Take a Break: Create a Victorian Christmas-Tree decoration

The December “take a breaks” will all feature some aspect of things to do to create a Victorian era Christmas. This time period corresponds with the reign of Queen Victoria, 1837 to 1901 and many of our holiday customs stem from this time era, including decorated trees, holiday cards and feasting.  

While Christmas was hardly celebrated at the beginning of the 19^th century, that changed rapidly when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. In 1848, the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, a tradition from Prince Albert’s German childhood. It wasn’t long before every home in Britain had some form of a tree.

Decorations were lavish, romantic and over the top. The more decorations, the richer the food, the grander the tree all the better.

Learn more about the history of Victorian Christmas. Watch a re creation of a Victorian Farm Christmas.

Tree Decorations

Early in the Victorian era, Christmas trees were decorated with candles, a variety of homemade ornaments, small gifts and garlands. Ornaments were generally hand made by the family, particular children, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with the tree being decorated on Christmas Eve. This was the time of year to make use of “left overs” -a button, piece of lace, ribbons, scrap of fabric-were used to craft or embellish an ornament.

Trees would have been tall and slender, versus our typical American full and bushy trees. Artificial trees were part of the Victorian era, with the first ones being made of feathers

While we think of green and red as Christmas colors, the Victorians would have used cream, ivory, silver, gold and soft pink to burgundy shades of red. Faux snow was created by taking pieces of cotton batting and laying them on branches.

Below are ornaments that are easy to make for your tree.

• Gilded Walnuts: The walnuts contain a fortune, and these were hung on trees and guests were invited to take one. After experimenting with opening walnuts, my husband used a band saw to open the nuts so I’d have clean halves. 

• Gilt Ornaments: Collect pine cones, acorns or something that is native to where you live. If you are using pine cones, collect them in sufficient time to allow them to dry before you paint them. A good source for how to do this is 3 Ways to Dry Pine cones For Your Christmas Crafts.  Paint with metallic gold or silver paint. Attach a ribbon when dry.

• Christmas Card Ornaments: If you have a stash of old Christmas cards, cut out scenes, using a circular or oval pattern, and attach a ribbon. You can always download a Victorian Christmas card and print on card stock.  

• Cornucopia Ornaments: There are many ways to make a cornucopia. A square piece of construction paper folded into a cone shape is one possibility. Another is to take white paper doilies or scrap book paper and cut out a circle. Fold in half. You can either cut and roll each half circle into a cone, or in the case of a doily, just use one doily folded. Either way, roll into a cone and glue or tape together. Trim the edge of the cornucopia with ribbon, bits of lace or whatever strikes your fancy. Make a handle with ribbon, thread or even pipe cleaners. These can be made as simple or as elaborate as you want. If you need more instructions, watch the video Christmas Crafts-Cornucopia and Paper Fans. Consider filling your cornucopia with small flowers, such as baby’s breath, or with brightly colored candies.

• Garlands: Stringing popcorn, raisins, cranberries, paper chains, candy, nuts or any combination of these items is fine. Beaded garlands were also popular. Using beading cord-dental floss works fine-string beads of various colors. Be sure to tie a knot at both ends and use a starting and final bead that is too big to pass over the knot. Adding glue will give even more assurance that slippage wont happen. While the Victorians used glass beads, wooden and plastic beads are also options.

• Toys: Small toys, such as dolls, miniature soldiers, trains, musical instruments, and teddy bears, can be hung with a piece of ribbon.  Dollar stores are good places to look for these types of items.

• Snowflakes: These can be simple or complex. Below are some sites that you might find useful:

 - The Essentials for Making Paper Snowflakes 

- 3DSnowflake:  If you don’t feel like making them out of paper, you can make some virtual ones to share with friends and family. 

• Marbling ornaments: This was a technique frequently used in the Victorian era and is very easy to do. Don’t hesitate to use lightly colored glass ornaments that you already have, but have seen better days. This is a good video, so be sure to watch it if this is something you want to do. She offers a lot of tips, including how to cut the correct cord length. 

• More glass ornaments

• Tree topper: The Victorians used a homemade fabric angel or a fairy to decorate the top of their tree. There are lots of ornaments that you can pick up and redesign as a tree topper.

• Tree skirt: Use a decorative tablecloth or whatever fabric you have that matches and cover the base of the tree.  There’s enough time still to check out the thrift stores for a skirt.

