From Santa.

That hat, by the way, is the classic Deerstalker worn by Sherlock Holmes.

I think Santa gets my reading preferences.

Santa also brought me some Carmex, some actual photos made from digital pics of our trip to Paris, some pencils, and some sugar-free chocolates from a local chocolate shop. And some books, a notebook, scented soap and bubble bath.

We were so tired yesterday. And today! I seem to be in a waking up early mode lately, so I never feel like I get enough sleep. Ah well.

It’s a gray and drizzly day out there. I’m glad we’re keeping the tree up for a few more days. I never take it down right after Christmas. I’ve only done that once in my life and it was because both Don and I were leaving for out of town jobs. I wasn’t raised that way, which I suspect informs a lot of our holiday choices. We always kept the tree up through New Year’s Day. And many people keep it up through Epiphany – thereby honoring the 12 days of Christmas. Everyone is different of course, but personally, I would have found it impossible to be here the day after Christmas and have no reminders of the season or the reason we celebrate. We’ve had the tree since December 1st, so I suspect we’ll have to take it down on Monday. But I’ve found that if the tree is healthy and you water it every day, it will last at least a month.

I did remove the decorations from the dollhouses, but that’s it so far. I still love coming downstairs in the morning and turning the tree lights on. It’s enormously comforting. The porch lights stay on for at least another month. We live in the country and it’s lovely to see Christmas lights glowing through January, especially with it getting dark so early.

Reader Kathy sent a box of goodies and it included this Italian version of To Kill a Mockingbird.  Isn’t it a beautiful cover design? Thank you, Kathy!

Today we grocery shop. And I’m off to find a copy of Jane Eyre, which, surprisingly, I don’t have on my shelves. I’m coaching a version of it later in the month and I want to reread it before I do my research on Yorkshire dialects, etc.

Happy Friday.

I hope you had a lovely Christmas day. Ours was just the way we wanted it – fairly low-key. We had a lazy morning, drinking coffee, slowly opening presents, and then I made French Toast. Later, in the early afternoon, we went over to Rick and Doug’s for some homemade soup (made by our friend, Russ) and some popovers (made by Rick.) As always, lots of great conversation.

As we left to return home, the sun was setting and we had to stop so I could take this picture:

Absolutely gorgeous.

We’re tuckered out today. This was our 26th Christmas together and they’ve always been magical. At times, money was so tight that we had a budget of $25 to spend on each other. At other times, we were temporarily earning more, so we could indulge a little. I can honestly say that whatever the budget, the joy in choosing a present for a loved one remains the same. You just get a little more creative!

We stopped by Rick and Doug’s on Christmas Eve to let Sam out. As we walked him around the property, he found a big stick:

What a sweetie he is.

Okay. I have to pay some bills, do some paperwork, that kind of thing.

Happy Thursday.

Could you find a more 50s setting? The television, the floral curtains, the toys? My brother and I at my grandparents’ house on Christmas afternoon.

I miss him. I miss my parents. I miss my dogs. I miss my relatives and my friends who have passed away.

Christmas is beautiful and bittersweet. The older you get, the more losses you mourn.

If you’re having a hard time this Christmas, know that you are loved and supported here on this blog. If you need to talk about it, you have a safe space here. Be gentle with yourself and your grief. If you’re dealing with illness, be still, and know you are surrounded with love and healing.

I hope you find moments of joy and laughter this Christmas. I hope you find moments of peace, as well.

Don and I hold you in our hearts.

I am so thankful for your presence here and for your friendship.

There’s no snow on the ground this year, but the sentiment remains constant (as well as the the Christmas lights on the porch):

I’m taking the day off tomorrow, my friends.

Happy Tuesday and Merry Christmas Eve.