I had so many lovely images from my December magazine perusals that I simply had to share some more! If today's previous post was about the flurry of holiday activity on the horizon, then consider this an ode to the month's quieter moments---those peaceful, reflective times that make December extra special.
Doesn't the soft, romantic glow of the holidays make you feel so warm and fuzzy inside? From the glimmer of candlelight to the twinkle in everyone's eyes as they call out season's greetings, no other time of year has such a warm and embracing energy.
Whether you eat your holiday feasts around a grand table or in front of the TV ('Love Actually', 'A Muppet Christmas Carol', and 'A Christmas Story' are movie marathon musts!), nothing beats the taste of hot gingerbread and cold eggnog shared with loved ones.
While I do love the sparkle and glitz of icicle lights and tinsel, I can't help but gravitate towards more subtle reminders of the season. A reindeer silhouette, a towering fir tree in the snow, a peak of red plaid: even the smallest expression of holiday cheer sends a tingle of delight down my spine!
Of course there's also the glimpses of calm between hectic holiday errands: stripping off your wet boots after a morning of shopping in the snow, slipping into toasty PJ's after making the rounds of neighbourhood parties, that sense of satisfaction when the last bit of sugar cookie dough has been shaped and baked and put in the mail.
But for me, the best night of the whole year has to be Christmas Eve. We make a gorgeous, glistening ham at my in-laws' house, then open presents with them before heading to my parents' home for a meditative night spent listening to Gregorian chant. When we can't hold our eyes open any longer, we crawl under the covers and sleep with visions of sugar plums in our dreams...
What's your favorite holiday tradition---that one moment you anticipate the whole year through?
Image Credits: 1. Inside Out Christmas 2009 2, 4, 5. Domino December/January 2009 3. House and Garden 6. Martha Stewart Living December 2007
the last two are long-time favourites + yes, definitely 'love actually'!
so excited for christmas!
xo
Posted by: {this is glamorous} | November 30, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Love that first photo and the deer art :)
Posted by: Jaime | November 30, 2009 at 04:22 PM
Love your third image- I'm a sap for beautiful wall moldings ;) Also {unrelated} great call on the Muppet Christmas Carol.
Posted by: Jacqueline at Merci New York | November 30, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Oh my that second image is amazing--love every single little last detail! I think my favorite part of Christmas and the holiday season is reading a night before Christmas by the fire on Christmas eve!
Posted by: blair | November 30, 2009 at 05:27 PM
The reindeer silhouette is beautiful.
My favorite part of the holiday is unpacking the ornaments and rediscovering favorites and the memories associated with each.
Posted by: Jessica | November 30, 2009 at 05:58 PM
I think watching a Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve is definitely up there. Unwrapping all those nostalgic decorations is another treat. And for me, phonecalls home to my parents in Ireland have become a bitter-sweet tradition too.
Posted by: Jane Flanagan | November 30, 2009 at 06:48 PM
I'm one of those 'subtle' Christmas types. A few little twinkly lights, a bowl of ornaments, gifts on the console next to the little wire tree ~ suits me nicely. {But I hope Santa brings me that chandelier reflected in your last photo.}
Your Christmas Eve sounds beautiful, Anne, especially listening to Gregorian Chant late into the night. Reminds me of my student days. Being with family on Christmas Day is what I always look forward to the most.
Posted by: Shell Sherree | December 01, 2009 at 01:41 AM
I need to go get 'A Muppet Christmas Carol.' It's definitely missing from our selection of Christmas movies.
I loved your description of your Christmas Eve celebration. The Gregorian chant bit gave me chills! (But that's not surprising; I'm such a choir nerd.)
Posted by: Kristy | December 01, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Hey it is very fantastic house decoration and I would like to tell for a day my house also needs to be like this and have a rocking photo session too.. Thanks for ur post.
Posted by: r4i karte | December 02, 2009 at 02:10 AM
Love the artwork and those pillows. Another inspiring post!!
Posted by: michelle | December 02, 2009 at 07:16 AM
that deer silouette painting is fantastic!
Posted by: Down and Out Chic | December 02, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Yay - I'm starting to get so excited for Christmas!
Love Actually + The Holiday always on the list.
Lots of baking (shortbread dipped in dark chocolate), singing carols (when alone or with my dog), listening to holiday music (when in public), and eggnog!
Definitely agree - Christmas eve is the best night of the whole year!
x
Posted by: A Life More Fabulous | December 02, 2009 at 12:49 PM
oh wow, that dining table & chairs are amazing!
have a lovely day, darling Anne.
xoxo
Posted by: Susan | December 06, 2009 at 02:21 AM
http://www.annesage.com/blog/2009/11/giveaway-2010-letterpress-calendar-from-linda-harriet.html
Posted by: yajia | January 02, 2010 at 08:44 PM