Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

 

May the spirit of Saint Nicholas- of love and kindness and generosity- be present today and everyday! Happy Saint Nicholas Day, friends! xo

In which Grace uses the watercolor kit that Saint Nicholas left for her to create this gorgeous piece. xo 

Happy Saint Ncholas Day!

Good St. Nicholas

Good Saint Nicholas went about, 
on a snowy evening. 
Placing gifts of gold and sweets; 

presents he was leaving. 
Cheering up the poor and least; 

lifting up the beggar. 

May we share our Chrsitmas feast, 

with our friends and neighbors. 

    -Ambder Lynn Hellewell (sung to the tune of Good King Wenceslas)

During the Festive Season

 

This year was easily the least I have ever blogged. Here is it, Decemebr 30th, and I have (including this post) blogged a total of 39 times. Before this year, the lowest number of posts in this space of ours was 127 (in 2022). This isn't to say that there have not been blog worthy events that would total in the hundreds, but it does speak to how full life is with two teenagers, a full time (paid) job, my full time unpaid job (as mama of those two amazing girls), as well as life as a wife and doctoral student. In early November I ended up resigning from my job as the Director of Children's Ministry at the church in Holliston, and we have fully returned to our church home/family in Framingham. That brought with it more downtime than I have had in a long while, though that will be short lived as I move into the proposal and disseration phase of my program starting in January. 

Our December was full of wonderful traditions. The Advent Spiral, Saint Nichoas Day, Winter Solstice (my most favorite Deemebr holiday!), cinnamon roll making (and delivering), and of, course, the Christmas Eve service. It was so lovely to be there, with a pew full of my church children, all of whom have grown into the most incredible young women and men. 

The bunnies have loved sitting by the tree as much as we do, and we are all so sure that they will be very sad when the tree comes down. Truly, is there anything more relaxing than sitting by the light of the tree before the sun comes up or after it goes down? 

It was quite a year for this family of ours. But more about that tomororw. Tonight is all about getting this blog updated so that we can go into 2024 and this next chapter, fresh and ready to go! xo 

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

 

(With a special appearance by Krampus for good measure!)

May the deeds of Saint Nicholas inspire us all to a life of kindness and compassion. xo 

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

 

May the deeds of Saint Nicholas inspire us all toward unexpected acts of kindness and generosity today and every day. 
Happy Saint Nicholas Day! xo

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

 

I have to say that using the boots was super fun this year! We'll have to do that from now on! 

May the deeds of Saint Nicholas inspire us all toward unexpected acts of kindness and generosity today and every day. Happy Saint Nicholas Day! xo 

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

Happy Saint Nicholas Day! Shoes on the stairs this year so that Jake does not get to the nuts and chocolate. Saint Nicholas left the girls nuts, chocolate coins, honey, a chocolate Saint Nicholas and a Nutcracker and ornament). Now, if only Mama and Daddy had remembered to put their shoes out too! 

May the deeds of Saint Nicholas inspire us all toward unexpected acts of kindness and generosity today and every day! xo 

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

Happy Saint Nicholas Day! May the deeds of Saint Nicholas inspire us towards unexpected kindness and generosity! xo 

On Saint Nicholas Day

 Saint Nicholas stopped by and filled out shoes with treats! 

 He left a much wished for Saint Lucia doll,too! 

Happy Saint Nicholas Day, friends! May the deeds of Saint Nicholas inspire acts of kindness, compassion and generosity today and everyday! xo