(D♥A) 'TIS THE SEASON!!!!!!!!

'Tis the season to be jolly, so they say. However, 'Tis also the season for last minute shopping (or better yet, handcrafting gifts), baking, frantically trying to co-ordinate celebrations and for spending more money than in the average month. The season for cheerfully working extra hours to make ends meet while looking forward to the final result.

The past week or so has been no less frantic for the two of us. Anna has been frantically trying to finish handcrafted gifts, extending work time far into the night. In the interest of a bit of extra cash, I have spent some of my already limited time building fence for a local rancher. I would have rather used that time for other things but am truly grateful for the wages.

On the really bright side, my lovely Anna and I managed to spend most of the weekend together. Much of the time was spent at a local flea market where Anna sells items and products she makes as well as resale items. I loaded up some cedar trees I had cut from the property (dave's farm) and we tried to sell them as well. We didn't sell much, no tree sales at all, but having the much needed time together was wonderful. Later, on our way back to anna's farm, we managed to give away a tree to someone who couldn't afford one, a young, single mother that has met upon a series of really rough, unexpected hardships. Her eyes that sparkled with disbelief and her grateful smile in return was worth so much more than any dollar value.

Now I'm back home and the air is filled with the smells of baking. Fruitcakes are in the oven as I type (before you say YUCK!, let me assure you they are not standard fruitcakes, more real fruit than cake) and cookie dough yet to mix tonight. I haven't talked to Anna yet this evening but you can bet she is busy trying to finish up those gifts.

Through all this busy confusion, I hope we can all take time to slow down and enjoy the Christmas season for all that it is and represents. Hopefully, we can also find it in our hearts to show tolerance of those celebrating this time of year who are of a variety of other beliefs. You see, 'tis also the season for love and compassion.

May you all have a joyful and truly blessed Christmas season, whatever tradition you celebrate.