Gifts

Gifts are not one of my love languages and I generally don't feel any more or less cared for based on gifts that I receive (or don't receive). But this Christmas, they were a part of what made the holiday so wonderful.

After Christmas, while verbally processing to Matt (something I often do), I realized why the gifts that I gave and received were so significant this year. It's not because I needed the things that I was given. And it's not because I wanted acknowledgement for the gifts that I bestowed. It's because gift-giving helped me to recognize that I am known and I am loved. 

This year, it was so evident that gifts were given with love. Thought and time were put into the creating or choosing. And because they were dwelt on, inspired by the person to whom they were given, poured over with love, they were beautiful and perfect.

Merry Happy

It's been a lingering Christmas.

Several celebrations. Multiple rounds of gift-giving and gift-opening. Family gatherings. Snow storms. Long car rides and good conversations with Matt. Game playing and coffee drinking. 

I love that the warmth of Christmas is lasting into the new year. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Friends.

Blessings

Christmas Eve Eve

 

A couple days away to wind down before Christmas.

Hot chocolate with peppermint marshmallows. Good conversation, a fireplace that was taller than I am, Christmas-themed games. Organ renditions of The Phantom of the Opera. Dressing up for dinner, Christmas lights, drinking champagne. 

So excited that Christmas has begun. 

Unexpected

I have received several unexpected gifts already this season. From co-workers, friends, family.

To all of you who have blessed me by letting me know you are thinking of me this Christmas season: Thank you so very much. It is so good to be surrounded by those who love me and whom I love.

Packing

Packing for a full week away. It will be nice to have a change from my normal routine but stressful to travel during the holiday season. I'm looking forward to returning just in time for the full swing of Christmas. Gift making and wrapping. Cooking and baking. Non-stop Christmas music. Time with family and friends. 

When I get back, Matt's semester will be over and we'll have some much needed time to relax. 

Planning

Christmas preparations are underway. These will soon be in the mail on their way to friends and family.

It's unseasonably warm here, but I am readying for Winter. 

I'm planning and celebrating and feeling Christmas-y.


And don't you think
the trees themselves, especially those with mossy,
warm caves, begin to think
of the birds that will come-- six, a dozen-- to sleep
inside their bodies?
Mary Oliver

A Lot Like Christmas

                                                         photo credit: Christine Reichard

One of the unexpected blessings of having Matt in my life has been getting to know his family, feeling like I've become a part of his family, participating in their holidays and traditions.

Over the weekend, we went to cut down a Christmas tree, which was a new experience for me. Growing up, I always had a real tree-- one that had a sharp, pine scent and needles that poked if you got too close-- but never one that we cut down ourselves. Walking through a snow-covered field of trees, picking out the right one, chopping it down, and then enjoying hot chocolate by a fire afterwards made it feel like the Christmas season has begun.