As the year comes to a close…

We had a really nice Christmas this year, and I hope you did too. When I was a little girl I wanted a few really nice presents, and I wanted to be able to go outside and ride my bike. Growing up in Southern California, that was almost always a given. If it rained it was an especially good Christmas, and my mother would let us burn our wrapping paper in our living room fireplace, the one time it was used each year.

Sixty years later, I don’t care about really nice presents (although I certainly received some), and instead I want peace and goodwill and a bit of quiet joy as we gather together.

On Christmas Eve we went to Jeremy and Carolyn’s for lasagna, panzanella, appetizers, Dairy Bars and spicy molasses cookies. We sat in their lovely living room with a fire crackling in the hearth, and sang a few carols as Jeremy and Elijah played their guitars and Margaret’s boyfriend played the piano.

On Christmas morning we gathered at Chris and Sharon’s, and enjoyed a potluck brunch, which is our custom. There was baked French toast, piles of bacon and sausage links, a coffee cake, democracy dip with fresh vegetables, beverages and various Christmas bars and cookies. I brought my usual sausage egg casserole, and Carolyn brought a delicious green salad with homemade vinaigrette. We leisurely opened presents, the little kids played with Legos, the cousins had white elephant gifts they swapped each other for with rolls of dice, and everyone grazed all day on the buffet spread.

Earlier in the week Sharon, Carolyn, Sara and I met at The Merryweather Inn for a lovely Christmas tea that Sharon arranged for us. We had scones and clotted cream, leek soup, exotic teas, and various bars. The inn is stunning and it was a wonderful way to spend some time with my beloveds. I call them The Blood in my Veins.

Today I’m listening to an audiobook I’m not enjoying yet. I’ve been in a wonderful national book club called Well-Read Mom for two years now, and this month’s book is Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I had high hopes since I’ve read his Les Miserables three times and loved it, but this one…. so far it is an absolute slog for me. I’m hoping it gets better. Most of the selections in Well-Read Mom have been worthwhile, even if some are quite difficult.

Before I got out of bed at 4:00 a.m. this morning my cell phone delivered an alert from the National Weather Service about a coming snowstorm. Beginning tonight or early tomorrow morning, five to eight inches of snow is predicted. I’m always happy for a good snowfall, because I’m a home body and getting snowed in feels so cozy. The below zero temps will descend after the snow goes, and I am not a fan of that part of a northeastern Minnesota winter.

What are you reading? Do you have New Year’s Eve plans? (me: zzzzz)

I want my 2026 to be marked by prayer and peace. If you would like prayer feel free to leave a comment, and I will be happy to pray for you.

Warm wishes to all,