Day 602

Sammy decided it was time to take the Christmas tree down. For the last few days, he has been "harvesting" ornaments and bringing the remnants to our waiting hands. There is no remorse shown by our pup...only interest in our disposal techniques...hoping to have a second GO at the injured decorations!

Each year, I ask myself why it is so hard to take all of the "Christmas" down. Now, we do go a bit overboard, so the decorations come down a little at a time throughout the weeks after the holidays. The last ones standing now are the trees and the lighted villages. For some reason, our sweet Sammy decided to jump the barriers (couch and gate) to have a taste of ornaments during the last few days. Still...I just need a little more time with the lights and magic.

During this dark time of year, the lights outside and throughout the house, seem to bring comfort and hope. Their sparkling beauty might be a message reminding us that there is always light in the darkness...if we simply look.

Along with the holiday lights, 'family' illuminates these long days. We congregate and enjoy the chance to "stay put" and do things together. That is certainly a bright spot. The mornings find me walking my Goldens as the sun rises in the east...a shining reminder that a new day has endless possibilities. Sunsets are early, but send us all within the warm walls of The Big White House to enjoy an evening together.

Candles, lamps, fireplaces, ovens baking and other lighting around the house (I do keep a few small trees lit all year.) make a cozy place to congregate. My favorite lamp is a small, beautiful painted one found in the kitchen. It is the Nanny Lamp and lighting it is the first item of business each morning (Thank you, Mac.) My own Nanny spent hours in the kitchen each day, so that lamp honors her presence among us...I still feel her near.

So, light the lights and candles! Huddle close to the fireplace and enjoy the closeness of family and friends during this dark time of year. We are gaining two minutes of daylight each day (three in February), so enjoy each long day connecting with family. Sooner than we realize, the days will be warm and long again, luring us all outside to go our separate ways.