PrintI haven’t decorated my house in years for Yule/Winter because I’ve been so depressed. but this year was different. I didn’t feel the crushing loneliness and sadness I always feel because of all of you, so I felt inspired to celebrate the season! If you’ve been reading my blog, I have been struggling with my parents and son with privacy issues and my blog etc..If you didn’t read my post about what I’m talking about, you can read it here.
O.k. here’s the update concerning my family and privacy issues. Lyn from Witch Blog who’s not only a great friend but terribly clever 
suggested I set up a “dummy blog” for my family and just not put up the posts that might cause conflict. So, I did that and send them the link about two weeks ago. I know that they were thinking of it because they send me a link to a friends blog which I visited and was totally bored by, but that’s another topic for later. I have not heard ONE word from them about my blog. I know they received the link, and I know they’ve had time to read it, but for whatever reason, they haven’t talked to me about it. Weird, isn’t it? Whatever…
On the 23rd of this month I send my parents a link to an animal video I thought they’d like. They immediately responded to me and thanked me etc…and then my father wrote telling me that Alex was going snowboarding and all this other banal stuff (they have a house in Colorado and my son went up to visit them.) Then he wrote, “Well, I hope you have a good 2011.”
He didn’t mean that he wouldn’t be talking to me at all during the New Year (I think), just don’t count on us talking to you during the holiday season. It’s taken me a long time to decipher the cryptic messages I receive from my parents, do any of you have the same issue?
I just let it slide and didn’t have hurt feelings because of my experience with them over Thanksgiving where they never called me. I haven’t talked on the phone or seen them at all since my horrible lunch I had with them and actually it’s been a relief that I don’t have to deal with them face-to-face. Of course, I want a closer and more intimate relationship with them, but I’ve learned to let go of my expectations with them and accept the relationship for what it is. And Christmas passed and I still haven’t talked to them.
Well, Alex called me on Christmas day but I didn’t get to talk to him. He’s planning on coming up to visit me this Saturday and part of me is really excited to see him, but I still have my guard up as well. But you know what? I actually had a wonderful Christmas and didn’t miss them or feel like I had to talk to them. I have such great connections with the friends that I’ve met through the blog world that I never felt alone or unwanted like I usually do. So, thank you everyone for giving so much to me. Words alone cannot say how blessed I feel to know all of you.
I actually decorated my house this year which I haven’t done in years because I felt so alienated from everyone and just depressed that I would have another lonely Christmas in the past. I received cards from a lot of people I’ve made friends through my blog and each time I received one I would savour it all day and put it with the others on my fireplace mantel.
I also participated in a great Christmas gift exchange that Faerwillow had on her blog, Serendipity. We were all matched with three different people chosen by Faerwillow, to give and receive a Christmas ornament, book and card which we would open on December 21st. Faerwillow is not having a “Quiet Moon” exchange which you can still sign up for until January 1st. You don’t have to buy exorbitant or expensive gifts for your partner, it’s more about giving from your heart. It’s also a beautiful way to meet new friends. Thank you Faerwillow for all my beautiful ornaments and for holding the gift exchanges!
Below are some photos of my Winter decorations along with what I received from Faerwilow’s Christmas exchange. My decorations aren’t anything elaborate or “designer” worthy but I love them and each time I see them, I smile.
This gorgeous Angel ornament is just one of the ornaments that Faerwillow made for me. Isn’t she beautiful? And then I found this little blue winter house from one of my favorite artists at Etsy.
Here’s another lovely ornament that Faerwillow send me along with all the Yule/Christmas cards I received.
I collect Angels and this is one of my favorite Angels which I found a long time ago. I only put her out during the Winter time and every time I look at her, it’s like seeing a beloved friend. Next to her is this beautiful hand-painted “Scandinavian Winter Solstice” plate I also found on Etsy from an artist that I love.
Danni from “The Whimsical Cottage” makes such magickal and beautiful art that I had to buy these darling elf-shoes ornaments from her Etsy shop for my Christmas tree.
Linda from “Ye Old Crone’s Gazette” send me this darling card as part of Faerwillow’s swap. Thank you, Linda 
Faerwillow also send me three other gorgeous ornaments which I’ll share with you in another post.
Some of these Father Christmas’s and the one Nutcracker shown above, I’ve had ever since I was a little girl and they’re always the first Christmas decorations to be put out. And of course the stockings had to be hung especially for the “girls”. Miss Bell and Sele received many, many treats and goodies from Santa Claws.
If you read the post about some of my favorite Winter holiday books, you’ll see that I mentioned “The Little Match Girl.” Interestingly enough, Mother Moon and I were matched in Faerwillow’s gift exchange and this is what she send me.
I had never even heard of this book “Matchless” before and it will definitely be added to my treasured Winter holiday book collections. It’s a modern day version of “The Little Match Girl” with a really beautiful twist and perspective while still keeping the feeling of Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale.
