From the Front Porch: French Country Christmas

Hello, sweet friends, welcome to the French Country Christmas Edition of this weekly series.

How are you?

Have you had a good week?

I’ve been tackling a mountain of laundry and trying to get the house back in order after an emergency trip to the cabin.

As some of you know, we have 2 loved ones in their 80s that live up there and for the last 15 years we’ve tried to get them to move to Florida without much luck.

About 5 years ago, the conversations and number of services they’ve needed have become more frequent.

2 years ago, they became urgent.

And last week, for one of them, it became emergent.

To be perfectly honest, despite having worked in case management at a rehabilitation hospital and counseling families through difficult situations like this one for many years, learning to navigate all the complexities that come with this phase of life, the family dynamics that surround it and how to best support these loved ones has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

I know we’ll get through it.

But I also know it didn’t have to be this way.

So, as you’re writing out your holiday shopping and wish lists, I want you to consider a gift that will last longer than any cashmere sweater, diamond bracelet, or ski trip.

Peace of mind.

Peace of mind for your family or your family of choice with a long term and end of life care plan of action.

I know it’s not a sexy gift.

Honestly, it’s bittersweet to even think about.

Each state seems to have their own set of guidelines and it feels like there are a million forms to fill out.

There have been extraordinarily awkward conversations to explore.

If you’re going through this too, you might not know what you need or need to ask.

Especially in the beginning.

No matter what the size of you or your loved ones bank account, estate or portfolio though, these are important conversations to have with your family, your estate planner and your lawyer.

There might be times when it all feels overwhelming.

Believe me, I get it.

Take it in phases if you must.

Cry it out if you need to.

Then remind yourself you can do hard things.

But please don’t wait.

This is so much more important than who’s going to get the heirloom china or who will speak at your funeral service.

It’s about your legacy.

So, leave behind a legacy that you can be proud of with a legally solid plan of action that allows your loved ones to feel empowered by carrying out the decisions you’ve made in advance.

It will help give them the peace of mind they need to move forward.

And isn’t that the most loving gift you can give them this season?

As always, I’ll be cheering you on and in the trenches listening to Whitney, Aretha, the Georgia Mass Choir and probably eating too much chocolate.

It’s tough but, never forget, you’re tough too.

Farmhouse Christmas Inspiration in the Dining Room-The Crowned Goat

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…

Holiday Home Tours and Inspiration:

Seasonal Project Ideas:

Thanksgiving Prep:

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

Style and Travel Inspiration:

A Gentle Reminder…

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or on The Blog Lately, Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To

Quick and Easy Pearl Earrings

How to Craft Quick and Easy Pearl Earrings-The Crowned Goat

Glass Glitter Snowflake Ornaments

DIY-Glitter-Glass-Snowflake-Ornaments-The-Crowned-Goat-16

Effortless Christmas Wreath Ideas

Effort Christmas Wreath Ideas-The Crowned Goat

A Little Sparkle Holiday Home Tour

A Little Sparkle Holiday Home Tour-The Crowned Goat

Vintage Inspired Gift Tags

Monogrammed Gift Tag Ornaments-The Crowned Goat

2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Our Best Holiday Gift Guide-The Crowned Goat

Shopping Notes…

**(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

  • Sheet Set (have in white but love the pink as well. They’re easy to monogram too if you need a gift idea)
  • Stationery Set (this store has lots of pretty options, I love the print on these)
  • Tumbler Accessories Kit (these would make a great stocking stuffer)
  • Sunnies (these also come in a variety colors and have a fun South Florida vibe)
  • Smart Mug (a fabulous gift idea for a new parent or someone who is frequently interrupted)
  • Bible Journal Set (this set makes it simple to take notes in your Bible)
  • Cleansing Balm (so many of my girlfriends have and love this)
  • Sweater (have and love in the black and pink, it’s midweight and has a wide neckline)
  • Book  (currently on my TBR list, it has so many good reviews)
  • Dutch Oven (trying to convince my family I’d be a much better cook if I had this pink dutch oven)
  • Nail Veil Set (mini polish sets like these make for easy gift basket or stocking stuffer ideas)
  • Mini Fridge (this has a mirror on the front and would be perfect for a tween or college student)
  • Ear Plugs (great if you’re a traveling with a dog that doesn’t appreciate being in the car, also good for family members who won’t stop talking politics)
  • Cosmetic Bag Set (another easy tween idea)
  • Tumbler (S has this in purple and uses it all the time)
  • Cleaning Cloths (ordering the black/gray set so I can keep them in all our glasses cases and desk drawers)

That’s all for now!

As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your weekend is peace filled and relaxing.  We’ll can’t wait to share even more with you next week!

Many blessings,

CoCo

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7 Comments

  1. Speak to my heart ladies! I read the article on ways to gracefully handle the most difficult people in your life like 6 times just so I would be ready ha ha. Sending you both lots of hugs and love for a happy Thanksgiving week, CoCo PS: You know you can sign me up for Renningers any day of the week 🙂

  2. This is such great advice! We learned the hard way with Jays grandmother, so we’ve tried to help other family members make other arrangements. It’s a hard thing to do! I’ve got your family in my prayers.

    1. Speak to my heart, Susan, it’s such a hard thing to go through. I think we all think there’s plenty of time but all goes by so quickly and our lives can change in an instant. Thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers. It means so much, CoCo

  3. Thank you for sharing about this difficult time with us! We’ve tried to talk my Dad into moving to Florida but I don’t think that will ever happen! I’m praying for you and yours! Can’t wait to dive into all the links you shared, especially the Thanksgiving ones! Still not believing it’s less than a week away!

  4. Life can change in an instant. We never know when each of us are one call away from a bad visit to a doctor’s office or a hospital. Wishing you and your family peace.

  5. These are wonderful words of advice CoCo. When my grandmother had to go to the nursing home, we had to learn so much about estate planning, and such. Our family is no longer speaking since my grandmother made changes, in her mind certain people needed to be in place who were not working so as not to disrupt other’s work day if something needed to be taken care of. It is also eye opening when money is discussed how that can also cause issues. I sure hope you are able to work through this, and keep your chin up. I am routing for you.

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