A Peep Through my Christmas Window.

OK friends, to end my Christmas series, I will give you a peep into my Christmas window this Christmas ;-)

How important is Christmas for me or can I take it or leave it?
I don't have children so I am sure I miss out on many things that parents experience at this time. Nonetheless, I love Christmas and all the preparations leading up to it. When I lived in the UK, my husband and I would volunteer for Shelter (an organization for the homeless) every Christmas Day (much to the annoyance and disdain of our families). It was an extremely emotional time for both of us, but made a lasting impact. I still think back to some of the people we met and wonder how they are all doing.



Nat King Cole, Michael Bublé, Handel's Messiah or Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite?
All of the above including, Harry Connick Jr.


Turkey or not?
When in the UK it's a goose. But this is our first Christmas in Spain despite living here 11 years. Consequently the main course will be "cochinillo"-suckling pig! I'm not sure how I am going to get through cooking this little cherub (it really looks so sweet), but promised Hubs I would try ;-)



Switzerland

If I could spend Christmas in any other place other than the UK or Spain where would I choose?
My first choice would be Switzerland where I have family, and where all Christmases were spent when I was a child. My second choice would Aspen, Colorado. As you can tell Christmas is not really Christmas for me without snow ;-)

What books am I hoping to receive this Christmas?
My Amazon wish list is about to combust. But if I can give just two choices (both non-fiction/autobiographical) it would be:
i)Life Without Limits-Nick Vujicic
ii) An Invisible Thread - Laura Schroff



What beauty product is my Christmas fail-safe?
It would have to be Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ( during the day) and Decleor Neroli oil (at night).


What do I buy the girlfriend that has everything?
It would have to be a Jo Malone Pine & Eucalyptus scented candle or Acqua di Parma Red Berries candle.



Anything else I would like to share?
* Christmas is not about perfection; so don't get so wrapped up in making everything perfect that you forget to stop and smell the roses
* savor every minute
*spend a few minutes just being grateful for all that we are fortunate to have
* forget calorie control for a few days. Life's too short :-)
*remember those less fortunate; there is always someone close by
*embrace the power of giving; it truly is the best feeling




Finally I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all the bloggers that did guest posts. We will have a few more between Christmas and New Year with the emphasis being on New Years celebrations instead, so keep your eyes peeled.

I would also like to thank all my wonderful followers and friends who have made my "baby steps" into blogging such a wonderful and joyous experience (despite not being a very keen writer).
Thank you ALL so much and I wish you all a wonderful holiday. Here's hoping Santa is kind to each and every one of you.

p.s Do stay tuned as we have two New Years Eve guest posts from very different parts of the world ;-)

18 comments:

  1. Vanessa, I have loved reading your blog and ogling the beautiful jewellery. Good luck with the piggy, and I hope you have a fabulous Christmas! x

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  2. @SulkyKitten-TYSM Sweets! And your blog has me in stitches. So pleased to have found you :-) xx

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  3. Merry, Merry Christmas, Vanessa!

    I've enjoyed getting to know you.

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  4. I loved reading this....honestly, it's been such a pleasure getting to know you this year Van, one of the real bonuses of having a blog is meeting people like you.

    Harry Connick Jr....going to put some of him on right this minute, I love him! Loved him on "Will & Grace", did you ever see that, YUM!!

    Good luck with that suckling pig!! And enjoy your last Christmas in Spain :)

    Lovely photos....how cute is that last one!??!!

    And I can't believe you aren't/weren't a very keen writer - you're so good!!

    Merry Christmas sweets!! XX

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  5. Wonderful Christmas post Vanessa...
    six bullet points envelope the true Spirit of Christmas...
    thank you for the lovely words...
    wonderful reminders for spreading true Christmas Cheer.
    Merry Christmas Lovely Lady~ xo

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  6. Hi Vanessa! I am truly thankful I have gotten to know you. I loved reading this Christmas post. I love where you said "embrace the power of giving" and you are so right, it is the BEST feeling. As for you feeling like your not a keen writer surprises me, because your blog is so well written. Always interesting. Good luck cooking your piggy.....let us know how it went.
    Have a wonderful blessed Christmas!

    Thanks for sharing,
    Dee xoxo

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  7. Have a wonderful Christmas Vanessa, I enjoyed that extra insight into you!

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  8. Thank you all so much for your gorgeous comments; actually brought a lump to my throat.
    @Simone- Oh yes! Loved Harry in Will & Grace. Recently saw an interview with him by Piers Morgan. What an incredibly humble guy. I loved him even more after that ;-)
    @Dee-TYSM Dee. I will certainly let you know how cooking our piggie goes. I still can't look at the little cherub. I swear it's smiling at me as the head etc is still on.
    @Fashionassist-TYSM Sweets.
    @Bourbon&Pearls-TYSM Tabitha. Have a wonderfully festive time in Scotland xx

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  9. Hello sweetie,

    I had no idea you too were hosting a little Christmas series. How fun!

    I loved reading yours and I feel with you having to roast that little suckling..!

    My hat is off to you and your husband for volunteering at the shelter home. What a worthwhile thing to do.
    I am a 'support mother' (like a 'foster parent' almost) for a young girl who has a very turbulent home environment. It feels good to give back and any/all acts of kindness at this time of the year are worth so much.

    Sending you lots of love and warm Christmas greetings all the way from Sweden.

    I look forward to seeing you in 2012

    xx Charlotta
    Space for Inspiration

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  10. Merry Christmas my dear friend! Wishing you all the best of the season and a 2012 filled with many blessings and abundance... with much love, xo HHL

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  11. I wore a constant smile as I was reading this post, Vanessa! So cute and nice to get to know some of the lesser known facts about you. :-)

    BTW, I didn't know that it's the geese that are served on the dinner table for Christmas. And those poor suckling pigs are sure very cute. I found a video, in Spanish, showing how to cook them. Seconds into it, I decided I couldn't see myself finish the video without feeling sorry for the little fellow.

    Vanessa, I hope you and your husband have a merry Christmas in Spain for the first time and a very happy New Year!

    Jean

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  12. Happy Christmas, Vanessa!

    I picked up a new counseling client who, on the surface, have an extremely affluent lifestyle: second home, boat, etc. They are nearly broke, and it reminds me that Christmas - and, indeed, everyday - can be made fun with presents, but it really is the season for treasuring family and friends over materal treasure. My volunteer time reinforces how lucky and honored I am to have a spouse who treasures me above his stock portfolio, that we enjoy good health, and that we really do enjoy the simple things in life.

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  13. Darl, I hope Santa brought you everything you wished for!!! Were you naughty or nice? ;)

    Loved hearing about your X-mas... also agree - Clarins flash balm is amazers! That's my go to especially when flying or jetsetting!

    Have yourself a happy holiday kitten & a wonderful 2012!
    x.o.x.o

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  14. Thank you lovely friends for all your wonderful comments. You are ALL too generous to me. I just wish you could have all come around for suckling piggie. Was a great success actually (but an emotional cooking experience) Might have to go into therapy after the traumatic experience ;-) xx

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  15. Wonderful answers :) This Christmas time is so beautiful! Hope you´re enjoying it to its fullest, sweets! Thanks for your comment today :)

    xx Ivana

    Stop by sometimes :)
    Macarons and Pearls

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  16. Nice to find your blog. Your photos look so cozy!!

    Hope your Holiday was great!
    xo
    Sharon

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  17. Aww, I loved this little peek into your life! I hope you had a fabulous holiday!

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  18. Awesome post Vanessa! I'm new to your blog, but really enjoyed reading your responses. Very heartfelt. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
    http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

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