Thoughts about Christmas

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.

 Bob Hope

Hey, Lovelies!

I bookended my day morning and night yesterday with sitting on our front steps.

Ben and I sat together in the dark after my work day ended – late, late at night – right where I’d been sitting so early that morning. We sat pressed up against each other, taking comfort in the closeness, watching possums eating the flowers off a nearby tree, and wondering if it might rain.

‘It’s only a month or so to Christmas,’ Ben said quietly. ‘Doesn’t seem like it, does it?’

I agreed. It has been a difficult year in so many ways, and now, more than ever, we both feel the empty chairs that will be around our table. It’s not feeling Christmassy. It’s just feeling… strange.

‘What do you want to do this year?’ he asked. ‘Where do you want to go?’

I knew it in my heart already, and it came tumbling out of my mouth. ‘I just want to be home, alone, with you and the puppies. I don’t need a tree, or presents, or anything fancy. I just want a quiet day. Phone calls with our loved ones. Apart from that? Unplugged in every way. Some yummy homemade food that gives us left-overs for Boxing Day. Mangoes. A Christmas book. Some good music. Afternoon nap. Cuddles. A swim if it’s hot, or a soak in a hot bath if it’s cold.’

‘Sounds perfect,’ he said.

‘Yep,’ I agreed, ‘sounds like heaven!’

So, that’s what we’ll do. We’ll do what fills us up. We’ll keep it simple. Slow. Real.

How about you?

Love, Santa Snacks and Reindeer Carrots, Nicole xx