Persephone’s picture from last year on the Christmas tree.

December 22nd, we are just a few days away from Christmas.  The time we gather with family and friends, make memories to last a lifetime and longer.  The tree is decorated.  Meals are planned.  Four days, four meals – a traditional ham and veggies; a Swiss fondue with breads, spinach-artichoke dip, and Christmas Eve soup; a tea party with little sandwiches, cakes, scones and multiple pots of hot tea [even the two little ones love hot tea (cooled with ice)]; and a chacuterie board with cheese, meats, jams, breads, crackers and accessories.   But I still have  presents to wrap – all of them!

Julian’s popsicle stick ornament he made last year.

My children and grandchildren will be here Christmas Day through the following Saturday.  A glorious time of laughter, cooking, eating, playing games, enjoying the babies.  What a wonderful time of the year.  I hope your holidays are merry and bright.

Our tree is full of handmade ornaments.  Many ornaments have names and dates.  The crystal heart has been on our tree for 39 years.

We will return to the hunt for our ancestors after the new year, but now, enjoy time with your earthly families and hold them tight.

Julian’s ornament had to be at the top of the tree – can you guess what he’s interested in now?

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!