by JanieM
(This was drafted and ready to go when lj's post went up on Christmas Eve. I would have used it as a comment, but I wanted to include some pictures.)
Christmas got diluted for me this year, what with car problems, illness (not mine and not serious, but hampering), the birth of another grandchild (a reason for rejoicing, but also a time sink 😊), storms and floods and a mass shooting to sap my energy.
So – I have lights in the windows, gifts wrapped, and a bit of celebratory food to make, but for the first time in my life, and I hope the last, no Christmas tree. I didn’t even get time to go cut some pine branches to bring that lovely scent into the house. (Maybe I still will.)
As always, though, I’ve enjoyed the light displays in public places and other people’s windows and yards, because for me, light is basically what this time of year is about. The season of increasing darkness in late fall always slows me down, so maybe it makes sense that this turning of the year cheers me up, despite the months of brutal weather yet to come.
Sending best wishes to everyone here for a new, improved year in 2024, personally and politically. Plus, thanks to all of you who hang around here continuing the conversation.
Open thread.
(Pictures below the fold.)