On the Twelfth Day of a Feminine Christmas
I adhere to the English tradition of dismantling my Christmas tree on Epiphany (also known as Little Christmas, Twelfth Night and my daughter’s birthday). My decorations were simple and lovely even if hardly anyone saw them, and I’m a little sad to take them down…
I’ve chosen a vintage Breck Girl to illustrate this final feminine Christmas post. I love her series of green bows marching down her carefully coiffed tresses. And I really like that Breck is telling us that they hope we look as beautiful on Christmas as we feel. Did you feel beautiful on Christmas this year?
I do know it was beautiful to spend another Christmas with my mother and to see my family online if nothing else. As far as real beauty, I have to admit I slacked. It just seemed more appropriate to not go over the top this time around. But beauty and self-care remain a linchpin in a healthy and happy life, even during pandemic Christmases. And I’ve come to realize that the most beautiful women in the world relied on personal style to help them through their tragedies and troubles.
Most women make New Year’s resolutions around the areas of losing weight, exercising, etc., but I’m not one of them. I do think I may tell you some things about beauty care over the next few weeks and I may tell you about the one New Year’s I DID make a resolution and stuck to it. And how the change I made was not lasting and not really what I needed in the long run. I may even dedicate a new blog to these ideas. Stay tuned for that.
Writing on these matters may help me too because my paid writing usually involves fashion, style and beauty. I’m a little far away from that right now and need to dip my toe back in the waters. I will be reviewing another style book for The Fashion Studies Journal soon.
So enjoy our lovely inconsequential vintage Breck Girl ad and Happy New Year to you all! As always, thank you for your readership too. I received so many sweet comments from you this year, which is music to my eyes…
5 Comments
Karen
Happy 2021. I’m so glad to see your 12th day post and it has already inspired me to take down my own tree. So far the twinkling tree had been illuminating our flagging spirits in the first week of the year, but now I see that the tidied up, clutter-free room will have a fresh inspiration of its own. Thank you for everything you have ever written and posted. I will always read with joy and nod my head in appreciation for the ideas you express. If I’ve learned anything as I get older, it’s that nothing is inconsequential. Everything affects everything and sometimes the tiniest of choices have the biggest longstanding, far-reaching effects. So, I’m choosing some tiny daily choices possibly leading to big shifts in 2021. I know I need some.
xo karen
Lori
I love your blog and so look forward to your posts! Thanks for reminding us of the beauty in this world. I wish you a most happy new year.
Ann
Oh, what a beautiful picture…I so remember the Breck girls! Back when they graced Seventeen magazine I thought those girls were so beautiful. Actually stayed in “nice” pajamas all day Christmas…and some days since…but make sure to take care of hair, skin, a little make up…
Karen
I remember this Breck girl advert because I wondered how she got the little green bows to stay in her hair! I don’t know if I felt especially beautiful at Christmas this year, but I did feel more peaceful and content than I expected to. I had a wonderful opportunity to serve as a digital host on Christmas Eve for my church, I got to have a impromptu pajama party (virtual of course) with friends and family watching an online event, I even recorded myself playing carols on my beloved vintage Hammond organ for an invalided dear friend, and I connected and shared the season with friends and family in unique ways that made me feel so beloved. which I guess is almost better than feeling beautiful, right? I certainly hope that you do dedicate a blog to how we as women can not just maintain the status quo, but adorn our lives with the joy of knowing that we are as beautiful as we can be. Happy new year!! XO
Tracy
I beg to differ with you. All the pictures you present to us are filled with beauty. I enjoy your take on these pictures and the world you create within each one.
I found my butterfly hair pin and am wearing it because you reminded me to cherish feminine whimsy. Beauty abounds here.