Other ornaments to make 

Traditions: Don’t let them overwhelm your holiday

While doing pre Thanksgiving grocery shopping, I met a neighbor whose husband had recently died. Her cart was heavily laden with the fixings for a very large Thanksgiving dinner, yet her eyes were wet with tears. As we briefly chatted, she told me that the good thing about the holidays is that “they’re over pretty quickly.”

A number of people share this sentiment-the Saturday after Thanksgiving is either the beginning of the “most wonderful time of year,” or “hell month.”  There are as many people as there are reasons for finding the holidays “stressful.”

Family and friends have various and assorted traditions. Some believe that these are sacred and need to be adhered to at all cost, whether they continue to work, or people have the energy, stamina or finances to implement them. The upside of tradition is that it provides continuity from year to year and it can be something everyone looks forward to. The downside is that it can become a burden versus a joy and something that can cause worry and stress-not good things for anyone, but particularly bad for those affected by chronic conditions.

Nothing stays constant. Things are always changing and so traditions need to be adjusted accordingly. Consider the following:

Think about your favorite holiday experiences. What was it that made it so special? Write down the various holiday traditions you either provide or take part in.  

Rank them from most enjoyable to least. Do any of them incorporate the magical memories of holidays past? Does that influence how you rank them?

Assess realistically what you have the time and energy to do this season. When you add this factor to your list, does it change the ranking?

Delete the ones that are not enjoyable, too difficult to do or you can’t really afford. Gift giving is one that many people struggle with. You might continue to give gifts but modify what you spend. Check out The Helpful Guide to Simple Christmas Links for ideas to simplify the holidays.

Institute some new ways of doing things that better reflect who you are and your current situation,

Talk to family and friends about the changes you are making and why. Some will understand it and others, well maybe not so much. Keep in mind that they are responsible for how they feel and it’s not your job to take that on.

Ideas from family and friends should be listened to but only adopt the ones that you can reasonably do.

Open your life to new ways of doing things.

No is a choice. Saying it can simplify life considerably.

Simplify and savor the holidays.

Holiday Posts from Previous Years

• Holidays: Over-Do the Laughter and Under-Do the Stress

• Holiday songs can be good reminders for people withchronic disease 

• Balancing Giving and Receiving This Holiday Season 

Take a Danish Hygge Break

Pronounced “hue-gah,” the Danish term “hygge” means creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with people you most enjoy. It is an absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming and the presence of comforting, gentle and soothing things. Originating in Norway, where it meant well being, the high season of hygge is Christmas. Candles, mulled wine, fire places, blankets and scarves makes the long and cold winter season bearable and for many, quite enjoyable.

Danes are the happiest nation in the world for good reason – they make enjoyment a priority and take the time to celebrate/acknowledge simple, wonderful moments (like meals, visiting, being active or even just drinking coffee!) that nourish the soul. They find ways to incorporate hygge into their daily life so it becomes a natural extension rather than a forced and stressful event. By creating simple rituals without effort {such as brewing real tea with a little china cup every evening to stopping at the flower shop every week} the Danes see both the domestic and personal life as an art form and not every drudgery to get away from. http://hyggehouse.com/about

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, what better way to usher in the holiday season then with a variety of different ways to bring hygge into your everyday life.

• Pay attention to what makes you fell open hearted and alive. What are those simple rituals and pleasures that give meaning and comfort to you?

 

• Light up your space with candles (flame less are fine).

• Use your fireplace if you have one. If you can’t burn wood in it, consider candles or even a gas model.

• Even though it’s cold outside, adopt the Danes custom of warm clothing and invite friends over for an outside bonfire. A mug of cocoa, coffee, tea or even mulled hot cider are great ways to chill the night air as you stand close to the fire.

• Take a long soak in the bathtub by candlelight.

• Call a friend, dress warm, bring a mug of something hot and take a walk.

• Snuggle on the couch with books, magazines, and something warm to eat and drink.

• Invite people you enjoy for an evening of good food, conversation, games, music or whatever appeals to you and your friends. This part is important No cell phones or political discussions allowed.

• For the spaces in your house, where you spend the most time, surround them with things you love. Remember this isn’t about “having” but rather about being. Instead of going out and buying something new, put out an item you really enjoy seeing, but seldom do because it’s packed away for “safe keeping.”

• Make a warm cup of something, sit in a rocking chair, plays some music and spend a while enjoying your hygge break.

• Have a “cookie bake” where several friends come and bring their favorite recipes, which you will make over the course of the afternoon/evening.