Mother Moon also send me a Christmas music c.d. she mixed which I’ve been listening to non-stop. If you want to make a great Christmas music c.d. for yourself or others, visit her blog and ask for the songs she mixed on the c.d. for me. I don’t know if she’ll tell you or not, but it’s definitely worth to ask. Thank you Mother Moon
So, I’ve been in pretty good spirits for the most part even though I’ve had some down moments as well this month. I’m busy working on my new blog which I’ve mentioned before which will focus on my bipolar disorder and depression. I’ll let all of you know when it’s up.
I’ll be having a giveaway which will happen in a few weeks and hope you’ll be excited about. Here’s a sneak peek of the giveaway items and there’s one more really beautiful thing to add but I have to wait for it to arrive before I hold the giveaway. And just because it says “Queen of Winter…” doesn’t mean that a man can’t enter for it.
Again, I really want to thank all of you for giving me so much and reading my blog. I know it’s a busy time right now and so we’ll catch up with each other soon.
Do any of you celebrate the New Year and how are you going to do it? I want to start collecting some ideas for myself.
© 2010, Wendy S.. All rights reserved.
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Hey Wendy,
I’m so glad to hear that your Christmas was pleasant- even though you weren’t spending it with your family and your decorations are so beautiful- really unique too. You have many people who care about you and I am glad we were all able to keep in touch with you.
Thank- you so much for the e- card you sent to me. I hope you got my reply? It truly meant the world to me.
I am sure that everyone on the planet will be having a more interesting New Years than me…I was going to a music festival but I have no “dough” so will be sitting at home with my rabbit stuffing my face and watching DVD’s. It great to go to a dinner/ dance thing. Sometimes though the best New Years Eves are spent at home with friends or family with a few snacks and a bottle (or 2 or 3..) of bubbly and ring in the new year that way.
This may sound naive…but is there a wiccan tradition to ring in the new year?
Stephi recently posted..Merry Christmas to one and all -
Hi Stephi,
I did get your reply and I’m so glad that in some small way I could make you smile and to let you know how much I’m glad I met you as friends and co-bloggers. I had an ultra quiet New Years and probably would have had a lot more fun sitting with you and your bunny. And actually there are a lot of Wiccan traditions or old-time ways to ring in the New Year. I know it’s a little late now to post them, but I promise that you’ll see more traditions or links to other great blogs that address seasons and holidays that aren’t the usual, boring, non-superficial ones.
I really love the ornaments and decorations you shared here – especially your special little angel.. she’s just lovely. I can totally relate to sometimes feeling very relieved and at peace with NOT tying in family communicating with the holidays.. if it’s not going to be easy, maybe better best to leave it for a less meaningful time, eh? No need to wrap up holiday memories in a lot of tension.
LyndaB recently posted..Last two ornaments
Yep, yep and yep, Linda, I think it’s extremely important for those of us who have a less than ideal relationship with our family (and really who does, I’d like to meet them? ; ) and reclaim the holidays in ways that are important to us with people whether we know them through blogs, etc…or spiritual family we’ve adopted in our every day to day lives.
Wendy – I’m so glad you allowed yourself to enjoy the holidays. To be honest it is a bit overrated but I also know that it hurts when you feel lonely during this season, no matter how you feel about the holidays in general. I understand how you feel about your son – I too have mixed feelings when my kids come to visit. They too are very judgmental. Hang in there and continue to enjoy life on your terms!!!
Aine recently posted..Happy Day After the Day After
Really, your children are judgmental to you, Aine? I’m not saying that sarcastically, I just imagine that they feel really blessed to have a mother like you. You’re so magickal and full of love and wisdom. This is one of the first holiday seasons, that I haven’t been crushed or totally wanting to hibernate until Spring. I mean of course I’d love to be with people that I loved and felt cherished by, but that’ll happen eventually.
Glad you had a good Christmas, Wendy. Your ornaments are gorgeous. Love the socks for your two girls — HRH has her own sock too, of course.
Debra She Who Seeks recently posted..Am I Annoying You Yet
I read something really funny on a pet blog, that more people buy their pets stockings rather than their “human children” ones ; ) My son had one when he was little but he didn’t nearly appreciate the stocking gifts as much as my furbabies do. What did HRH receive from Santa Paws this year?
Hello Wendy! Happy POST holiday! I’m so glad you had a wonderful holiday. I love all your decorations and the treasured gifts you received in FaerWillow’s swap. I absolutely ADORE Gregory Maguire – and I own that book. Now, have I read it yet? No! LOL But I will.
