I was struck recently by a couple of posts on Ali Edwards’ site about making her (our) own magic.
I love Ali’s thoughtful, practical approach to life and memory-keeping, and although I am not (nearly) the scrapbooker she is, I love seeing how she captures moments and memories for herself and her family, in each season. Her December Daily project is always so lovely, and though I haven’t participated in several years, I enjoy watching it unfold.
This year, Ali’s Day 4 post included some wise words for those of us who face challenges (personal, emotional, logistical) in this season: “Magic is something we make. We don’t always get to choose what story we step into, but we get to choose how we respond to it and how we move forward from there.”
I think this is part of the work of adulthood: recognizing that we are, largely, responsible for our own internal weather. We can choose – ideally, with wisdom and grace – how to respond to, and move forward from, what happens to us. (We can also choose to be gentle with ourselves when we don’t respond well initially. We are human, after all.)
In a season like this one, which can be fraught with so many expectations (our own and other people’s), this is key. We get to choose how we respond to the delights and pressures of the season.
Sometimes, that means making the effort to create our own magic – whether it’s wrapping your front porch with pine garland, as Ali did, or unraveling ten (!) strands of Christmas lights for the tree, as I did (see above).
Sometimes, it means taking a step back from all that work, and sitting quietly (even for a few minutes) to find some peace amid the bustle.
I was lucky to grow up in a house where my parents worked hard to create a magic atmosphere at Christmas. My mother loves a tall, sparkling Christmas tree, and my dad gets so excited about playing “head elf” (filling stockings, distributing presents) every year. I’m still lucky to get to participate in (and contribute to) that magic when I go home for Christmas. But if I want Christmas magic in my own apartment here in Boston (oh, and I do), then it’s up to me to make it.
On Day 8, Ali wrote, “Part of making your own magic includes setting stuff up in order to have it actually happen.” This resonated deeply with me too, because magic often takes effort and planning. There are processes – some which have solidified into traditions – in place for our magic-making. And even though it’s a lot of work sometimes, I do it, because I know I will love the outcome.
I hang the stockings, haul the boxes of ornaments up from the basement, dig out the Christmas CDs. I buy the mint M&Ms to fill the candy dish (and some plain M&Ms, too, because my husband likes those better). I keep apple cider in the fridge. I buy wrapping paper and extra Scotch tape and order Christmas cards. My husband chips in to help, of course, but I am the chief magic-maker at our house. And it feels good. Satisfying. Magical, even.
How do you make magic for yourself in this season?
I love this, Katie!
Beautiful! I love making Christmas cookies, watching Christmas movies and reading Christmas books. I also yearly write a Christmas prayer or poem.
Best.
I too like to make the Christmas season magical! This is my husband and I’s second Christmas together, and even though we don’t have any kids, I still try to cook festive foods and decorate the house all Christmasy! It’s so fun!!
I like the idea that magic takes effort and planning–it doesn’t just happen, well, magically!
Exactly!
Katieleigh, just found your blog through Modern Mrs. Darcy and am so glad I did! Love your encouraging words about being “responsible for our own internal weather.” So true. And, being gentle with ourselves. We are often so overly critical of ourselves. BTW, where did you get your dachshund shoes in the photo above?! They are precious!!!
Thanks for this great reminder. I agree magic making is part planning, part the right attitude (even at the wrong time!).
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