I didn't post for a while. I keep trying to make it at least once a week. When I see my last post is 7 days ago, I ask myself - what's wrong? And usually I have an answer, like no electricity, or no Internet, or both, too much todos, not in the mood.
But still, there is something I feel every day lately. It took me about a week to find a proper word, and it will make you laugh because it's nothing better than "Holiday Spirit". 😆
It appears in many ways, like shopping cravings, or thirst for choosing gifts, insatiable desire to do something crazy, or foolish, or just fun. Or break the rules. My soul rebels and wants change.🙃 But what can I afford?
Ever since I got divorced and my daughter and I were forced to move from one rented apartment to another, she and I started a little annual tradition for our small family. It has begun with the Christmas school fair, for which everyone should bring a traditional German dish. German, because my daughter went to school with intensive study of the German language. Such school fairs were new for us then.
That's how I first learned about Stollen, which is baked once a year 3-4 weeks before Christmas, about the Advent Calendar, and about other exciting stuff. My first Stollen (germ. Christstollen) came out far from the ideal, although it was not a failure. But I accepted this challenge. And since I could practice only once a year, I baked it every year. And then I kept it in the cold for 3 weeks, and the whole time I was dying of curiosity - what will it taste like this year? First, Nick and Nataly couldn't believe that ... there is something that smells so delicious we aren't going to taste right now but hide from ourselves for 3 or 4 weeks. Once, we have almost forgotten about them! 😂 But every year we eat it on Christmas. Sometimes we cut one for New Year's and another for Christmas. But never earlier.
Last year, 2021, was so anxious that it killed my Holiday spirit. I didn't even realize how depressed I was at the time. Probably because I could still live a normal life, have daily rituals, meetings with friends, trips to our parents or on vacation. And all the same, I was so depressed and anxious that I didn't bake our Christmas Stollen. For the first time, I listened to the voice of my friend, who told me - "Come on, you can buy them as much as you want. I will ask my friend and he will bring one especially for you from Germany." And so it happened. And you know what? I didn't like any of them! Mine is a million times better!
This year, as you know, we are in a "big war" for 10 months already. We overcome a lot, and one challenge is changed by another. But this year I said, "I gonna bake my %%%%king Stollen whatever it takes". And I baked it 4 weeks before Christmas. Then Nick said - are you really want to wait that long? And I said - No. It's damn long! We waited 3 or 4 days and opened it! It was beautiful, divine, it was perfect! I do not regret it. Next week I baked another 2, so now I can send one to Nataly for Christmas, and one save for me and Nick.
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What else can I do within my modest possibilities? This year, even a simple and little thing can be a gift. To be honest, I bought few gifts but not many. This started with some little things and sweets for @livinguktaiwan, because she lives farthest from me, and I was not sure how long it may take, I wasn't sure she'll ever receive it. It was a bit challenging. First, they said that almost everything I was going to send is forbidden to send to UK. Then, I found out they were wrong.😉 If I'd take at least one of two picture, I'd write a bigger post about it... but I didn't.😬
Also, something for my daughter Nataly for her birthday that she'd never buy for herself. And something warm for my mom, me, and my hubby. Something tasty for Nataly's hubby. Today I sent one parcel to my daughter and mom, and then got a message from LUT that my parcel has arrived!
Now our society is passionately debating whether it is worth installing Christmas trees on the main square of the cities. Some believe that the holiday is necessary, and primarily for children. And this is exactly what our soldiers are fighting for, so that their children have a holiday. Some people condemn any kind of celebration while civilians and soldiers die every day due to war. And what do I think?
I was in the second group for a very long time. In my first weeks of volunteering, I was amazed that some of the female volunteers put on makeup every morning. Then I was amazed when I saw a woman in a dress and high heels. It seemed incomprehensible to me, and therefore inappropriate. I can't find a logical explanation for this desire, and probably this is why I feel it like ... a sign of a lack of empathy for the terrible suffering of the entire country.
