Friday 2 December 2022

Lists, Lights and a Latte

This evening, I spent a short while writing out some lists. This will have one of two outcomes. I can either feel incredibly organised and smile smugly to myself as I cross things out once they have been accomplished, or I will put unnecessary burden upon myself, then end up feeling stressed and wrung out. I will feel quite satisfied if I can achieve somewhere in between. I am one of those people who needs to feel under some slight pressure in order to get myself motivated enough to do anything, and I do love a good list, especially at this time of year. And for those of you who take a far more relaxed approach to your celebrations, please let me in on your secret :)


Prior to my very essential list writing, we took a trip out to see some Christmas lights at a nearby National Trust property. 


The pretty display is new this year and is combined with the later opening hours of the gift shop and cafe, which I took full advantage of. 


I now have another gift which can be crossed (smugly) off my list. I also enjoyed some delicious hot mulled wine AND a Gingerbread Latte! 

J. X


 

26 comments:

  1. Well done on your list writing, I do think they help.
    The Christmas trees look very pretty.

    Enjoy your weekend.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I just know that I would forget something if I didn't write a list. X

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  2. The Christmas List - it seems to get longer every year in our house even though we keep aiming for a simpler Christmas. It might be because we have the three grandchildren now and we try and do things with them in the run up to Christmas - but they too seem to have a mass of dancing shows and parties to attend.

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    1. I couldn't manage without a list, even though, like you, my intentions are always for a simple Christmas. X

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  3. Oh, my friend. I am a list writer. I cannot remember anything without one. Your holiday season is certainly off to a festive start! Enjoy!

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    1. I would love to be one of those people who can just let Christmas unfold, but I would be completely lost without a list (or two). X

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  4. That photo is just incredible! I love the lighting and the Christmas trees. Mulled wine and a gingerbread latte sounds fabulous! You are definitely enjoying the season.

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    1. The evening was a lovely way to begin our festive season. X

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  5. I'm a huge list maker - always have been. It's feels quite nice to be able to check things off my list once they are completed. That is one delicious looking gingerbread latte. And I have to say I've never had mulled wine!

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    1. Mulled wine is perfect warming beverage at this time of year, or you can enjoy mulled cranberry juice as an alcohol free alternative. X

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  6. I too am a list maker...probably too much of one. I just sat down to organize mine into sections: Easy, Will Need Some Help, and Hard. So if I can cross off the Easy ones, that's great! Maybe I can make a call or drop an email on the Need Some Help ones, and well the Hard ones may just have to wait until the new year (these are big projects anyway.) I just like having things written down...I can't keep everything in my brain, things just get deleted sometimes!

    Getting out to see the lights and to enjoy the latte are exactly what we all need to do...those keep us in the spirit of the season, but aren't stressful. I love it...again, thanks for giving me ideas for myself!

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    1. I have several lists on my phone notebook, but they're not the same. i like a proper paper list. X

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  7. That is a stunning photo of the trees all lit up! That latte looks good, too!
    Ah, yes, lists! I tend to make them, too. Lists of cards to send, gifts to buy, etc. Haven't made any yet, this year, but, should!

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    1. What you can't see on the photograph is a small black cat, just out of shot :)

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  8. Christmas is coming quickly. The lights really help get me into the spirit of the season. I have to make a list soon so I can feel like I am accomplishing something!!

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    1. I'm sure December comes around quicker each year. X

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  9. Some years ago, I got very tired of the Christmas present stress, and announced to family, that it was going to stop. Got a bit of grumbling, but everyone is now happy. Just gifts for the Grandchildren, no more everyone exchanging gifts!!!

    Bingo! Stress done with! for some years, Grands have loved a check, so easy easy.

    Many years ago, I decided to stop sending Christmas cards, which were always a major chore. Did. Bingo! Big stresser gone, way back then.

    So I think, one just decides how much they can do, without stress... And does it.

    All you need is COURAGE!!!!!!!!!! -smile-

    🎄 🎄 🎄

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    1. My Christmas gift list is actually very small. Several years ago I made the same announcement as you, and received the same reaction :) But since then my stress levels have been massively reduced. The simple fact is that I just don't enjoy shopping.
      Cards, however, I do like. And might just write some this afternoon. Xx

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  10. Having struggled with some lights on a garland this evening I'm wondering how they managed to put those tree lights on so beautifully...lists will be written just as soon as all the paintbrushes have been put away. :) x

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    1. I do hope you will share some of your Winter Wonderland. Xx

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  11. How lovely. Which NT trust property have you been to?

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