sepia day

...it's beginning to look a lot like christmas! 

last year the holiday spirit eluded me throughout the whole month of december. i remember coming home from my mom's house on christmas day and taking down all my decorations before the night was close to over; i wasn't bah-humbug as much as i was just indifferent, possibly even just 'over' the whole thing. 

this year, though, is a different story. i've been listening to christmas music, the weather is cold and snowy, and my living room is just bursting at the seams with gifts and tags and half made crafts. i am LOVING it! today i got to deliver meals on wheels to my favorite old folks at windsor gardens, in the cold and snowy weather. it was fabulous, little phyllis invited me in to meet her grandkids, show me their christmas tree cookie project, and offer me gingerbread. how great is that?! and i spent sunday morning at christmas brunch with his family, and sat and sun doing shopping and wrapping galore. it was a very merry christmasy weekend, and i am so grateful for it- especially since this year is tough for everyone i know, and. i was expecting it to be a sort of grinchy christmas.

i am beyond excited that everyone is in the christmas mood, including me! i just love, love, love christmas time- the holiday parties, treats, shopping is all so great, and merry and festive and loving- (i really wonder why can't we be this nice and giving every month...) but i really love the true meaning of christmas: every year the advent season at church, and in my own heart, just leaves me breathless, thinking of all the amazing things my God has done for me and my loved ones, and everyone else. what a beautiful gift we have at our fingertips. 

here are a few pics that capture the warm and fuzzy feelings i've been having as of late... 

the 'reindeer training camp' outside a building at windsor gardens. so clever!

a tea light decoration at a dear friends house- how crafty! 

a blur of lights. it's indistinguishable but lovely!