One thing simple that I did not plan was my baking.  I always come from work, dive into the flour and sugar and bake, bake, bake!  This year because I have not been feeling so well, that hasn`t happened.  I made one batch of cookies to share, and 2 batches of Chocolate Christmas balls to divide among neighbors, parents and co-workers.  This proved to be all we really needed anyway, because we don`t eat much of the stuff, and if it`s not in the house, I won`t get into it.

  We have no plans for our time off except we might go out early for Christmas Eve dinner instead of cooking and then take the long way home and look at the lights.  Christmas day will be dinner here with Hubby`s best friend.  We will be having chicken and beef fondue, which is a leisurely, relaxing meal that will be done by candlelight and kerosene lamps.  (the non-stinky kind of kerosene) and soft music.

   I have learned a lot about keeping things simple this year because I don`t have the energy or time for more.  Having just gotten over shingles and going right into bronchitis I am tired, and don`t have an appetite right now.  I just want to sit back, relax and take in the feeling and sounds and wonderfulness of the season.  I think my lesson will last a long time.

                           That Girl