Since last we spoke

Hi, I've been distracted. When there are things like family and thanksgiving feasts and friends and trips to the cabin in the mix, sitting down in front of the computer is is the first thing to go. Here's what I've been doing since last we were together.

1. During a weekend stay at my family's cabin we took a little day trip. Parking our car in front of the No Trespassing sign, we walked around the frozen lake.   2. It was freezing cold at said lake. Cold enough that my brother allowed my sister to stand that close to him.   3. With snow soaking through our city-slicker shoes, we still stopped to take a picture.   4. A small cabin nearby the lake   5. This is my kind of holiday. We started Christmas a week and a half before Thanksgiving. One can't help it when snow is falling outside.

1. After a family outing we came home to a delicious meal prepared by mama.   2-3. Christmas tree decorating at home and the cabin. (Note: last year we started using the larger, round bulb lights on our tree. The effects are quirky and magical)   4. The joys of the holidays.

I love the holiday season. I love the kindness shared by everyone, the looking inward to see where improvements can be made, and the looking outwards to see where your time and service is needed. Along with this season comes an expectation of time spent with family, the joy of cooler weather contrasted by the bright lights, the many smells reminiscent of years past, and oh, the blessed Christmas music. It's a time when the world seems closer together, when greetings are shared, thanks are given, and smiles are visible on everyone's face. I always appreciate my life more around this time. 

What are some of your favorite parts of this time of year?