This is the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, and our son August’s 25th birthday. He is in Mexico with my sister Bink’s family. Today they are snorkeling; perhaps last night they were able to view the lunar eclipse of the full moon. Unfortunately it was overcast here, but I awakened at both 2 am and 4 am and noted the quality of the light; aware that up above the clouds a celestial show was in progress.
Christmas is almost here. Last week I carted packages to UPS four days in a row. My family is broadly dispersed, and although mail ordered gifts would be simpler and possibly cheaper, I get too much pleasure out of assembling eclectic collections of unique givings, and frankly, the recipients have all come to expect it. The one year I purchased gift certificates for my nieces, word came back that they were quite disappointed.
It’s going to be quiet here these year, as neither our big kids nor any other family members are coming. That didn’t stop David and Peter from bringing home the biggest tree yet; a gorgeous 11 footer.
We always put on Christmas Carols as we decorate the tree, and it still feels (almost) as magical as it did when I was a child. Over the next few days, I will get some baking done, and then on Christmas Eve we will head south to Mattapoisett to celebrate with Jemesii and Jamie and David’s family.
A confession: although I adore Christmas, I am always even more excited about the advent of a new year. Putting the old one to bed, and starting out fresh. The possibilities!
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 
Dear Linnea-
LOVE the snowman in a snowball. I might have to steal that idea for myself! Merry Christmas, and a Happy Healthy New Year. As my husband often says when we are in the thick of it- maybe the best is yet to be.
Joyeux Noel,
Joan
Joan, my kids made some wonderful ornaments (that is one by Peter) using styrofoam balls, sculpey and glitter. Some of the others have polar bears and ice or seals and little glaciers. I could never make such tiny things; they are truly each exquisite. And a Joyeux Noel to you as well.
Linnea
Blessed Winter Solstice, Linnea!
May the New Year bring you possibilities as brilliant as the night’s stars!
Love,
Tracy
To you as well Tracy–a magical day indeed! Love, Linnea
Dear Linnea,
I can understand your nieces’ love of your personalized eclectic gifts. Since I discovered you nearly a year ago, I have come to adore (and yes, expect) your eclectic offerings. Each post is a gift from you. They offer hope and inspiration. They let me know that I am not alone in this quest for life. They give me the opportunity to root (silently and from afar) for others on this same journey. Your blog has become a virtual community filled with people I care for in an inexplicable way.
Thanks Linnea and all the others who share their story!
Have a happy holiday and a New Year filled with joy, peace and good health!
Evie
Evie, your comment is incredibly dear and I thank you. It really is a little community of some truly special people. A few, such as yourself, I have been fortunate enough to meet. Others I know and love only through our chatter back and forth. Just as you might anticipate blogs, I look forward to each of your comments; it is what truly makes this a conversation. I would love for it to go on and on. Happy New Year,
Linnea
Beautiful tree! Now have a beautiful Christmas!!! Happy 2011 and a wish for continued good news on the health front!
With love!
Pat and Will, Happy both (Christmas and the New Year) to you as well. Couldn’t you slip back for New Years Eve in the bistro? Won’t be quite the same without you. Love, Linnea
I am looking forward to the New Year as well….. Merry Christmas and God Bless
Tada, I wish you happiness and good health as well.
Linnea