Holiday Homemaking

Thanksgiving Table at our House in Vermont.

Each day, in this life, we are called to do many things. There is housework, caring for the family, and trials we must face.  It is important to find ways to rest and take breaks in order to endure it all with grace and peace.

This holiday season, I am especially grateful for quiet days with the family. These are days when the stores are mostly closed. Offices are closed. Phone calls are confined to just the family. There are no business hours on these special holidays.  We can rest!

I had been planning our Thanksgiving and wanted to bake some pies. This would save us money and also be a blessing to the family to have homemade food.  But things don't always go as planned. We had an unexpected medical trip early this week, in addition to some that had already been scheduled. I was so tired when I got home, I knew I couldn't do any extra baking. Last night, I thought it would be best to simply make a batch of homemade challah bread for our Thanksgiving table.  While I worked, I had the ungracious sense that I was working too hard and was not appreciated.  I realize it was because I was overtired and doing far more than I should have been.

When the bread finished baking, I buttered the loaves and set them to cool by the light of the lamp on the kitchen counter. The scent of fresh bread was comforting and lovely.  Soon I could hear the chatter of the family, in quiet tones, with such precious words as, "this is the best bread in the world" and "I love this bread!"  It made the work worthwhile.

This morning, I ironed the tablecloth and set the table with my best serving dishes.  I made it look cheerful and pretty. I placed a pot of roses (a recent gift) on the windowsill. It added a charming touch.  I wanted things to be pretty.  I wanted it to be special.  This was a day to give thanks and to be grateful for the food and for our family. But I could not get enough energy to do all I wanted to do.  The solution was to keep the serving dishes on the table for looks only. It made me happy to see them even though we did not use them.  Instead, plates were brought to the kitchen stove and counter to be filled. It made everything so much easier when it came time to clean up and save the rest of the food.

There were only 3 of us for dinner this year.  It has been a quiet day of rest. Phone calls from the family have been precious.  I am trying to get as much rest as possible because there are more doctor appointments in the coming days. We have medical trips next week and the week after that for our patient (one of our grown sons).  Despite all this work, we will find ways to simplify while doing what brings us joy and cheer.  All will be well. We are so thankful!

It is an honor to keep house and to care for a family!

Blessings

Mrs. White

PS: For those who follow our medical trips and have asked for a way to help, we have a page set up here:

https://thelegacyofhome.blogspot.com/p/help-with-our-medical-trips.html

We are so very grateful for your prayers and support! 

From the Archives -

Inspiration from my Mother - Housekeeping All Day. 

Taking care of Four Generations in one house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty. 

What happened when I rushed ahead - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

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Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

 

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." 

 

Paperback, 200 pages.