Now I know I was wrong. Maybe not in 100% cases.😏 We all are humans but all different. What I believe now is that one should do whatever he's ready for, with respect to the feelings of others. I feel like celebrating, and I don't feel guilty about it. Because it's such a rarity when I really want something. It's like I still want to continue living. But I do not judge those who do not understand this. I know it's because it hurts these people too much. I have this pain inside too. That's why my advent calendar this year looks like this:
It was a joke.😜😜😜 Maybe by half. The light is off again. Time to go.
And what's morality? I could cheer you up with a bad joke that if you think it's a black bar in your life, don't be upset, because maybe it's not black, but only gray. Instead, in case I'll not have this opportunity later, I wish you to enjoy your time. Every day is precious. The picture of our life isn't complete without it.
I can understand some people feel guilty about celebrations when the country is still at war, but I think it's also important to supporting those who are fighting for the country so they find solace and comfort knowing that they are not alone in all this. They deserve it more than anyone else right now. In fact everyone in Ukraine deserves it. Celebrating Christmas doesn't mean you forget about those who have lost their lives, in fact it gives everyone a moment to stop and think about them..
And thanks so much for your lovely parcel, it is the best Christmas present I have received and had so much fun going through all the items today.😍 I hope my parcel will get to you soon as well.
Ukrainian Christmas is always accompanied by carols. If you'll search for Ukrainian Carols, they are all joyful, solemn, and sometimes touching. But in my family, we have one carol that is sad. When I sing it, I can't hold back tears. This carol is about Ukrainians who were sent to Siberia and those whose families were separated by the Soviet regime. Perhaps soon there will be more carols like that.
You know that's fun, it doesn't matter what the Ukrainians argue about in the rear, they are unanimous in supporting those who are fighting. Always!
It was a pleasure indeed. I always enjoy choosing gifts, and even if it's a little thing, I like to put some context to it 😉 Glad it found you before Christmas. 🎅
Кожного року хочу купити адвенти адвент до Різдва і кожного року запізнююсь. Мабуть вже у 2023
Я теж ні разу не купила. Одного разу вела онлайн ) Зараз дочка виросла, і якось вже не актуально
I can understand your mixed emotions between happiness and sorrow of the population, but like all the global leaders I am sure behind closed doors yours too will be enjoying the festive season. Do not feel guilt, enjoy that delicious Stollen and all the good that surrounds you.
I have tried to follow your story from as close to your first post as I can find. I want to say that I find your efforts to represent the very best of the Ukrainian people and humanity everywhere. For myself you are an inspiration in the face of insane adversity.
I also want to thank you for the window into the daily life of Ukrainians that we just cannot get from news media in the midst of this crises. The very best of holiday wishes for you and your family and for Ukraine.
Blessed Be.
I appreciate your kindness and good words. This is very important to me because my story is similar to the stories of many other Ukrainians.
It's winter again... In February, it was scary and seemed unbearable. But day by day, we stand, support each other, support the army, and the economy. Now more than ever I understand the true meaning of the phrase "The country is us." But the truth is that we'd not survive without help of people from other countries.❤️
That bread looks great and I am so glad that you made it and then made more! Happy holidays to you @zirochka!
Its look is nothing compared to its taste and aroma! ❤️ I love spices. When I bake I always add them. It's like... Christmas must have ))
Спекти щось смачненьке і не їсти його три тижні - це подвиг або безумство!))) Я б так не змогла!))) З наступаючим Різдвом та Новим роком, @zirochka!!! Хай він буде МИРНИМ!!!
Колись я написала пісню, то пропоную її послухати задля гарного настрою!)))
Спекти і не їсти - це і подвиг, і безумство ) Дякую за вітання! Вам також Перемоги і нарешті миру в наступному році! Хоча сподіваюсь ще щось до того часу написати тут.
Дякую за пісню, та це не моє. Не ображайтесь, але ... не заходять пісні російською мовою. Думаю, ви зрозумієте )
Та я зараз пишу вірші ТІЛЬКИ УКРАЇНСЬКОЮ МОВОЮ! Я цю пісню написала дуже давно! Тому і показала її Вам... На жаль, українських пісень у мене дуже мало... Хіба я знала, що буде в майбутньому?!(((
Тоді пропоную послухати ось цю пісню на УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ МОВІ)))
!LUV
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