How lovely it was!
How nice it felt to relax just a little bit and let go of Perfect -- presents, food, decorations, housekeeping. It was the year of our first yellow pine, and I'm a convert. The ability to hang all our ornaments (except the glass pickle) made up for the prickly sticklies of bringing it in and putting the lights on.
Already I'm dreaming of next year: an early start; handmade, secondhand, and edible gifts; and making it last. Garlands and paper chains, snowflakes and stockings, candles and singing. Maybe even homemade eggnog.
And, weather permitting, a walk.
In loving memory of Victor and Jerry Taber, who made Christmas magic each and every year. And in great appreciation of my dad, who made sure we got to their house in upstate NY each and every year.