winter is near and i am getting all of the warm and fuzzies that come along with the beautiful season. it snowed the other day here in nashville. although it wasn't much, it was more than we have ever seen while living in texas. i grew up partially in boulder colorado and have been longing for the snow since i was a teenager. i know that we still have a few weeks left until the official start of winter, but it sure does feel like it's already here. it gets dark outside around five in the evening. the heater is running day and night. we seem to live in sheepskin slippers. we are craving stews, roasted root vegetables and other comforting foods. we enjoy hot cocoa with the kids at night and pull on heavy coats, scarves, mittens and hats when heading outside. the christmas music playing in stores, the lights popping up on homes around town. we even put up a christmas tree last sunday, a bit early i know, but we wanted to decorate with julian and milla before they traveled to florida for thanksgiving. it feels like the holidays here and i love it.
here are a few more things that i am looking forward to as winter arrives...
eating / turkey, au gratin potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and the rest of the feast tomorrow evening.
drinking / irish coffee.
practicing / patience, kindness, selflessness and humility. always.
mastering / the art of icing christmas cookies.
learning / how to make cheese.
playing / in the snow when it comes.
finishing / my holiday shopping.
reading / christmas stories with my kids at night with mugs of hot cocoa
walking / with through the neighborhood and looking at the christmas lights.
wearing / thick winter coats, warm sweaters and woolly socks.
cooking / delicious hearty meals for family, friends and folks.
working / a little less until after the holidays pass. i want to enjoy every minute.
traveling / nowhere until after the new year. we have decided to stay home for a while.
wanting / to take my family skiing before the season is over.
what are you looking forward to this winter?
p.s. my holiday gift guides start later this week. i'm excited! it's always fun rounding up gift ideas for different folks on every budget. i will be posting them in addition to my regular posts.
photos: top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right.