I am not feeling very well tonight. I think I worked so hard to get Christmas ready that I may have overdone it a bit. There will be no Christmas dinner tomorrow. I have promised a pie each to my two favorite guys, but tomorrow, for the first time in a long time, I am mainly just going to rest.

I am looking forward to it. Rest. It’s what humans should be doing right now, and I am overdue.

We have hard things coming for us, dear readers–at least I think so. I do not know what 2025 will bring, but I have a lot of worry about it. I also know that I am going to need my strength, and 2024 was not a strong year for me at all.

So, tonight, on Christmas Eve, I am just feeling thankful and not letting myself worry about next year. I am going to concentrate on a few days of rest, try to heal my body, celebrate the return of the light, and be cozy with my family.

It has been a lovely Christmas Eve. I got to see my daughter and her partner today. I worked on a quilt for my son. I made good treats for the chickens since they were cooped up for most of the day due to the snow, delivered presents to my neighbors, and received one of the best gifts I have ever received on Christmas. It is an ice lantern! Isn’t it beautiful?

My kind neighbor carried it to our house while I was out delivering presents in the neighborhood. Ron was shoveling snow in the driveway when our neighbor delivered it. He put the ice lantern in the most beautiful spot ever. It is up high, by the gate near the chicken coop, and it is just magnificent. It reminds me of how much I love Maine and how beautiful winter is here.

We have not had a wintery white Christmas here in Maine in some time. Tonight, as I look out the window at my lantern and see the snow on the ground and feel the warmth of the wood stove, I am grateful.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! Happy Hanukah to all who celebrate! And happy return of the light to everyone!