Season's scenes

I think I'm enjoying this holiday season more than I have in a long time. Maybe it's because my children are getting older; they can participate more now. But maybe that makes me slow down and enjoy it more too. The clock is definitely ticking on their belief in Santa Claus; this may the last year for the big one. But they both still believe and they're both very excited about Christmas. I'm still feeling relaxed about the whole thing, like I'd been trying to. My shopping is done. Yay! Now it's just the wrapping.

I'm excited too. I'll be baking cookies this weekend, a few different kinds. I may make some fudge too. It's good to be in the kitchen, good to be at home in general. I love having the Christmas tree up; there's just something so comforting about knowing it's standing in the living room. I bring my tea in there, sitting for a minute between tasks. I made rice pudding last week, on a rainy afternoon. I used our eggs and raisins we made this fall. I love to make rice pudding; the stirring is satisfyingly repetitive. I've been making soups; just this week, both pasta e fagioli and chicken soup with matzo balls. My Italian grandmother and my Jewish one were visiting me in the kitchen.

There's so much going on: recitals and school events. Advent chocolate every day! I love how caught up my children are, how completely Christmas-crazy they get. There's a little greed, sure, but it's mostly about the fun. They love the early darkness and the colder weather. They get so excited to be in the car when it's dark out. Isn't that funny? It's a huge thrill for them and I love their excitement. It's not just Christmas, it's wintertime and all the unique things winter brings: cocoa and cookies, afghan-snuggles, crafty afternoons at the kitchen table. It may snow this weekend! I really hope it will be cold enough for a fire. I'm so happy to make the season festive for them, to keep their bellies full and their bodies warm.