“The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm!
What do I care how much it may storm?
I’ve got my love to keep me warm…”
~ Irving Berlin

Here we are…the night before Christmas!

As I write this, Avery is dozing to sleep on my lap; Hudson is playing with his grandma; Steve is enjoying a moment of solitude in our bedroom and Christmas carols are resonating throughout the house.  All in all, peace is permeating our home right now.  And hopefully yours as well.

It’s been an amazing two weeks for us in the Smyth house.  It’s been an amazing twelve months actually but the last two weeks in particular – the first two weeks with our daugther – has been the very essence of what Christmas is really about.  We’ve enjoyed the gift of health, happiness, family and friends.  We’ve enjoyed the Christmas spirit in its purest form.

Of course, we’ve also managed to mix in some tree trimming, some gingerbread house making and some excessive holiday baking.  But it is only fair…if I’m going to get up countless times in the night to feed my beautiful newborn…then it only makes sense that I should have the proper baked good to get me through the long dark hours!!!  I’m pretty sure that Santa would want it that way!!

But now it’s time for a little break.  A Christmas break.  It’s time for some decadent hot chocolate made on the stove…some board games to be pulled out of retirement and some serious joy to be had as we watch our son discover Christmas for the first time as a toddler {he feels the need to go and “check in” on his tree ornaments every day…just to make sure they are right where he left them!!!}.  It’s time for a little rest and relaxation and soaking in the magic of it all.

So, from our family to yours, we wish you the loveliest of holidays.  We hope that it’s filled with loved ones, more holiday movies than you can handle and a slight overdose on all things chocolate!

Merry Christmas everyone…may your love keep you warm…