Now that we’re a full week into Blogmas, I decided to start a blogging tag to help us focus on the simpler things about the season we often take for granted. Most seasonal-themed blogging tags focus on the material side of things—gifts, wish lists, holiday outfits, party plans, and the like. As a change of pace, I’m pleased to introduce the Simple Holiday Joys blogging tag.
Simple Holiday Joys blogging tag rules
You won’t be surprised that the rules of the Simple Holiday Joys blogging tag are…simple. There are just three things do do:
- Write a blog post outlining three simple things that bring you joy at this time of year.
- Link back to this original post in your post.
- If you wish, pass the festive torch to some of your blogging friends and invite them to do the same.
It’s as simple as that! Are you ready? Here we go.
Michelle’s Three Simple Holiday Joys
Christmas music
As a music lover, nothing energizes me and brings a smile to my face more than putting on my Christmas playlist and singing along. I listen to Christmas music while I work, in my car, and pretty much any chance I get. I also love to hear Christmas music in stores when I’m shopping, and I especially enjoy choir practice this time of year.
Going for a walk to look at the neighbourhood Christmas lights
Maybe it was the pandemic factor but last year, and again this year, I noticed a lot more people putting up exterior lights and decorations outside their houses. In fact, we have a neighbour who could give Clark Griswold a run for his money. I smile every time I walk or drive past his house.
We love to bundle up and go for a walk around the neighbourhood to look at the lights. For a change of pace, sometimes we’ll hop in the car and drive to a different neighbourhood to look at their lights.
Peaceful mornings by the Christmas tree
As an early riser, I’m always the first one up in our house. On weekends and holidays, I’m usually up for several hours before any of the sleepyheads in my house crawl out of bed. It’s a peaceful time and usually my most productive time of the day.
One of my favourite things to do is put on the Christmas tree lights when I get up and sit quietly by the tree while I sip my morning tea.
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My nominees
I’m inviting some of my blogging friends to pick up the torch and continue the tag.
- The Yorkshire Dreamer
- The Doubting Thomas
- Growing with Spawn
- Markus + Micah
- Happily Decluttered
- The Chicago Files
- Bosssy Babe
- Blessings By Me
- Olivia Lucie Blake
- Nin Chronicles
If you’re reading this and you don’t see your name on the list, feel free to join in and write a post—or just share your simple holiday pleasures in the comments below. Let’s spread some joy and be grateful for the simple things in life.
Hello, Michelle! I love this idea, and your tag has now reached me by two degrees of separation! I’m working on my post now. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Suzanne, Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you like the idea. Happy holidays to you!
Happy Holidays! I just published my post and linked to you!
Thanks so much. Going to have a look at it now!
Thanks for tagging me, Michelle! 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE:
1. Christmas music
2. Being with family (it gives me so much joy to be around my family and extended family further the holidays!!)
3. The break!! I love my job but that little break during the holidays just gives me so much renewed energy!
❤️😁
Thanks for the tag Michelle! I really wish people decorated the exterior of their houses where I live. It always looks so magical on tv and social media 😍
You’re welcome Shelly! It’s interesting that people in South Africa don’t decorate the exterior of their houses. It is magical and definitely lifts the mood when you walk around the neighbourhood.
I am sorry to have taken this long to respond, Michelle, as your nomination means so much to me! Thank you for thinking of and including me in this festive holiday tag; I love that it focuses on the simple things. Your walks to see the lights sound so peaceful and pretty!
No problem at all Jaya. It’s a busy time of year! I’m glad you like the idea. I thought it would make a nice change from the usual Christmas tags. Yes, looking at Christmas lights is very peaceful.
Thank you so much for including me!! I love the idea of walking around the neighborhood to look at the lights. How fun! Now that we live in a neighborhood this would be something fun for us to do, too.
My pleasure Michelle! It is so much fun to look at the Christmas lights. We’ve already been for several walks around the neighbourhood and I’m sure we’ll fit in several more before Christmas. I don’t normally like to walk when it’s dark outside but the Christmas lights make it all so much better!
I love this idea. It is right up my alley. Thanks for tagging me!
You’re welcome! You were one of the first people who came to mind when I came up with the idea.
Looking at Christmas lights is a great idea! It sure warms the insides. Thank you for the tag – will definitely get back to you. Stay cozy in the meantime and enjoy the lights in your area.
It does! It’s hard not to feel cheerful when you are looking at pretty coloured lights.
I love looking at people’s Christmas lights. 😀
It’s such a simple thing but it really brightens your mood.