Decembear's Annual Trek

Welcome, Decembear!

Our favorite countdown to Christmas is hung. Decembear has already looked for Christmas in the sleigh (it wasn't there) and at the skating pond (cute little bear-ette, but no Christmas). He's checking the mailbox right now in hopes of finding some holiday. I don't think it would fit in there, myself--but then who would think a slightly overweight elf would regularly slide down the chimney? So...maybe.

We are getting in the holiday mood. Our Christmas lights looked wonderful in the crispy air tonight as we came home from a walk with Kharma. In fact, the whole neighborhood looked festive as each neighbor finds the time to unravel their string of lights and house by house. Looking for the Decembear wallhanging meant that all the boxes of Christmas paraphenalia had to be opened and searched. So as long as we had them unpacked, we decorated the whole house--fireplace, china cabinet, kitchen window, front door...well, you get the idea. Our whole house is red and green now!

Don't think that there is nothing more to do! I still haven't grabbed the odd items from the attic and the wreaths and Christmas star are still up high in the garage. They are on the list for tomorrow. And it will be a while before we go out and find a tree.

Having Decembear at the mailbox reminds me that I need to begin composing our annual holiday letter. Naturally we send it to let family and friends know what is happening in our life, but old versions have become a favorite tradition to re-read for a reminder of what life used to be when the boys were young. Cub scouts, violin recitals, band concerts, young fishermen and novice mountain bike racers, a parade of pets, vacations, both parent and kid sports--how wonderful to look back and realize how lucky we were although we may not have had to time to pause in the mad rush of parenting to reflect on our good fortune. How time has flown! So on this third day of December, our hope is that you have time to think about an earlier time and smile gently at your memories. Cheers!