• Involve your children, family and friends in preparing for the holidays ahead. Plan parties where you make presents for one another. If you need ideas, there are literally hundreds of ideas from the last four years of Take A Break.

• Turn off the TV and enjoy doing something with your family- games, telling stories, working on a crossword puzzle or Lego's together. Create a movie night, where each member of the family takes turns selecting the movie, make some snacks and depending on age, provide a brief introduction to the film. The film title is kept secret until “show time.”

• Keep hygge in mind when making or selecting presents this season. Since this is a time of year where it’s wonderful to snuggle up and be cozy, warm throws for the sofa, comfy slippers, candles made from beeswax and soy that are unscented, and a tea, coffee or cocoa set will be appreciated. Exceptional chocolates or other treats that you make or buy are always welcome.  Gift certificates for things like a pedicure, massage or a visit to the hair salon can make someone’s day.  If you like to knit or crochet, warm scarves, mittens and hats are perfect for this time of year. Keep it simple, make it yourself if you can, and surprise family and friends with something you enjoyed making. 

I’ve had so much fun working on this post. I think hygge is the Danes understanding that finding contentment, and certainly making room for it daily, leads to a good quality of life. 

Light Someone’s Torch: Inspire and be Inspired Regardless of Your Age or Health

This past week, Gloria Steinem spoke at the National Press Club  and the next day she was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Steinem was co-founder of New York and MS. Magazines. She is a champion of equal rights, social justice and a feminist. For more information about her life and work, go to Gloria Steinem website. 

At 79, having survived breast cancer and living with various chronic conditions, it’s fairly common for people to comment on her age and what she has been versus what she’s doing and planning. She made a very interesting comment during her speech at the National Press Club.  "People often ask me at this age, ‘Who am I passing the torch to?’ First of all, I’m not giving up my torch, thank you! I’m using my torch to light other people’s torches. … If we each have a torch, there’s a lot more light."

I’ve heard other interviews with Steinem, and again and again she refuses to be defined because of age or condition. One interviewer asked what she thought the greatest contribution she had made was. Her reply was something along the lines of “I don’t know because it may be something I’ll do next year or sometime in the future.”

Steinem’s torch shines brighter and brighter with each passing year. Her message is an important one regardless of age, illness, ability or whatever the restriction that we use to self-limit. We can continue to be inspired and/or be a source of inspiration as long as we choose to do so.

If you’re wondering how you can “light someone’s torch” by inspiring them consider the following:

• Be who you are, not a version of what you think others want you to be.

• Live in the present and mindfully

• Walk the talk-Practice what you preach

• Honor promises and tell the truth

• Listen when others are talking and communicate clearly-say what you mean, mean what you say.

• Make yourself available to others as you can.

• Do what you love.

• Be enthusiastic, encouraging and willing to care about others

• Be a life long learner

Take a Break: Try some “hacks” that work

The terms “hack” and “hackers” can have negative connotations. However, today’s “take a break” is about modifying something to make it work better, easier or to be more fun.

If you are not familiar with “life hacker,”  you will at least be amused if not learn some useful stuff at the site. Advertised as “tips, tricks and downloads for getting things done” one of my favorite hacks was How to (Legally) Boost Your Music Library Without Spending a Dime.  Also very helpful-Top 10 Everyday Life Hacks that take 10 seconds or less. Truly you can peel an entire head of garlic in less than 10 seconds.

Twisted Sifter offers a variety of Life hacks, “little ways to make our lives easier” along with very interesting information art, nature and much more. Very photography oriented. Check out some of their most popular posts:

• 50 Life Hacks to Simplify Your World:  Some of the tips were very helpful, such as “A frozen, saturated sponge in a bag makes an icepack that won’t drip all over when it melts.” Who knew that you could light a strand of spaghetti and then light those candles in jars? Since I’m making duct tape ties for Christmas this year, I particularly liked the easy instructions-which includes such favorites as the Windsor knot.

• 40 Life Hacks to Simply your world 

• 50 Creative Ways to Repurpose, Reuse, and Upcycle Old Things: Loved the turning old credit cards into guitar picks.

Some other “hacks” you might enjoy:

• 26 Clever and Inexpensive Crafting Hacks: My favorite tip was cutting tin foil or sandpaper to sharpen dull scissors. 

 

• 27 Pictures That Will Change the Way You Eat Food 

• Food Hacks: Kitchen shortcuts for brilliantly lazy cooks: Being a guacamole fan, great suggestion on how to keep it green.