We never do all that much for New Year – to me, it’s not all that safe to drive around on New Year’s Eve. But here is what we do. We eat all kinds of little treats (dips/chips, shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers) and watch the corny New Year’s Eve shows until the ball drops at midnight. Then off to bed I go! Really exciting, right? Then I love watching the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day. We might go for a walk, depending on the weather, and then we cook a turkey breast with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Yum! Theresa
Theresa recently posted..Snowy Days
Theresa, you celebrate New Years exactly the way I love. Staying home with the furbabies, being cozy, watching the traditional “Ball dropped” (doesn’t that sound dirty? ; ) and then a nice walk. I love the Rose parade too because of the ingenuity and the careful time it takes to make such magickal creations with the flowers. I would love to help out making one someday.
I’m with Stephi on this one. It would be nice to do something fun on New Years Eve, but there’s no opportunity. The last time I had friends in was 2003. The last time I went out was 1994. Going out would mean driving, and that would mean no drinking – which wouldn’t suit me at all. I’m saving a little single malt to toast the New Year. That will be it, as always. It doesn’t bother me. Sorry – no ideas from me. It’s just another night.
I don’t drink either, Jeff and personally I don’t mind being around others who aren’t sloppy alcoholics but a nice toast with malt or brandy sounds just right. I actually love brandy and save it for a New Years toast. Did any ghosts of New Years past come to visit you this year?
Wendy, I am sooo glad you had a happy Christmas. I’ve been feeling guilty for not being around to post or comment much the last couple of weeks, but I never stopped thinking about you or worrying about you. It’s good that you’ve come to a place of peace where your family is concerned. I think I managed to do that, too (well, maybe except for the Princess’s snarkiness and moods lately) and our Christmas turned out to be the best in recent years. We really do need to catch up.
Stacy Lynn recently posted..Memories of Christmas 2010
Oh please Ms. Stacy, do NOT allow yourself to feel guilty : ) I actually felt all this love on Christmas and throughout the holiday season because I know I had good friends like you who I would talk to and care about me. And things have finally slowed down for a lot of us so that we can slowly start to re-connect with others, but feeling guilty which I am doing better at reducing is just a wasted emotion. I know you care about me and whether you leave a comment or post a certain amount of times, doesn’t worry or concern me. I’m going to be interested to hear more about your Christmas in detail. I’ve read your last posts and it sounded like so much fun. I’d love to hear how the Princess brought out her snarkiness, it always makes me laugh. Teenagers, I’m so glad I survived through my son’s years of being uber obnoxious, even though he still often acts “snarky.” ; )
I am so happy to hear you had a good holiday! I personally had a wonderful one this year as well. I am not used to good christmas’s. They usually have some sort of family drama around them. I always want to participate in gift exchanges but I just don’t have the organization for it yet. Hopefully in 2011. My phrase is Making it happen in 11!
Blessings!
Ponderosa Pagan recently posted..Miracle under Mercury
Hi Christian, family drama seems to ruin everything in our lives, not just holidays, right? I’m so glad to hear that YOU had a good one. I love your phrase for the New Year. It’s full of optimisim, power and magick. Especially how Mercury has made his way into your life. Still amazed by your whole computer issue and so glad everything turned out the way it did.
Hi Wendy,
I’m glad you had a good Christmas, it is a hard time of year for many people for different reasons but friends always help
I’m not a big Christmas girl but I love winter times and new beginings and New Years is just that. I live in Mass so there is much snow out here and New Years eve my town has a first night event where you can experience ice sculptures, dances and music from different cultures. Its a great chance to be filled with joy and share it with others. Then cause we are dorks I am going to drink some caffine and stay up playing rock band with a small group of friends. Hope that gives you a few thoughts
J
Aw, so glad you had a good Christmas… dare I say a joyful one? I think so.
Your giveaway looks wonderful… have you thought about joining in the final One World One heart event? Here is the link ~
http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/2010/12/annoucning-the-fifth-and-final-one-world-one-heart-event-.html
Most of my blog friends attended last year, and said it was great to network, meet new people and win some lovely door prizes! I’m ganna make a doll for it. I have started thinking about your little Wendy too, and have already found some beautiful vintage cotton and lace from my grandma’s beautiful collection she gave me…. excited to get started on her! am I daft?!
For New Year, I am going to spend it watching it on TV! fun, I know. When I lived in England, I would get together with all my friends, and we would go to our favourite pubs. This year my husband is going back to Texas to celebrate with his family, whilst I stay and look after our growing animal sanctuary. It sounds sad doesn’t it, but I’m happy with it!!
Have a bright day X
Abi Monroe recently posted.. One World One Heart
I’m so Happy that you had an enjoyable time during Christmas. It was a quiet one here – no family around so Hubby & I watched movies all day. New Year’s will be the same. We live on the Buckle of the Bible Belt so not much happens around here, anytime of year. :0(
Hope Saturday’s visit with your son is enjoyable. Will be keeping you in my thoughts….
