Challenge #194 - week of 28th December 2015

The week between Christmas and New Year is always a bit of an odd one. Christmas is over, and the New Year is still on its way. Most of the time here in Germany, we are off work and are happy the shops have reopened after several days of country shut down and a little glimmer of normality is on the horizon.

I find myself wishing time would go a little more slowly and at the same time, finding myself willing the New Year to begin. I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve (and I miss the Big Ben chimes at midnight now that I'm no longer in the UK) but I always have the highest hopes for a good start and fresh chances.

Over the years, we've had prompts about goodbyes, new beginnings, turning points, goals and possibilities. And I love the idea of having a prompt that is linked in some way to the turn of the year.

So, this week, I'd like you to be inspired by... countdowns.

You might be inspired by the NYE TV countdown to the Big Ben chimes

or the ball drop in Times Square

or maybe the various countdown apps that can now help you remember every event you are looking forward to...

Screen shot from 14th December - I'm not that far off on my Christmas countdown!!!

Maybe your country or family have a specific way of counting down to some special event or maybe you are just a cross-off-the-days-on-a-calender type of girl (remembering some stories here for me!).

Record your special countdown stories and link up over at our Flickr Whimsical Musings gallery here with the tag WM#194.

And not to forget - there is an open giveaway that I mentioned on the blog post for WM#193 (see post here). Blog comments here or on that blog post will qualify for an entry and a layout in the gallery anytime up to January 11th will qualify for an extra entry - the more the merrier. 

Challenge #193 week of 14th December 2015

Well, the Christmas build up is in its most intensive phase for the next 10 days and I'm late with everything - of course!

There are certain things that I like to do every Christmas and so far, I'm not sure I've managed more than one or two small things. But we've started one or two new traditions this year which is nice.

What is definitely missing is the time I need to watch my nice pile of Christmas movies which I like to work through in the run up to the big day.

Therefore, in the absence of me actually watching any of them so far, I think we need to make them this week's prompt.

So, be inspired by Christmas movies.

Everyone has a favourite. Mine is Holiday Inn for sure. Classic black and white Fred Astair and Bing Crosby with the original version of White Christmas. Who could ask for more? But there are also plenty of modern films in my collection, how about you?

As always, I think there are many ways to take this inspiration - whether it's just about your favourite, or your collection. Childhood memories, or traditions. Identifying with the characters  - I have a good memory that's very similar to Clark Griswold's tree that I might retell - or how they reflect your thoughts on the festivities at this time of year. Take it in any direction you like!

I'm late uploading a few into the Whimsical Musings Flickr gallery but if you create, it would be lovely to see you there too. Don't forget to tag your creation with WM#193 so we can find you.

I'm in the mood for a little giveaway in celebration of this special time of year, so I'll put your name into the hat for any comments on this post and double points for a layout in the Whimsical Musings Flickr gallery - who doesn't love a giveaway?!?