Hello friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was wonderful, and while not all of us were together (our stepsons were visiting their mom), it was still beautiful, and a cherished time for all of us. Recapping our season in images would take a long post- maybe multiple. So instead I created little collections of my favorite images of the season.

Winter started warm but right as December rolled in, we got a little snow, followed with freezing temperature and humidity in the air. All this resulted in favorite natural phenomenon— hoarfrost. It all looked like a winter wonderland. This was followed by our first official winter storm which dumped between 6-7” of snow. Only to have all that disappear a few days later when we got an unseasonably warm weather spurt which triggered thunderstorms and tornado activity in December. We had the first tornado ever recorded in Minnesota in December and it happened about 15 miles from where we live. Uffda!

Christmas Preparation

Preparing for Christmas found me in a different place spiritually and mentally. I did two very special bible studies— one from She Reads Truth— Advent 2021: The Everlasting Light, and Tsh Oxenredier’s Advent Study: Shadow & Light. I normally do not do two studies at the same time, but I found that the studies complemented each other. Beginning the season immersed in the Word, really gave me a place to breath and be still, even during the hectic holiday season. And this was the most important thing for me— to truly embrace the season and the meaning. this frame of mind let me enjoy the season— sightseeing, decorating, being with my family— so much more than before.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Again, continuing on the theme of the season— family and simplicity against he backdrop of the most awaited arrival— made me VERY aware of the moment. I found myself at time in tears as I remember the amazing gift from God: that He so loved us that he sent His only Son— fully human, yet divine— to redeem us for our sins. For two days my mind kept repeating “God is with us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.” This overwhelming feeling really struck me as I watched a beautiful sunset. Those moments with nature always make me feel connected to God.

On Christmas Eve we did Christmas with my husband’s family. We have not been able to do that since 2018, because in 2019 we spent the holidays in Switzerland, then we know what has been happening the past two years. After lots of fun, food and gifts, we went to our church’s candlelight service and it was beautiful. And we had a surprise at the end— a Happy Birthday, Jesus cake! I have never seen this, but love the idea especially if one is trying to connect the concept of the moment with the littlest children.

On Christmas day, my focus was showing my family how much I care, and I do that through food. I do not mind cooking a fancy breakfast and dinner. When I see their happiness in the faces, it makes it all worth it. Later in the day, we all went for a walk because Christmas weekend was in the 40s— very farm for Minnesota. We reflected on our year, on the season, and now prepare to say goodbye to 2021 in a week and welcome 2022.

I hope your holiday was wonderful. Be blessed.

Linkups I Typically Join Throughout The Week—

Mondays Inspire Me Monday, Hearth & Soul, In a Vase on Monday, Mosaic Monday
Tuesdays Insta Encouragements, Tell His Story, Anchored Truth Tuesdays
Wednesdays Worth Beyond Rubies, Welcome Heart, Wonderful Wednesday Soaring with Him, Wonderful Wednesday Blog-Hop, Creative Craft Link Party
Thursdays Imparting Grace, Heart Encouragement, Be Thee Inspired, Full Plate Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things
Fridays Friendship Friday Grace & Truth, Farmhouse Friday, Floral Friday Fotos, Community - Five Minute Friday
Saturday & Sunday Amanda’s Books & More, Pink Saturday, Saturdays Sparks Link Party, Happiness Is Homemade