CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE DONE with NEW YEAR THOUGHTS

THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER!  What shall I do different?  

Ending AUTUMN with the CHRISTMAS CARDS AND GIFTS in the mail. Relieved.  No snow in the forecast this year.  Wish it were incorrect.  I'd love a WHITE CHRISTMAS.

Perhaps we will all be surprised and snow will fall anyways.  The time slot between CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR'S would be enhanced by a surprise SNOW.  That would be wonderful.  

I'll be staying away from the stores and relax that I am prepared.  I want so badly to drive the POTWIN PLACE NEIGHBORHOOD in TOPEKA to see the beautifully decorated houses for CHRISTMAS.  Perhaps we will go over this evening and take a peek.

We've done this for about 10 years and I look forward to it each time as the the theme is changed yearly.  They have islands in the middle of the intersections that display a theme.  As fast as this year has flown, I recall vividly last year's theme and can see the houses lit.  We ooh and ahh.  We drove the neighborhood twice and admired the Victorian houses all lit up.      

DO you have TRADITIONS for CHRISTMAS?  I hang CHRISTMAS wreaths on the front doors. The Nativity Scene is displayed.  Usually a tree is decorated.  Set some nutcrackers, Santas and angels out along with snowmen.  Christmas cards are mailed. Christmas shop.  Gifts exchanged. Some greenery is placed about the house.  Sometimes Christmas lights are placed on the exterior of the house.  Drive the neighborhoods to look at the decorations.  SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Attend Church Services.  Listen to CHRISTMAS music.  Sip Hot Chocolate.  Make cookies, fudge and pretzels.  Etc.    

A SLEIGH RIDE is over due.  Looking at the illuminated houses decorated for CHRISTMAS throughout communities always is a treat for me.  

Through the years receiving CHRISTMAS CARDS was and still is a treasure/gift.  The number of cards we receive have dwindled to only a few this year.  My CHRISTMAS CARD LIST has dwindled as well.  pause.  The family and friends I have grow more precious to me than ever.

I am already thinking about what I should do differently this coming year.  SURPRISE. SURPRISE.  What a great time to begin a NEW HABIT.  I will begin a walking journal and actually walk.  Going to do a few minutes of exercise 3 times a week.  OF COURSE eat more salads and dark greens.  More veggie SMOOTHIES.  Work on a quilt, sew, remodel the house, draw, write a book, get organized, downsize, meditate on scripture from the Bible, send Grandchildren a monthly card.  What else?  BE HEALTHIER.  That dreaded thought...work at losing weight.  One day at a time.  One morsel of food at a time.  Mindful eating.  Mindful.  A new habit to practice.

Okay, the day has begun and I must get after it,

~d