51: The two shall become one

My fiftieth Christmas and my second Solstice. I never knew I'd be able to say that this was the best holiday of my life, to date. Exceeded my expectations and fulfilled a deep place in me. Thankful that new beginnings are possible and that both old and new holidays can provide the right mix of sentiment and imagination. Candles are out, but the memories linger.

49: A Quiet Christmas

Spent part of my first "Christmas sans kids" with this sweet man.

48: Anticipation

My favorite wrapping paper and snowflake ribbon.

47: How my family spends time together

Even Caitrin has her netbook open. They're all playing snakes while watching The Daily Show. Nice having the college kids home.

46: A Trio of Musketeers

Though I am the only Xavier Muskie, we are (according to Joules) her musketeers. Best Christmas Lunch Ever at Trio's.

45: Holiday shopping does that to you

43: Sweet deal

First cookie exchange with new friends, sharing my Grandmother Eva's Butter Horns. Yummy.

42: Focus

Grading by the light of the Christmas tree... when finished, I can finally give in to the season. 

Note the bokeh! So proud.

41: Huzzah!

Fun dinner meeting Johannah's new guy. He brought me sunflowers!

39: Angel I heard on high

Joyous holiday concert. Caitrin's in the second row from the bottom, fourth in from the left (the brunette bangs). 

38: Home for the holidays

Red (hair) and green (tree). So Christmasy! Tree decorating included Johannah, home from OSU, and Noah and Amanda, up from Clifton.

36: The Mad Potter

Did me a world of good to paint holiday ceramics with my divorced friends. A chance to feel normal, which is important once in awhile.

Note: Nancy's fabulous Hello Kitty on her pencil jar. She's talented!

34: O Tannenbaum

Caitrin and I did it all by ourselves. Go girls! We supported the local economy by not going to Home Depot. We went to "Gear's Nursery" in West Chester.