Christmas has come and gone.....again. It was a lovely and scaled back season for us in 2017. Perhaps the diminished trappings of the holiday helped us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy more our time spent with Family.
There was less décor. We decided on a smaller, tabletop tree this year, filled with our special collection of Shiny Brites and twinkly white and multicolored lights. Without the concern of our seven month old Australian Shepherd overturning the tree and no loss of floor space or rearranging of furniture, it turned out to be a decision that most likely will be repeated in the future! Only our favorite pieces ended up on display this time around and I supplemented with simple white prayer candles grouped here and there. It was quite simply perfect and fitting for us in this season of our lives.
The end of the year brought a frigid arctic cold front and several gray days of below freezing temps. It has actually been a most welcome change to slow the pace and stay inside, snuggled up in warm fleecy blankets and sipping on hot coffee throughout the day. With the Christmas decorations down and packed away, the house feels clean and wide open, ready for a fresh start in a new year. It has also been the perfect opportunity to rebinge on Season 1 of The Crown, having already blown through Season 2. Although, I have to be cautious about binging on British drama.....as I tend to start talking to myself with a thick royal accent and craving scones!
Since tomorrow will mean a return to work and normal routine, I took the time to prepare and simmer a pot of vegetable beef soup this morning. The leftovers should be a warm and simple solution for quick lunches throughout the coming week. And, I am still basking in the glow of accomplishment of having done some meal prep and planning for this week, instead of falling back on a bowl of microwaved mac & cheese in a rush.
Now, as the late Winter afternoon sun sinks low in the western sky, I will turn my attention to the evening household chores.....feeding the dogs, dinner and cleanup, and preparing for tomorrow. There might be time for another episode (or two) of The Crown before I crawl under the covers and enjoy a bit more of the lovely novel I am currently reading before my eyelids grow heavy and I succumb to sleep and rest in preparation for a short week.
I bid you sweet dreams, dear Friends.
