This year, Christmas was simple and lovely. It can feel natural to rush past it, once December 25th has come and gone. But I want to linger a little, take note of some of my favorite tiny moments. 2020 will have it's own center stage for a full year, after all...

Since our move back to the Midwest this past spring, we are seeing a little more of my family. But it never feels like enough, so it's so special to spend in-person time with them, and even more sweet this time of year. My brother, parents, and Grandma Donna arrived last Friday night. On Saturday, they came over and my Grandma met Cooper for the first time! Goodness, that was so special to me...

Cooper woke up a little earlier than his usual, as of late. He gave me big, sloppy kisses when I got him from his crib today. I ate my breakfast while he sat next to me in his high chair, fascinated. He smiled and laughed as he dropped toys on the ground, sitting up so tall, like a little boy (not so much a baby anymore, but still my baby forever)...

Some of the smaller moments in this season are the ones I adore the most. Beside the Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, etc., there are so many sweet moments, tucked in, nearly missed unless I make a point to see them. Here are a few highlights from the last few weeks:Hot cocoa with these candy cane marshmallows (definitely a dessert drink, but very fun and Christmasy)This YouTube channel about a couple living in rural Sweden, off the grid...

Frantic might be the word of the season, if we let it. I can't say how many emails I've been receiving with taglines of Don't miss out! or Get your early black Friday access now! Even as I've made an effort the last few years to approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons with a bit more calm, better planning, and less stuff (physical items and events on our calendar), each year, I find myself needing to be cognizant of it again. It is a joyful season, mostly. It's also an emotional one, that can bring overwhelm and myriad of other emotions from sadness and nostalgia, to hurt and hope...