• 15 Life Hacks for a Tiny Bathroom 

• Infographic teaches 35“life hacks we could all use  

Dealing with Anxiety

Anxiety is a common malady that has probably always plagued mankind. This past week, I encountered someone who was incredibly stressed. Since they wanted me to e-mail the things we discussed, I thought this might be a helpful blog post. Also, it’s a good summary of three posts I’ve already written- two very recently Take a Break: Create a Three Blessings Journal/Space,   Invest in the Process of Healing  and one from 2012 Contentment is Happiness.

Anxiety = What If. What if I start to feel worse? What if I’m really sick? What if I can’t afford the medication I need?  When we become most anxious it’s because we’re worried about the future. Sometimes there is a legitimate need to be anxious, but more often than not, it’s our lovely ancient brain wiring, which needed to keep us alert to the very real tiger that lurked in the bushes ready to bounce. In short, we’re wired for a certain level of paranoia or as the neuropsychologist Rick Hanson calls it, “the brain’s negativity bias. The brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones.” Consequently, we routinely over estimate the danger and underestimate our ability to handle it. 

The health impact of anxiety and stress has been well documented. Left un checked, anxiety can directly decrease immune function, ultimately leading to “flares,” disease progression and worse.

1. Focus on the now by practicing Stop

• Tell yourself “stop.” 

• Take a Breathe Taking deep breaths is a powerful anxiety reducing technique as it activates the body’s relaxation response. Try slowly inhaling to a count of 4, filling your belly first and then your chest, hold your breath to a count of 4 and slowly exhale to a count of 4. Repeat several times or sufficiently to slow down.

• Observe what’s going on around you

º Proceed

2: Engage in the present; invest in the process and not the outcome. Being goal oriented is all well and good but invest in the process so everyday is a good day. Read Invest in the Process of Healing.

3: Focus on meaningful activities

The worst thing you can do is sit passively by and obsess. Go to the movies, visit friends, do your laundry. Ask yourself what you would be doing if you weren’t anxious and go do it. Focusing on being anxious adds to the problem.

4. Count your blessings: Martin Seligman, the father of the positive psychology movement, suggests practicing the “Three Blessings” exercise to increase happiness. "Every night for the next week, set aside ten minutes before you go to sleep.  Write down three things that went well today and why they went well. Next to each positive event, answer the question "Why did this happen?" Fore more information, read this past Wednesday’s Take a Break. 

5. Increase Contentment: I use contentment over happiness, as the latter implies a level of euphoria that is difficult to maintain. Read Contentment is Happiness and increase it by doing the following (these are from Ten Keys to Happier Living from Action for Happiness):

• Giving: Do things for others

• Relating: Connect with People-Call a friend, have lunch

• Exercising: Take care of your body-Reduce TV viewing and time spent on computers and other technology. Take a walk, dance

• Appreciating: Notice the world around you

• Trying out: Keep learning new things

• Direction: Have goals to look forward to

• Resilience: Find ways to bounce back

• Emotion: Take a positive approach

• Acceptance: Be comfortable with who you are

• Meaning: Be part of something bigger

Take a Break: Create a Three Blessings Journal/Space

As the holiday seasons seems to be descending upon us at a rapid rate, and Thanksgiving just two weeks away, what better time to prepare for the day we give thanks by learning about the Tree Blessings Practice.

 Martin Seligman, the father of the positive psychology movement, suggests practicing the “Three Blessings” exercise to increase happiness. "Every night for the next week, set aside ten minutes before you go to sleep.  Write down three things that went well today and why they went well. You may use a journal or your computer to write about the events, but it is important that you have a physical record of what you wrote.  Next to each positive event, answer the question "Why did this happen?"

Today’s take a break includes the following:

• Learn more about the Three Blessings Exercise by watching Seligman’s video. 

• Figure out a space in your home where you can sit for 10 minutes to work on this exercise. You might want to make this a calm space, with plenty of light, flowers, comfortable chair or whatever else that strikes your fancy. It could be in your bedroom or another place in the house or yard.

• Collect pens, pencils, and all sorts of other inspiring items to encourage you to make this Blessings journal unique to you. Try not to use an electronic device for this project as handwriting switches on a different part of the brain that engages the brain more deeply than typing. The act of writing helps to clarify your thoughts and remember things better.

• Tonight, just before you go to bed, write down three blessings that occurred during the day. These can be as simple as seeing a beautiful flower. This practice helps you to reorient your brain to think positively instead of focusing on the negative aspects, which our brains have a natural tendency to do.