A glimpse

I love that people are so creative. Through blogs, pinterest, tumblr and flickr we get a glimpse into people’s lives and homes. We get inspiration.

Such variety, encompassing such a wide range of things.

But in this, I have to remember that it is just that…a glimpse. Behind the beautiful photographs, the lovely clothes, the great crafts and decorations is a person taking that photo. A person, flawed just like the rest of us, who makes mistakes, loses their temper, fights insecurities and fears.

I stop myself being drawn in to the romantic notion of Christmas, where the tree is perfect and my home is filled with wreaths and decorations I have handcrafted, lovingly, myself.

An expectation. One I can never live up to.

So in the moment I choose,

I choose a tree my children helped decorate over picture perfect…where they use the strings of decorations in their hidden den beneath the branches

I choose the tacky, noisy snowman their Uncle bought, allowing it to stand in pride of position on the mantelpiece

I choose the making of memories and a messy room over neat and uncluttered.

I choose us, our family traditions, our wee ways, our Christmas.

…but I still love to sneak a glimpse!