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So much Christmas color this year. . .

Or maybe it’s just that it has been so warm, I’ve been out and about more, enjoying it all. Beckett had the flu, but Brooks, Chelsea and I made it to a balmy evening of Christmas lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek.By Christmas Day Beckett was feeling fine.Note that Brooks is barefoot. On Christmas Day. In Colorado. It was 67 degrees. Yes, I think he was trying to kick his brother. 😉 And no, he was not the only kid there in his PJs. Apparently, it’s a Christmas Day thing.

In addition to the color and the fab (though weird) weather, there’s been so much music this month. I’ve been singing with the worship band once a month for two years now, but this month I’ve been singing almost every week, counting the Christmas choir, and I’m loving it. At home, I’m trying to teach myself bluesy jazz piano, which turns out to be something you can’t really teach yourself, at least I can’t, so I’m hoping to get some help with that. Still. What a joy music is.

Once the Christmas decor is put away, I’ll get my art supplies back out. I’ve been in contact with a friend in France who paints large, gorgeous abstracts, so maybe I’ll try that, inspired by the colors of this glorious season.

I’m not forgetting . . . All . . . The . . . Things . . . of 2025. Too many of my people are hurting right now to forget for even a day. I’m just offering you (and me) a little break from the hard parts. Maybe art or music or time with cute kiddos can help you, too.

I just read a post from Kate Bowler with twelve excellent thought-provoking questions. I won’t list them all, but you can check out her website here. Some of my favorites:

• What surprised you with its goodness this year?
• What did you carry further than you thought you could?
• Who helped you survive this year?
• What is one thing you did this year that your past self would be proud of?
• What did you lose that deserves to be remembered?
• What do you hope to make room for next year–not as a resolution, but as a holy invitation?
• If you could write a blessing for the year ahead, what would it say?

I love these. They could be journal or poetry prompts or springboards for great conversations or simply a means of self-reflection. I hope they spark something in you, as they have in me.

Grace and peace to you and yours, now and in the year to come!