Holiday Wishes for You

While many parts of the U.S. have been hit by snowstorms the past few weeks, most of the snow has missed our little corner of the central Midwest. Finally, this weekend, a little of the White stuff fell, just in time for this week's ABC letter of W.




Although it has felt like Winter for several weeks, now it finally looks like Winter here as well. Christmas decorations look so much more festive with a little coat of snow, don't you think?






You can see what I mean by a "dusting" of snow. By midday yesterday, most of it had melted. The forecast for Christmas is for either freezing rain or snow. I'll take snow, if you please.

Little time is spent outdoors these days, other than to track down a wayward dog who finds the newly harvested cornfields fascinating. But it's hard to resist checking out the transformation a little snow can make in the garden. Coneflowers have donned their furry winter caps.

The "Snowy Sedum" mentioned in my last post has finally materialized.

And the "Hibernating Hydrangeas" now look quite "hyperborean." They add what every gardener wishes for this time of year--a little winter interest.

But this is a busy time of year, with little time for thoughts of gardening. Decorating, wrapping presents, and baking are done in the Warmth of the house. This year I am either more organized or have had more time, but most Christmas chores are done. The house has been decorated for several weeks, Christmas cards have been mailed, and presents are wrapped and under the tree. There is time to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. Time to attend grandchildren's Christmas programs and even time just to gaze at the tree. Holiday ornaments bring back memories, like this beaded bell which reminds me of my grandmother lovingly creating gifts for each of her grandchildren.

Crocheted angels are a treasure made by my mother, who remains very active

yet always has time for her family.

Other ornaments made by little hands bring back thoughts of Christmases past . . .

. . . and of loved ones far and near. Everyone in the family has an ornament on the memory tree; some have been put up for many years . . .

. . . while others are new, adding to the tradition.

Warm Wishes to all of you. My wish for you is simple--

Peace, Love and Joy in this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

ABC Wednesday is hosted each week by Mrs. Nesbitt; other posts can be found here.