Kathrynzj @ RevGals writes:
Yes, I know it’s January and yes, I know some of us are still on a cool sprint after only a brief respite (if that) from Advent and Christmas BUT… before we move too far along into The Next, I wanted to give us a chance to reflect onWhat Was.A couple of staff members and I sat down today and wrote down what worked and didn’t work during the Advent and Christmas season. There are quite a few things bearing down on us at the moment so it was a discipline to do it, but ten and a half months from now Future Me is going to LOVE that we made the effort.And so partly to give us all a record and partly to give us all a chance to reflect on the 2010 Holiday Season now that we are out of it, I ask you this:
1) What food item was one of your favorites this year – a definite keeper? Hmmm… I think it was the collection of baked treats that The Johnnie and Reedy Girl concocted. (Pictured here with the person known as Calleva Man.) Cookies, brownies, bars, fresh bread almost daily… YUMM!!!!!
2) Was there a meal or party or a gathering that stands out in your mind from this mose recent holiday season?
When we “christened” our kitchen with friends coming over for fun and conversation. Definitely a highlight. 🙂 (And how did I not get a picture of this??? Hmmmm)
3) Were you involved in a jaw-dropper gift? Were you the giver or recipient or an on-looker?
Well, a fun one was the confectioner’s torch we got Reedy Girl, who then used it to make her first batch of creme brulee!
4) Was there at least one moment where you experienced true worship?
Christmas Eve, everyone was invited to come and light a small votive candle in a glass votive, and then take it back to their seats. (Nice way of handling the “sword tapers” and dripping wax but still giving people a candle.) I loved watching the light move from the front of the church back into the seats to light all of the faces of those present. Wish I had taken a picture because it was such a powerful metaphor! The Light of the World being “born in us today”…
This is a picture of the church Advent wreath created for the theme “Joy to the WHOLE World.”
5) What is at least one thing you want to make sure you do next year?
Well I would sure plan on NOT doing kitchen renovations until a week before Christmas! (I think I’m safe!) While it was worth the inconvenience, it was hard to be “expectant” in the Advent season with all of the household uproar. (My study is still in a state of chaos!) We pulled together as a family, so we “made” it — but only because everyone helped.
Here’s the “before”…
And here’s the “after”…
BONUS: What is something you absolutely must remember to do differently… or not at all! Begin my shopping and planning when I begin my Advent liturgical planning. No more last minute shopping, wrapping, panic. That sucked.
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An Unfinished Symphony 
I love that Advent wreath! And your kitchen, and am a little envious of the creme brulee. Maybe I’ll have to think about getting Sisterfilms one of those torches.
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Well, I now know that “the word Calleva means “Where the paths cross”.” And since you didn’t get pictures of the ‘opening day’ party, you’ll just have to redo the project. Or maybe redo the party! :^)
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Grins.
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how did your kitchen get so much bigger? I played on Saturday too, so I thought I’d say hi. Love the Advent wreath.
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We took out an interior hallway and added a 4×18 bump out on the outside wall. Then the kitchen was reoriented, an interior and exterior door moved… quite the project.
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