With Hope for a Happy New Year

After a hiatus of nearly two months, I am pondering what to write today. Life has been very hectic, which is quite normal for the period of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holiday season was filled with school concerts, festive meals, and family time. It wasn't all fun and games, though. There were minor tragedies, illnesses, and an ice storm. 

Desmond arrived safely from France on December 18, and brought with him the additional sparkle that we were so in need of. We had fun cooking together, shopping, and visiting friends and family. On Christmas Eve, he graciously prepared a special meal for us. We enjoyed a delightful supper of foie gras, crab legs, baked potatoes, and roasted broccoli. It was the most relaxing Christmas Eve I have experienced in many years.

In spite of a flurry of visits with family and friends, Des was unable to see everyone he had wanted to spend time with. We managed a jaunt up to Kansas City, where we enjoyed Christmas festivities with daughter Niki and her family. On Desmond's last day of vacation, we had a small New Year's Eve party. It was fun, but Craig and I have decided that we may be getting too old for that! We could easily have crawled off to bed at 10 PM, but somehow we managed to ring in the New Year.

On New Year's Day, we saw our son off at the airport. It was a tearful farewell, though we were somewhat cheered by the knowledge that we will be seeing him again in the spring. And before that happens, we have an upcoming trip to the Caribbean! 

I want to wish you all a happy 2016. May you be blessed with good health and peaceful days filled with joy. 

No Apologies For Sentimentality

I love holidays, especially Christmas, mostly because of the memories which warm my heart and, of course, the traditions that I adhere to. Little things such as decorating a gingerbread house, making candy, baking cookies, and stringing popcorn for the tree are all important in their own small ways. I remember that, as a child, our home seemed to be filled with visitors. Nearly every day from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day, someone would stop by. Mom (and Dad, if he was not at work) would put on a pot of coffee and slice some fruitcake or pie. The house was warmed with the hum of conversation and laughter.

Gingerbread house 2014

Life is more hectic now, and it seems that many of us are too busy or too stressed to take the time to just breathe in and savor the season. People rush to and fro, frantically hunting for bargains or for that "must-have" toy or electronic gear. Some try to outshine their neighbors with ornate decorations and lights that flash in time to music. Each year the decorations become more elaborate. Though I prefer simple decorations in my own yard, I do enjoy taking a ride around the neighborhood to gaze at the twinkling lights. I remember one year in particular, when there was a gentle snowfall as we were on our "light tour". It certainly added an element of wonder to the evening.

Some of the ornaments on our tree are over 50 years old.

Of course, I am missing Desmond even more than usual. He loves the Christmas season as much as I do and has always participated eagerly in the traditions and festivities. Now, he lives in France, and is creating new traditions even as he holds on to the old ones. 

Desmond's French Christmas tree.

I find it sad that there are many people who become melancholy during the holidays. They try to hide away from the festivities and can hardly wait for life to return to "normal". My heart goes out to all those who are troubled at such times, and I hope that they can find some joy. I hope that all of you can open your hearts to compassion and love for one another, and may peace be with you.