18 November 2013

Where has the time gone?  We last wrote in the summer, when breezes were warm and days were long.  We are now well into the winter season , and the snow is deep and fluffy.  Not so far into it that our days drag for the cold, however.  We are still in the honeymoon phase leading up to Christmas.  After the holidays, we'll be itching for green.  For now, though, it's magical.

We have started decorating the house and prepping for the holidays.  Elodie and I strung a garland across the top of the bay window.  From it, we hung beads and candy canes.  The effect is sweet, if slightly gaudy.  Next on the decor list will be sock snowmen and a wreath for the door.  Elodie also has to set up her Christmas village on the piano. 

I really like the winter holidays.  My mom tries to tell me that I have no business celebrating Christmas, as I am an atheist, to which I usually ask how baby Jesus born in manger in the middle of the desert in March led to pine trees, the winter solstice and the word "Yule".  

Christmas, for us, is a time to enjoy traditions and family and food.  We sing carols, drink too much, tease each other mercilessly and generally have a great time.  My family has always celebrated the holidays on Christmas Eve.  This has been very convenient, as Robbie's family celebrates on Christmas Day.  I'm thankful not to have to give up any of my traditions or any of his.  

This year, to counteract the sadness of the past months, I'm going all out for celebrations.  I've already started baking, planning advent calendars and elf shoe gifts (thank you, Scandinavia, for giving us kids 24 mornings of wonder).  Our shopping for the kids is almost done.  I still need to wrap it all, though.  

The knitting has begun on my sweet niece's stocking.  Our house is orderly enough that the big clean before the holidays won't take long. 

I'm looking forward to a magical Christmas with my family, snuggled in pyjamas, drinking cocoa, watching the kids discover the surprises left by the big guy in red on Christmas morning.  Now to deal with life until then.