Christmas '24...

 I have been the beneficiary of much thoughtfulness during the past weeks. 

My friend Debi from Georgia bowled me over by sending me an incredible handmade flower quilt she discovered (with many others) when she cleaned her mother's farmhouse after her death. It is a great treasure, lovingly hand-stitched and well cared for. 

Customers brought handmade gifts (a kitten-soft scarf, a whimsical stuffed moose tree ornament, home-baked goodies, and more). It was a joy to find piles of Christmas cards filled with warm wishes and sweet sentiments in our mailbox. As always, our family put a lot of attention into choosing gifts that showed they paid attention to one another's needs and desires. 

My sister invited all of our siblings and some nieces and nephews to gather at her home before the holiday. We rarely get together at Christmas, so it has been a long time since we shared such festivities. Their home was decorated to perfection, and she and her husband prepared a feast for us to share. Rachel and I drove there with the little ones and had such fun. 

Here are the four remaining Waters siblings gathered in the home our father built. Being there with them was a priceless gift. 

A few weeks shy of her first birthday, the Cygnet pushed her little toy and todddled on her tiny feet on the very floors I learned to walk on. What a delight that was to see! 

For a special treat, we met the newest family member and fell in love. Her parents were generous in sharing her, but in the end, they wanted her back! She is perfection, so we couldn't blame them. 

Back at home, we invited some of our favorite people to supper on Christmas Eve. There was jolly conversation, prime rib, twinkling lights, and plenty. I had a grateful heart as I served the meal. 

We welcomed Christmas with a lovely sparkling white blanket of snow, making everything feel a bit more festive. 

More than one friend or acquaintance has had struggles this year, causing them to have a difficult time during the holiday season. Their pain has made me pause even more than usual to think about how fortunate I am and be grateful. 

As we open fresh new calendars to welcome 2025, I wish for them, and anyone reading this, peace, plenty, good health, prosperity, and delight.