We are busy getting ready for family gatherings. Decorating the house, planning menus, sending out cards, baking and completing last minute shopping. We already had a holiday celebration with my sister and her husband. On Christmas we will have 13 people celebrating with us. We are still trying to figure out how to get the whole group in the dinning room without a kid's table.
Our kids are both in college. Our house no longer has shoes and other belongings scattered everywhere. As they arrive, all of that changes and our home is transformed back to the everyday world of their childhood and teenage years, laundry and all. They are used to their freedom and their own schedules now, so adjusting back to life at home takes some time. They sleep late and stay up late, something we don't do often anymore.
Winter break is here and my days are less scheduled. I have time to read, sip coffee at the table, write, nap and take the dogs for longer walks than usual. It's a welcome break from the routine that surrounds me the rest of the school year. I'm thankful for this time and the chance to slow down. Life moves so fast most of the time, I'm happy to have a chance to put on the (winter) breaks.
I love the images you created comparing the world of your kids home with all their stuff and life without them. I understand. I hate the change of routine with time, but love having them home. A little give and take is needed. Enjoy your break!
ReplyDeleteI love the image of your home transferring to the childhood years. I sometimes wonder if I will miss the scattered shoes and piles of school papers.
ReplyDeleteRuth
Your words, "the winter breaks" are just right. It's just a lovely time to do things differently with celebration and glee before we return to that old routine. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with all your family!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could put the "breaks" on my winter break! I just want it to be around for awhile - maybe I need to figure out how to move through it in first gear.
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