Snow started falling, I’m 15 days into my car rental as my van is still waiting for parts to be fixed, it’s days before Christmas, and we’re moving.  Sounds pretty frantic but I realized a few things as I carried shoeboxes full of bits and pieces from one home to another.  I only need a few things to be happy.

The first things I moved to make me feel like I was home were the kettle and some tea, the toaster and some bread, the wine and some glasses, and a few good books.  Then I felt like I’d been at the new address forever.

And in the middle of the boxes and the chaos, my only goal now is to clear the great room, make space to sit down, and set up a tree with whatever decorations we can find.  I know that we’ll remember this holiday as a special one because the simple things will stand out.

As travel writer Freya Stark said, “Christmas is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.”

It’s the memories, the feelings, the laughter, the food, the love, the sharing, the stories, and the gratitude.  And those things are with you no matter where you lay your head at night or what’s going on in your daily story.

May you have a beautiful holiday that you carry in your heart forever.  Merry Christmas to all.  And to all a good night.