Your decorations are lovely. Especially the Scandinavian plate. Gorgeous.
And so many wonderful goodies. You were most blessed this Yuletide Season. :0)
And I do think you are trying to spoil us with the upcoming giveaway. …
Jeanne Gripp recently posted..End of Year Goodies
My other comment on the lunch post probably sounded dumb after I caught up and read the great advice you got. A dummy blog sounds great.
Wow, all the lovely things you received and purchased to add to your holiday celebration are so special. Thanks for you thank you on my meager card. But the gifts, cards and ornaments was a fun exchange thanks to faerwillow.
You gathering of giveaway things looks fabulous and certainly calls my name.
Happy New Year, The Olde Bagg, Linda
No, no LInda, your suggestion about how to deal with my family was not dumb at all! Please don’t dismiss yourself like that. I appreciate all the help and support I received. And I love your card, it’s so cute! I think I’m going to hold my giveaway for the “One World, One Heart” event that Abi commented about. If you’re interested in finding out about it, click on the badge on my sidebar. It sounds like something you’d love. It’ll be my first time.
You and the girls were in my thoughts over Christmas. I’m really, really pleased you had a good time. All the ornaments and trinkets are beautiful – I didn’t have a thing in my house (I’m lacking the festive/any spirit).
The blog thing with your family is weird. I hope they just forget about it and leave you to express through blogging without the added, unnecessary drama. It’s all the more bizarre when they choose to have so very little contact. Families? Grrrrrrr.
Looking forward to your new blog, Wendy. And all those wonderful giveaways
Hugs and blessings
Lyn
x
Lyn recently posted..I’ll Have Verbal Abuse & Toast For Breakfast- Please
Lyn between your health issues and dealing with an obnoxious son, I can’t believe you’ve managed to stay afloat and keep up the blogging. Actually, my son briefly mentioned that my parents DID glance at my blog. Oh well, and thank you again for being the wonderful friend and partner in crime that you are : )
The cryptic message stuff sounds familiar, I get that from my sister and my oldest daughter. (she surprised me by stopping over for a little while on Xmas. That was a wonderful gift!
I had great exchanges as well, and have taken pictures of the 3/3 gift but I still need to shoot pics of the card and ornament. I have to put them up on my blog.
I too feel blessed to be making friends with so many, and I am proud to count you among them
Much goodness and love to you Wendy!
Sue
ps…I used to throw parties for the family/kids(kind of a revved up game night) for New years now we really do not do anything
Susan G recently posted..12 days of YULE with Lady Cattra- day 10
I’m glad to hear that you had family members like your sister that you enjoyed time with Susan considering all the hell you’ve had from other family members and friends. And thank you for being such a loyal and devoted friend. I had a quiet New Year’s Eve last night, did you do anything?
I’m so glad you had a wonderful holiday and did not feel lonely or isolated. I wish you a very joyful 2011. I don’t make resolutions because I never keep them. I do hope to keep up with my blog more often (was doing a pretty good job then work was just too busy). 2011 will be a challenging year for me and my family. We have a big move coming up – out of state which means new jobs, moving maybe more than once, etc. so I just hope to stay focused and grounded as much as I can. Many blessings to you. It sounds as if you’ve found an inner peace for yourself that I hope stays in your heart forever.
Much Joy,
Joane
Wow, moving out of the state is going to be really stressful I know, but I’ll be really interested to hear how everything goes. I also know some really good rituals for both leaving a home and then moving into a new one. Thank you for your beautiful blessings. May this year for you be one full of discoveries that calm you during the storms, ease bumpy passages and lasting happiness with all the changes you’re facing. I’ll still be reading your blog no matter what the frequency is. I think we all understand how life just takes us away sometimes from a “normal” routine.
Hi, I came to your page via Witch Blog… Love your page and your photos…Your angel ornament is beautiful and unique.
chrissy recently posted..WORDLESS WEDNESDAYFOR VIRGINIA
Hi Chrissy, I’m so glad you found our blog and introduced yourself, thank you : ) I visited yours yesterday and it’s just so beautiful! I look forward to getting to know you and Kalei better, she’s so darling.
So glad you enjoyed the book… I loved it when I found it and thought of you right off… the CD I figured you would enjoy as well… of course I would share the songs with anyone who would wish to know…
glad to hear you had a good christmas. I was without a computer for some time yet am back and running… I have missed you over this time and hope that the new year is treating you well…
mother moon recently posted..Surprises- Blessings- and So Much More
I’m so glad you’re back, Mother Moon! I”m sure you know that Mercury was retrograde the whole of December so the computer issues are par course unfortunately. Thank the Goddess/God that your son saved your hard drive. I know I’ve missed you as well as so many others. And I still am listening to my c.d. and I just treasure my book you gave me