Because I was sick and working too much just before the holidays, I didn’t get as much of a chance to check out the neighborhood’s Christmas displays as I would have liked. Today I went on a bit of a walkabout and got to see one of the local restaurant’s tree theme for the year:

Last year, Floriana had a Nancy Pelosi-themed tree, but this year they opted to celebrate Sesame Street‘s 50th birthday.

Rudi and I returned to D.C. tonight, but my holiday time off continues for several more days. I’m hoping to balance productivity with utter laziness. I’ll let you know how it goes…

Here’s what I’m thinking the weekend might include:

• Sending out my Christmas cards.
• Coordinating with our two friends about our NYE movie marathon plans.
• Watching a movie or two.
• Reading.
• Taking a walk or a bike ride. (I’ve been very sedentary the past week.)
• Buying milk.
• Baking.
• Going to the library, the bagel shop, and the farmers market.
• Sleeping in (but keeping in mind that if I miss the sun tomorrow I’ll be sad).
• Tidying.
• Checking out a museum exhibition.
• Enjoying some holiday light displays.

How about you? What are you hoping to do this weekend?

Three beautiful things from my past week:

1. I wrapped a project up at the end of the year that I’m very proud of.

2. Rudi came home after ten days away — and three days of driving cross-country.

3. Today was the first day that I hadn’t taken any cold medicine in a week.

What’s been beautiful in your world lately?

I hope those who celebrate had a lovely Christmas today. We certainly did, filled with togetherness, gifts, delicious food, and lots of laughter and reminiscing.

And tomorrow, Boxing Day, there will be more of the same, with a visit with a friend taking center stage for me.

I wish you relaxation if you need it, in whatever form you can get it.

Have a very merry Christmas!

Season’s greetings on this fine Christmas Eve. We have reached our final day of this year’s Virtual Advent Tour together and relatively unscathed.

Our final host this year is Alissa at headknits. She has a post (and a great poem!) about Christmas Eve in her Ohio neighborhood.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all of our Virtual Advent Tour hosts — raidergirl3, Bridget, kathy b, Jo Kay, Rudi, Karen, DOD, Constance, and Alissa. I love the breadth of everyone’s posts, and, frankly, I wouldn’t be able to run this event without your help.

Thank you. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And god bless us, every one.