Henry’s Christmas photo at Three Schips and a Girl daycare, where he loves going once a week. I think he is protesting the wearing of antlers!

“Bah, humbug, I think these antlers make me look silly. But, did I hear the word ‘treats?’ Ok, I’ll sit and let you take my picture if you give me a treat, but I’m not going to smile.”

When I was a little girl, I loved Christmas. Gifts were simple, often homemade. The glittering tree was a special treat when I woke up on Christmas morning because it always went up after I was in bed the night before. Daddy was usually at home, and we all ate together. The Christmas pudding, a heavy steamed dessert made with dried fruit and nuts, apples, carrots, and molasses, was always a favorite. 

Usually, I make my own Christmas pudding, but this year, as I have finally joined the British Friendship Club, I let go of the responsibility and let another person make it. But I have made six jars of mincemeat for pies. I’m sure I will only use one jar this season, but I do enjoy having it on hand for those other special times of the year.

When I was a child, I lived in the Caribbean, and the sun shone twelve hours a day. Often, the temperature was around eighty degrees and idyllic. Now, I live in the Pacific Northwest, where the temperatures can drop to minus degrees, the skies are gray, and it rains a lot in the winter! This year is not so cold, but the winds have been tempestuous. I was nearly blown off my feet recently while walking with Henry.

Tomorrow is the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year–a favorite day for me. It can only get better from now on. It may still snow, but the days will get longer whatever the weather and suddenly the sun will shine and green leaves and flowers will return.

I have spent numerous days reworking parts of my garden, moving trees, relaying patio bricks, and adding more soil to planters. All, to incorporate more flowering plants and another table for “Teas in the Garden” next year. 

It has taken a lot of energy, and by the end of the day, I have been too exhausted to write. Although I have, I hope, almost finished the final round of editing on my second book, a memoir of my time in England. It has been a long and arduous endeavor, but I am thankful for the challenge because, with each edit, I have learned something new.

Now it is time to relax for a few days, send off cheerful cards to celebrate the holiday season, and try to make my goal of reading 100 books this year. I am almost finished reading my 98th book.