For my December Daily album this year, I’ve decided to focus more on writing. On my desktop I have a document where I make journal entries each day. So far I am really enjoying that approach. It feels more reflective and focused to me. Then I assemble my pages every three days or so. And…so far so good.
Here’s what I got:
When Andrew got home today, he walked straight to the advent calendar and pulled out today’s tag. There he stood, with his coat and backpack still on, reading the advent tag. He turned to me and said, “it says we need to get out the Christmas train!” So we did. Within 15 minutes of Andrew walking through the door, the tracks were set up and the train was whipping around the loop with Andrew at the controls and Isaac bouncing around, squealing in delight. I wish I could say that those 15 minutes were full of Christmas joy and harmony, but instead there were conflicting visions of track construction, frustration at the tedious set up, and one brother or the other running off with part of the train. Just as all was set right and the meltdowns subsided, I hid in the kitchen nursing a stress headache. And advent has begun.
Today we drove to the Johnstons’ after Andrew got home from school. On the way there, Joy to the World came on the radio and I sang along in my best church voice. It’s one of my favorite Christmas hymns, but a new line struck me today. The wonders of his love. The wonders of his love. The wonders of his love. And I suddenly felt overwhelmed and teary. Overwhelmed with the things unfolding in my life and how beautiful and unexpected and true they are. How perfectly designed it all seems. Wonderful. Wonder full. As in, I want to sit back and lace it all together, all the pieces that add up to make my one little life, connect all the dots and just admire the design. It’s not what I would have chosen. But, as these things sometimes turn out, it’s far more wonderful that what I had in mind.
One thing that keeps standing out to me is how much Andrew remembers from last Christmas. In the past he’s remembered the big things, like the Christmas tree and the Christmas train. This year he remembers even more. He remembered the advent calendar and the stockings and today, when I told him that we were going to make cookies using a “cookie machine” he knew exactly what I was talking about. He got it out, picked out some disks to use and assembled it himself. I am really enjoying the traditions of Christmas this year more than ever, because I have this little sidekick who’s catching on to my holiday routines.
And there you have it.
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I love this outlook. I am a little worried that I haven’t journalled enough. But This is my first year doing this and you live and learn. I especially love your Christmas train. My Oscar would *love* one like that!
What a lovely way to record December. Funny how hearing a hymn/song on the radio that we’ve known for years can suddenly produce a new and wonderful understanding. Lots of love to you, Robyn, and yours this Christmas time.
I absolutely love the clean style of your pages! All of the negative space really places an emphasis on the story behind the photos! Very nice job! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I absolutely love your design for this year’s Christmas album, Robyn! The number tags you made really make for a nice cohesive look on all of your pages. Thanks for sharing your beautifully written journaling with us too! xo!
Love the design of your pages. And me – I am all for a lot of journaling.
I love this! And you just reminded me that we have a cookie press inherited from Eric’s grandma. I wonder if it works. Hmmm . . . .
Lovely!
That Christmas train surely will make my little boy jealous.. I have to hide your blog post from him. Hehe.. love your simple pages.. white and simplicity always catch me!
I love your pages. The clean and same look for every day. Very beautiful!
Truly beautiful!
Oh Robyn, stunning … even if you did have to endure a stress headache at the end of one day – never a good thing!
The lyrics to Joy to the World will be in my album this year, it is one of my favourites!
Lovely book sofar! Nice clean design and heartfelt journaling.
Visiting you from Amy. Your album is just beautiful I am also trying to focus more on my journalling this year and have a simple page design which is easy to journal for. I really love your dates and Joy to the world is in my book too. Looking forward to catching up with you again.