Merry Christmas and what a merry Christmas it was! I just know for sure that all of you had a wonderful holiday with your family and close friends. The holidays are so wonderful just because it’s a wonderful time to bring family together to experience joy. I love that the most. Christmas in Florida is often a challenge when trying to get into the spirit. It’s always so sunny and warm year around that you can easily forget it’s December and it’s the season to be jolly. But, this year St. Nick gave a special gift, the gift of cool/cold weather (for a change). It was really nice for the sky to be gray and the air feel brisk. As we patrol the neighborhood and take in all of the light decorations on the  neighbor’s homes we see the kids outside with gloves and hoodies. It was very warming to have the spirit.

British and I went to pick out a Christmas tree just a few days before Christmas. We laughed because in the years past when Julian was home, in the first week of December we would have gone out and purchased one of the tallest trees on the lot and she and Julian would’ve decorated it. This year, we picked out a modest tree and decorated it while I worked on other home decorations. I have to say, once the tree was up and the candles were lit along with holiday music in the backdrop…it really felt like Christmas in December. It’s funny how the older you get you really develop a more meaningful sense for what Christmas is all about. It’s not about gifts for sure, it’s about the gift of life and the blessing to share the gift of life with those who love you and vice versa. We enjoyed sharing very much.

When Julian got home it was great to see him and see him absorb the feeling of being with his parents. I have to remember he’s 21 now but he sure seemed like a kid again when he saw the tree and just being home. It was great to have everyone together again.

Shelby