Today is December 21st and that means It’s Officially Winter!
The bulk of our snow is gone with the rain. BUT for the First Day of Winter we got a nice light dusting. We’ll just have to wait a few days or so until a new snowfall comes to build a snowman though…
Happy Winter or Happy Dongzhi ( December 21st marks the traditional Chinese festival of Dongzhi, the 22nd solar term. Dongzhi marks the start of the coldest period of the season)
I love Christmas lights. One of my favourite things to do in December before Christmas is to grab a mug of my favourite coffee or coffee/hot chocolate and drive around to see the lights. I love it!
When we were away our kids went to a magical place and told us about it. It sounded just perfect and tonight David & I and James went.
It was like a magical wonderland…in the middle of the woods!
I just LOVE stuff like this. And after…a candy cane coffee with some treats!
I feel very productive! I actually think I am ready for Christmas.
I have treats baked for my family. Today I finished the last of my gift purchasing and everything is wrapped. I have lists and menus made and even decided to do my grocery shopping so that later in the week when it’s REALLY busy I won’t have to.
I’m feeling pretty great because NOW I can RELAX and enjoy this most WONDERFUL time of the year! No stress, no pressure…just enjoy the quiet moments. ( PS. I think the key is to do less…but to make it special)
In honour of feeling accomplished…Wraps for dinner it is!
I can’t believe it’s just one week til Christmas!
December has flown by!!! I guess because there was just so much fun stuff happening for us this year. And throw China travel into the mix makes it busy!
Today was our Church’s Christmas Banquet. Last week was the concert and we missed it. I’m a little sad because this is one of the highlights for me of the Christmas season. I love watching the little ones do their program.
Tonight was a wonderful banquet dinner. And so many great laughs and fun with friends. I’m feeling truly thankful and blessed.
One week til Christmas! Have a wonderful week friends.
Yesterday was my beautiful parents Anniversary. They celebrated 55 years marriage December 16th.Wow! That’s a milestone. I thought my 30 years was a milestone. I called Dad yesterday to see what they were doing. Not much he said, just staying cozy inside having hot dogs for lunch!! Haha, that made me chuckle. My parents have always enjoyed the simple things…TOGETHER!
Here is a pic on their special day 55 years ago…
And today with my Abby girl 🙂
Family is the BEST!
Speaking of family. Today Dad’s family, his sisters and brother ( who recently celebrated his 80th) got together at a local restaurant for lunch and we were invited. Of course we went. I always love an excuse to see them! Some of his brothers and sisters ( he’s from a very large family) and of course my grandparents have passed, so I treasure these special moments and opportunities. You just don’t know how many more you’ll get to all be together.
We had a lot of fun and laughs and catching up. I even had fun taking selfies with my Auntie who doesn’t have a clue about social media. I love her. I love them. Christmas time provides wonderful opportunities for family fun.
I hope you’re enjoying your Saturday. Today it’s a snowy one again on the east coast. Lots and lots of snow, and for some reason the plows aren’t going and thankfully we are cozy inside! Snowy BUT oh so pretty!
Yesterday it snowed again. Everything is so beautiful!
Brr!!!!!! Today we are in the deep freeze!
This morning is freezing and windy so the windchill makes it -29 (-20F)
It’s so cold to get out and off to work this morning. Thinking of my sweetie and our kids who are off to work super early before it has chance to warm up a bit ( not that it will today)
Yesterday I finished my baking and went to bed extra early. Today I need to make some lists! Menu and food list for grocery shopping and Gift list to be able to finish my Christmas shopping ( hopefully tonight) And maybe I will do a little bit of wrapping.
I’m getting things crossed off one by one. It’s busy BUT I LOVE it! I LOVE this time of year!!
Tonight David & I went to the city to pick up a few things. It was FrEeZiNg!!!!!! But that didn’t stop me from insisting we stop at Historic Properties on the Halifax Waterfront. It is just so beautiful, so romantic at Christmas. We took a few pics…until both our phones froze and shut off. NOW THAT’S COLD!!!
I’m still waking up VERY early in the morning.
It’s so quiet and peaceful and no one around except for the two or three deer that are walking down the street. Yes, I live in town but it doesn’t stop these creatures from coming out of the woods and going for a little stroll down the street when everyone should be sleeping.
Peppermint patties
Peanut Butter Balls
White Chocolate Candy Cane Bark
Gumdrop Nougat
Cranberry/Orange Bars
Lemon Loaf
Whipped Shortbreads
Cracker Candy
There are a few more things I’ll do like our Christmas Eve Yule Log, Cranberry Steamed Pudding and maybe a cheese cake or two , and some brownies. But that’s something for next week.
Yum! Everything looks so delicious and my home smells wonderful…like Christmas!
Ahh…last night there was a beautiful December full moon! Here is a picture that Terry Conrad took and our local weather broadcaster shared of the full moon over Lunenburg, Nova Scotia last night. I love it!
A crisp cool moon reflecting on clean white snow and shining over the harbour.
On a little side note. Do you know what I noticed about Facebook while I was in China?
Take a look…
In China
And here in Canada
Notice the difference?
I thought it was pretty cool!!!
Have a good night!
I NEED 2 days this year to get my Christmas baking done!!
Even though I decided before I went to China that I would bake less this year, and only make a few of our absolute favourites and nothing too fancy that is too stressful…I NEED 2 days, when otherwise I could do it all in one.
I’m just too tired! The jet leg on this end coming back is so brutal. I ALWAYS find it harder!!!
Stay tuned tomorrow I should be able to finish up and post some pics. But right now I need to lay my head down for a quick rest before I continue today’s goodies.
I’m home! We got in late last night( rather 3am this morning) and this week I KNOW I will be dealing with a bit of jet leg… yep, I’m heading to bed right after I post this at 7:30pm.
BUT with only 12 days til Christmas…
I’ve gotta get busy! Baking, wrapping , last errands…and there are a couple of events to attend this week.
But today it was relax and rest up a bit, open mail, and shop for groceries and baking ingredients.
Tomorrow, yes tomorrow I’ll get at it!
Just An East Coast Girl 