04
Dec

december’s simple glow

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Whether it’s snowy or simply chilly, December is a welcome arrival.  With its hearty foods and layered sweaters, it’s a chance for us to experience nature in a way that we simply can’t any other time.

It’s the month of the solstice, the short days of the year, when the flickers of candles glow against walls and we allow ourselves to indulge in a bit more food than we actually should. We welcome visitors with cinnamon and nutmeg laced teas and cookies.

December days are not days to be muddled through, although if you turn on the TV and allow your brain to get wracked with manic advertising about all the things you’re lacking, you might very well think so. The commercialism will do nothing but exhaust you and make you feel like you need to buy more to be “ready”.

But the fact is, you’re ready already. Giving comes from a completely different place than Target. Make some cookies for your neighbor. Stop at a local artisan shop and pick up some hand-rolled beeswax candles for your best friend.  Give your mom a special family photo framed in something pretty.  A special roll of yarn in a shade you know your cousin would love to crochet a scarf from would bring her great joy.

Honor the Winter Solstice.  Open you heart to friends and family.  Let bygones be bygones and pledge to love and not to judge one another.  Shut off, as my mother would say, the idiot box and go out for a walk and look at the beauty available to you simply by stepping outside.

Sing.  Play the piano, if you can.  Light candles.  Wrap yourself in a blanket and write your cards. Remember, with great clarity, the nice things people did for you this year and be grateful for their love. Don’t complain how early the darkness comes.  Light your life with a glow from inside.  Invite friends in for a cocktail.  Stock the freezer for the first snow.

Here is my December gift to you.  The amazing George Winston and his rendition of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon and Variations.

Written by: Diana Baur on December 4th, 2011 | {17} Comments

Posted in {inspiration, simplicity}

  • http://www.renovatingitaly.com lisa | renovating italy

    how wonderful Diana, candle light always means my Mum’s house. She never has overhead lights on, taking time to fully experience the changing of the seasons, I think your Mum is right off with the idiot box…
    ciao for now
    lisa

  • http://www.groundedtraveler.com Andrew

    Pachelbel’s Canon is one of my favorite classical songs.

    Turning off the TV is another side benefit of being in a country where the language isn’t my native. I don’t like German TV shows anyway, and even though I am fluent it still takes enough energy to understand that I don’t get that relaxing veg feeling of TV from the US. So I just don’t watch it.
    Now the internet is a different monster, so oh well

  • Turid

    Ah, shutting off the idiot box. I will treasure those words forever and use them as my own from now on. I am thinking of you and your last christmas in your B&B and of the new adventures lying ahead. I am also thinking about the header on this article… It does not look like Italy. The light reminds me too much of Norway so I am guessing… Sweden? I send you my thoughts in the form of knitted blankets and peruvian llama slippers, mulled wine and a heart so full, it would be a crime not to share it with anyone who comes close enough. Love to you Diana and to your B&B. 

  • http://and-here-we-are.blogspot.com Ariana Mullins

    Here in England, it is completely dark by 4 p.m.  The California-Girl in me is tempted to just panic, but we are taking this as an invitation to enjoy our evenings for longer.  We eat dinner earlier, and make time for reading aloud at the dinner table and playing a game as a family before we pop the little one into bed.  Then, my husband are amazed that it’s only 7:30 and we have plenty of time to enjoy the quiet evening.  So, our quality time begins when the sun goes down, and there is plenty to go around.  We are definitely cherishing this season.  I am also keeping track of how many days until Winter Solstice, glad that it will start getting lighter in a few weeks.

  • http://sistergirltales.blogspot.com/ nyc/caribbean ragazza

    I just bought some handmade soaps from Nicki in Positano for stocking stuffers. 

    I’m a big fan of the hearty pastas (risotto!!) and soups this time of year.  I grew up on the east coast, so I like have clear seasons.    I’m much more appreciative of the changes for each season after 10 years of sunny/June Gloom/sunny seasons in L.A.

    Beautiful rendition of one of my favorites pieces of music.  Off to light some candles and to pour some wine.

  • Lucinda Keller

    “light your life with a glow from inside”… I love it. Perfect post reflecting this time… I love December. I always have. Maybe that started as a child because my birthday is in December but I always feel some mystical energy and magic in the air! I’m having folks over for cider next Sunday. I’ve strung lights all around my living room,made 3 different iTunes playlists and put up my little tree. It all feels like it’s own ritual. I wish you could come over!! Joyful and blessed holidays to you Diana!

  • Lucinda Keller

    Oh, and p.s. I used to play pachebel on the Celtic harp and for some reason had the worst time with it, then heard this version and thought i should definitely just leave it to George! It was just so beautiful! Thanks for bringing it back! :)

  • Elena Patrice

    And what a beautiful gift you give Diana … ALL year round!  Thank you, thank you!!

  • Anonymous

    Thank you so much for this post. The darkness that descends up here in the north often clouds my mind and my judgement. I needed this reminder. 

  • http://purelivinginteriors.blogspot.com/ Lysann

    Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring thoughts with us throughout the last year. I love reading your post so much, as there are many things in it, that are able to change my perspective on seeing of my own world. I’m so glad I found you here.
    Enjoy this pretty nice time during december – calming down, enjoying the light of the candles, preparing for xmas …
    Thanks again and have a nice time.
    Lysann

  • http://simpleimages4752.blogspot.com/ edgar

    Cinnamon and nutmeg laced teas and cookies- I would love that welcome on a December evening or day. Songs and music and graceful conversation.
    A wonderful way to spend hours with friends.

  • Hands Free Mama

    This is exactly how I want to spend my holidays. I love your outlook! I am sharing this post on my Facebook page, “The Hands Free Revolution,” so people can see how to let go of distraction and grasp what matters this holiday season. THANK YOU! 

  • Anonymous

    Thank you and happy holidays :)

  • http://winsomebella.wordpress.com winsomebella

    That made me smile and warmed my heart on a cold snowy night in Colorado. All is well. Thank you.

  • http://bluesuedescarpe.com Chelsi Craddock

    Your work is beyond inspiring, and this site was truly a joy to discover!  Thank you for your words of encouragement on my site and I look forward to keeping up with your magic.  I am an artist also (drawing, painting), and have always wanted to try ceramics.  Your creations are a breath of fresh air, and it is clear that they are a reflection of you.  Wonderful!

  • Kim B.

    Love this.  But it makes me realize I don’t have any candles!!! Must correct this in order to sink in properly to December. 

  • http://jdeq.typepad.com/ JDeQ

    Baeutiful. I’ve not heard Canon played soley on the pino before. It’s one of my favourite pieces and never ceases to bring  bit of joy to my soul. Thanks!