December Daily|3.

Christmas Lights and the Old Time Bell over the little Stores door.

Sometimes I “wait” for George Bailey to Stroll in 😇. #Itsawobderfullife

December Daily|2.

Tradition. My Childhood Nativity Set. So, many memories and good feelings. I seriously become 5 again each year when I grab this box from the Shelf and carefully unpack it as my Mom taught me each Christmas Season:)

The Details: Sears. 15 piece Papier Mache Navity Set. Made in Japan. My Family’s addition was bought by my parents when they first were married in 1972. I’m guessing it was the only option in the small town of Winona, Minn. where they went to College. I also did see the exact same one in Season 2 of Mad Men as well:)

I still have all the pieces. The original hay that was included is seriously only two left 😂. But, it still has a place of honor;) And the light still works as does the music box that plays Silent Night. I don’t use either much. Fear of them breaking down or setting the Nativity scene on 🔥.

But, St. Joseph a casualty of my childhood joy of secretly playing with the Nativity still hangs in there as well.

When I was five I dropped him and his head popped off to my horror! I hid him behind the wood house praying that my Mom would notice or find him 😳. Each day I would check that he still laid there and thought of what I would say. It ate me up inside and I knew that Santa would probably find out and I would be screwed. Or worse my Mom.

Then he was back. A miracle occurred. His head was back in place. Glued back on and the only evidence of his decapitation was the chip missing in his neck.

To this day I every time I see that Hole in his neck. I laugh and realize how much my Mom Loved me:)

Love, C.

DECEMBER DAILY|1.

The hard stories need a place too.

My Sweet 23 year old Neighbor committed suicide. He had been my neighbor since I moved in. He was Kind and We always kept a eye out for each other.

He will be missed so so much and I’m sorry that I didn’t know you were struggling. Your daily smile never let me know.

This has been such a hard year for so many. The loneliness, sickness, the financial burden and the overall uncertainty.

But, it is apart of our story.

DECEMBER DAILY|2020.

December Daily is a project I’ve wanted to do forever. I’ve even planned and prepped for many years. But, I’ve always gotten cold feet when came down to the wire.

Having a case of of overwhelm, or not the “right” products to pull it all together or the my worse excuse not enough story to fill a book. But, this year as I write this I’m showing up anyway.

2020 has taught me that among other things. To Show up and make it happen with whatever you got.

THE “NO PLAN” PLAN

The overall 2020 plan this year is No Plan. Maybe that’s why I’m able to to dig into December Daily with ease this season.

I even grabbed my last years Prep Journal and scratched out 2019 and replaced it with 2020 :)

I actually found it full of a ton of ideas that can be readjusted and grateful reflection back on Pre-Pandemic Days.

Also a huge reminder that Our Stories matter even more than ever now. These are Historic Times and our Approach to Documenting should reflect that.

APPROACH

I think honestly now why I had such a hard time showing for previous December Daily's Projects was the comparison.

I don’t have kids, my life is very different than most of the participants I’ve seen over the years. I live in a very urban setting. A studio apartment and don’t have the luxury to go all out. I also see the time many put into their projects. I haven’t had that either over the years. I also doubt that others would be interested.

This year it’s not a competition or comparison game. I do want to celebrate the everyday of December even if it’s not perfect or hard. It’s a story, my story. I love reflecting, taking photos and writing. Even sharing.

So,Around Here

Today, actually as I write this I’m on Day 6 and Catching up on blog posts. I will be doubling down over the next few days to share.

But, a little behind the scenes of my process…

My DD Album format this year is Artifact Uprising Softcover Photo Book in 6x8. I also used it for my November 30 Days of Thankful Project. So, easy to collect Photos as I go and design.

My Journaling I’m writing in my favorite Delfonic’s Rollbahn B5 Notebooks that I pick up (now curbside) at my neighborhood Museum. They come in array of colors and I love cream graph paper inside to write or sketch.

This Pencil is also on its way. A early Birthday Gift. I’ve been a long admirer of Ali Edwards using her Handwriting in her Design and Brand over the years.

It’s long over do for me to try this element in my own design with a new twist.

Listening to this December Daily Roundtable #2 Podcast by The Scrappy Sisters really was inspiring and turned me onto to some new insight. Loved every bit of it. Seriously worth a listen if your new to Memory Keeping or Seasoned and Rusty like me.

Ok now onto day 1. I will see you mostly in my IG Stories and highlight a few on my feed. If you are interested in documenting along. It’s not too late. It’s 2020 after all.

Love, C.