I felt like I was living in a Robert Frost poem.
Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening was on repeat.
Dinner was at our friends George and Gerry's house.
( and their three Boston Terriers--see Louie, above)
It was an especially nice group of friends and family.
Everybody contributed to the meal.
There was just the right amount of snow--
enough to be pretty,
but not a bother.
I often find holidays stressful, and have struggled to simplify,
to focus on what matters, enjoy the little things.
Tonight talking to my son about Christmas I said,
Just give me a tree with lights and some hot chocolate and I'm happy.
Hi, I liked your comment on Mise's blog, and the photos of the snowy landscape above (snow already? but Berlin starts to turn into a fridge too) are so lovely - so I'll follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteBrigitta, thank you for your kind words. Stay warm!
DeleteI find most holidays stressful too, in particular Christmas. for me, the hot chocolate alone would be enough.
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas lights. Would give up the hot chocolate. Take some pictures of Paris lights for me.
Deletewith easy winds and downy flakes....I do miss the snow. I can't imagine Christmas without it.
ReplyDeleteI refuse to have anything else but a simple Christmas. A pretty little tree with lights is all I wish for too. The holidays have gotten so ugly, it's so sad. I will not over-indulge in anything but good food, a cozy home and time with friends and family.
Let's keep reminding each other of that.... ♥
When you miss the snow think about shoveling it and slipping on the ice. :)
DeleteA pretty tree and some hot choc is just how I would like it too. It is madness here already. Even my journey home from work has quadrupled in time due to Christmas shoppers traffic. The greed makes me sad for our children.
ReplyDeleteYour snowy pics look just perfect.
I think it really is a form of madness!
DeleteYour 'simple' Christmas sounds absolutely perfect Jen. The snow looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMadelief x
Thanks, Madelief. Seeing you makes me think I should add some paperwhites to the mix.
DeleteAnd did he give you a tree with lights and some hot chocolate?
ReplyDeleteI think he will.
DeleteSuch stunning images! Something very special about being with family and friends and enjoying a meal. Especially in Winter. Your Christmas wishes sound wonderful to me too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mrs. Black!
DeleteHello Jen, You snowscapes are magically beautiful. How wonderful to drive through that to arrive at an evening of warm friendship.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Thanks, Jim. It was a pretty scene!
DeleteI keep simplifying Christmas myself, buy toys for the kids and the adults get books or food, wine and homemade jams, eggnog, cookies, etc. Who needs another sweater. Looking at your beautiful pictures all I can think of is "over the river and through the woods..." Sounds like a lovely Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteOh, that's the other line that kept running through my head!
DeleteWe've simplified Christmas to the maximum. We now do nothing except write checks for our favorite charities. Local food bank; the old Holy Names nuns who taught me years ago; the local women's shelter founded by a nun with whom I went to school; The Anna Schindler Foundation run by neighbors in memory of their child; national diabetes foundation for Jay and he probably has a couple more I can't remember. Nice photos.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic, Karen. I've made the writing of checks to favorite charities something of a ritual too. Every year I spend more time on it, and get a lot of pleasure from it too.
DeleteThis blog has also added to my knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI've got the lights and can rustle up a cuppa cocoa, come on down!
xo J
And your insight I hope.
DeleteOne of these days I'll show up on your doorstep.
It's a nice idea to enjoy a snowy day with a cup of chocolate.
ReplyDeleteThat and a good book!
DeleteI've also made a monthly donation to UNICEF and year-end donation to MSF. That's all I do now but there may be other things I could do. The days Christmas was a fuss was long gone for me and I spend quiet Christmas. I have to wait till New Year Holidays to enjoy happy family gatherings, however, I like what Christmas is all about.
ReplyDeleteHere December brought an unexpected cold air mass and too much snow in some area, taking casualities.
Beautiful snowscape but stay alert and keep warm, Jen!
Stay warm, and enjoy the holidays and your family, Cosmos!
DeleteAt Christmas I will go to Barcelona and visit my parents and friends. We have no special dinners, just being together. Your photos are really cozy :)
ReplyDelete