Finding the gift of time at Christmas

INSPIRATION

Finding the gift of time at Christmas

The greatest gift this Christmas has been taking time out to really appreciate each moment. Family, friends and a trip to my hometown of Melbourne recharged my soul.

Having lived in Queensland for many years it’s been the norm to spend Christmas with my husbands family.

This year I was determined to travel to Melbourne and spend time with my family. I don’t know when I’ll get this chance again and I’m not about to miss it.

Our family Christmas is Over the Top in every way. We love the festive season and my Mum and I would always decorate the tree together.

I even have a Christmas card collection dating back to my teens.

My Dad died on the 2nd of December back when I was four. He was only 38 and his death was sudden and unexpected.

I always like to think that Dad might be a little bit closer to us all at Christmas time.

One thing that I really miss is spending time with my family, it makes me sad that our children will miss out on growing up with their cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family.

Sadly this is a part of our planned expat life.

So we all headed to Melbourne, had the most wonderful Christmas lunch at my brothers house, and got to spend time with my family.

Ten days without any online time wasn’t the wrench I thought it would be in fact quite the opposite.

I found that really the gift of the season is Time…..given freely, celebrated and savored.

Here are a few moments to share.

images from the private collection of the Chiodo family x

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and the gang x

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15 replies

budget jan says:
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The photo of Carina and Mum is one to cherish. I love natural photos that capture the moment.
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Trisha Thomas says:
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Wonderful photos Lisa, and I am glad you took a break. I also took a break from my computer over the Christmas Holiday and I should do it more often. Wishing you a happy, peaceful 2013 in which your dreams are fulfilled. Big hugs, Trisha
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh big hugs to you also dear Trisha, it’s good to get off the keyboard from time to time. I often don’t realise just how much time it steals from my family, I am trying to put things into some kind of order for 2013 but find I am easily distracted LOL xxx
Margaret | Destination: Here&Now says:
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All the best to you and the family for 2013 Lisa. Hope it’s a goodie of the highest order 🙂 Wondering if one of my resolutions this year might be to have three weeks plugged in, then a week unplugged. Could be good for the soul and it might get me painting. Waddya think? x
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  What a totally fantastic idea Margaret, I just found a great site to get my goals in place, I’ll send you the link. I think a week painting would be just wonderful!! sending lots of hugs lisa xx
Krista says:
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These pictures speak of so many wonderful memories. 🙂 I wish I could look at them with you sitting beside me telling me all the stories that accompany them. 🙂
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I so often feel as if I’m right beside you Krista, your spirit shines through in every word and each image you share. One day I’m sure we’ll meet up in person xxx
Lisa Wood says:
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Gorgeous Lisa – and I love seeing your family having fun. Its funny how much time the Internet does take up – and how easy it is when we don’t have any connection!
Wishing you and your gorgeous family the best for 2013. Gee I am sure Carina has grown since we last seen you guys! She is gorgeous. And Luca smile is gorgeous as ever xxx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, I think I will do what Margaret suggested and unplug for a certain amount of time each week. Both kids have shot up like weeds and full of mischief as always. I told so many friends and family about you guys, you come up every time I talk about dreams and making them come true!! sending love to you and all the gang xxx
Debra Kolkka says:
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I’m glad you had a lovely Christmas. I hope 2013 in Italy is all you want it to be.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Thanks so much Deb, and hope your 2013 is wonderful, sending love lIsa x
jann says:
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Time is such a precious resource. How lucky that you had plenty of it and used it so well over the holidays!!! May you and your family have a wonderful 2013, Lisa, and please tell your husband that he looks cute with his red antlers.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  He wasn’t impressed but will always pose for a photo unlike myself who avoids the sharp end of the camera LOL! Hope all is well with you and sending love and squishes. ciao lisa xxx
Janine says:
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This is a wonderful collage Lisa. Meeting you was a Christmas treat for me! May 2013 bring you all you need, crave, hope for, dream of and much more besides – all good things of course! With love and admiration. Jx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh thanks Janine it’s a bit of a mixture from the whole family. It was really fantastic to have the chance to meet and sorry for such a heavy conversation I walked away thinking I shouldn’t have said all that LOL. You are such a beautiful soul and I can’t wait till you get over to Italy for a visit, chat soon xxx