autism · general stuff

A gift of time

Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)

Well, it’s almost Christmas and so I’m going to sign off here for a couple of weeks. I have all of the presents for Amy and Toby wrapped, the larder and fridge are well stocked, the log pile is full and the christmas tree is up and decorated, so I think I’m organised. I’ve not had to gift shop for H as it’s been years since we bought Christmas gifts for each other – we learnt quite early on that he doesn’t know much about yarn and I know even less about bicycle chain sets and derailleurs. So it was by mutual agreement that we decided to buy our own gifts at Christmastime. This year he’s looking forward to using a new set of titanium spoked wheels and I’m going to be enjoying these goodies…

Devotions, The selected poems of Mary Oliver;

heavenly smelling ‘resurrection’ Aesop handcream;

beautifully bound Slightly Foxed editions of Adrian Bell’s triology of books 1920’s farming life in rural Suffolk ;

soothingly tactile mug for tea from Andrea Roman, A R Ceramics;

Viola yarn, organic Merino DK in ‘Silver Birch’ and Merino fingering in ‘Rosehip’ from Loop London.

However, the gift that we do always give to each other is one far more precious than any material possesions, and that is time. Over the Christmas period, when Toby is off from the routine of school, things can get intense and wearying and so each of us makes sure that the other one has at least 2 hours of free time each day, time when the other person is responsible for the constant supervision that Toby needs. For H this might be going out cycling or spending time up in the attic playing a computer game. And for me this sometimes means going out for a wood walk alone – seeking the peace that I always find in quiet natural spaces; sometimes it might be time for a warm bath (though often that doesn’t work out too well if Toby hears the taps running as it turns into Toby-bath-time instead, especially if there are scented bubbles involved); and sometimes it’s just space within the busyness of the day to sit quietly listening to music or watching a film and having some uninterrupted knitting time at home while H takes Toby out.

Over the next 2 weeks I’ll be looking forward to my little peaceful parcels of ‘me-time’ and curling up with one of these books, or casting on some mittens with some of this yarn. But before our holidays begin I need to go and pick up Amy from uni and then we can start our festive time altogether.

And with that thought, I’m going to leave you with the wish that your festive celebrations, whatever they may be, are full of small joys and that you are surrounded by those you love most and share many tender and happy times with them,

with love and my warmest best wishes to you for the holidays and for the bright new decade that awaits us,

J xxxx

 

39 thoughts on “A gift of time”

  2. You have lovely taste in gifts! I’m particularly intrigued by the books, they sound excellent and a very soothing read. I love that you each have a little time to yourselves every day, and I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. CJ xx

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  10. Julie, I consider your posts and beautiful photography a treasured gift each time I receive them. I’m wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas from across the pond.

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  12. Beautiful description (as usual) of your precious time, you have such a way with words Julie. I know that life is manic for you so enjoy your well planned Christmas it sounds like you and H have it down to a tee.
    I can’t believe I’m hearing that Amy is at University, I must have been following you for quite a while now!
    I’m loving the little reindeer too, very cute.
    Happy Christmas
    Love Davina xx

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  14. I am completely inspired by your 2hr slots of ‘me time’ idea – that’s wonderful! Enjoy Christmas… I have fond memories of travelling home from Egham for the Christmas break, my Mum still has the snow-covered RH card I gave her one year!

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  18. Thank you for another enjoyable and thought-provoking post Julie – the photos are delightful and your choice of presents just perfect. I love Slightly Foxed editions and enjoy the quarterly magazine which I send for occasionally and am drooling over your choice of wool! So glad that you are able to find time for a much needed short break in your busy day. Wishing you and your family a peaceful and happy time together this Christmas and every good wish for 2020.

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  20. You have such a sensible gifting routine. I’ve been lobbying for that for years. I saw a nice book on William Morris on deep discount that I so want to buy for myself…
    Peace be with you all. Your creativity and photography is such a wonderful gift for all your followers, as well as your quiet, mindful example setting.

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  22. Happy Christmas to you all. The two hours of time a day sound just perfect, we all have different needs and this sill benefit everyone. Beautiful gifts too, I love getting new books and crafty things. x

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  23. My best wishes for you, in the company of your beloved family.
    I love to receive in my mail your new posts here: always lovely photos and thoughts. Today it stayed with me that one “The gift of time”. Precious.
    Thanks a lot for all you share ❤

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  24. Warm wishes to you and yours for a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year and thanks to you for allowing us a peek into your year and your knitting and your wonderful photographs.

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  25. I love reading your thoughtful posts Julie. I’m wishing that you, H, Amy and Toby have a lovely holiday with quiet pockets of joy and relaxation. Enjoy your precious time with Amy. Well all be here when you return. Merry Christmas.
    Bonnie

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  32. thank you for the words: «I’m going to leave you with the wish that your festive celebrations, whatever they may be, are full of small joys and that you are surrounded by those you love most and share many tender and happy times with them» that was all I needed to be remembered because sometimes we want all to be full of big joys, smiling and laughing all the time… but not. the small joys are always there even if the rest of the time the hard moments seem to be bigger and more important… Autism is hard for families. Merry Christmas Julie !

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  33. Julie and Family,
    We wish you the most joyous Christmas, good health and much happiness in the new year. LOVE reading your blog and seeing all of your fabulous pictures which are always a treat. Big holiday hugs from Kimmy ♥

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  37. I’m so late to your post but I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas season Julie — with lots of me time. Ours was crazy and fun with two little granddaughters and a new baby. Happy Happy New Year — I’m so looking forward to your beautiful posts in the new year!

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  39. I’m also late to post. Happy New Year, Julie and family. Your words, photography and art bring me so much joy. I hope you have a wonderful 2020 filled with everything you need and a lot of what you want 🙂

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