Friday, December 5, 2025

5 thing Friday - simple decor, Christmas tree, feeling peaceful, firepit, sangria

 (not in chrono order!)
The day after Thanksgiving I feel like I was on my feet most of the day.  I didn't go crazy with Christmas decor around the house - I know who has to put it all back up, and she would appreciate it being a painless process! 
I decided for the first time ever to hang the family stockings on the mantel.  I also put the two rattan reindeer in a bed of evergreens.  The Girl took my stocking home with her.  Nothing exciting to see here...
But I also wove fairy lights into it and at night it comes on while I sit reading and sipping tea. 
(later I added simple red bows to their necks, but I am DONE pinky promise)
 Very peaceful.  That's been my word of the year for most of 2025 - peace.  I would like to move through this season as calmly as possibly.  No big fuss.  No pressure.  No overspending.
I hauled out the vintage Christmas tree and decorated it very simply.  At this date I also have some gifts wrapped and all of the shopping done - just waiting on those Amazon deliveries!  I did not buy even one new ornament. Nor lights. I'm still debating whether or not to send cards.
Right now, I feel good.
I have been focusing on eating healthily, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying in the moment.  All things I hope will carry me through the month with no drama.
Thanksgiving was a good day - here Firstborn is trying to get the initial tee pee started so we can feed the firepit all afternoon.  I ordered a new grate for the wood to sit on yesterday.  This little firepit is 23 years old and going strong.  I plan on sitting out here at least one evening a week.  I am so glad to have that store of firewood.
The Autumn Sangria was a hit!
To my large jar I added most of a small bottle of brandy (at least two cups), a large bottle of inexpensive red wine, about a quart of honeycrisp apple cider, and a 2 L bottle of cranberry sprite.  I also threw in some sprigs of rosemary and some sliced oranges, and I made giant ice cubes in plastic drink cups.  We drank the entire thing.  (:
Have a good weekend!


Gina

4 comments:

Joanne said...

Your Christmas decorations are lovely! That sangria sounds delicious.

SAM said...

Well yum. I'll make note of that sangria but really needs a crowd to enjoy. The mantle is peacefully beautiful.

Juhli said...

Love your Christmas decor - just Thr right amount to appreciate as you enjoy the peace of your home.

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

That autumn sangria sounds delicious. I can’t tell you the last time I had sangria, but I know I had it with my husband, so it’s probably been 10 or more years ago. I think your peaceful decor is just what the season called for. It’s amazing what some sparkly lights will do, isn’t it?