Today’s tidbit: I hope all of your holidays will always be filled with joy and good cheer and each New Year brings you peace, happiness and good health.

Baking, cooking, decorating, crafts, shopping, wrapping… the list goes on. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s good to remember that what is really important is just spending time with the people you love during the holidays. This year my brother, Sammy and I headed to upstate NY to spend a week with my mom and her family (most of whom all live there). This post focuses on Christmas and a winter wonderland, but today we are also closing out December. Wishing you a safe and memorable night as we close out 2013 and start 2014! Happy New Year’s (Eve), everyone!

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

I love this time of year.

Although I don’t like cold weather, during this time of year it seems appropriate and I do love a white Christmas. Everything looks so fresh and beautiful with the snow glistening (and Sammy loves playing in it). Everything is beautiful and unique in it’s own way, especially during the holidays, and you just have to take time to look around to notice and enjoy it before it’s gone.

{Winter wonderland} The woods behind the house. Lots of chilly, beautiful morning walks out here.

 

{family} We have been going there for holidays since we were little. This was the first year Allie, David and I weren’t all together on Christmas. Allie came up the weekend before Christmas to see everyone and celebrate a little earlier. David and I stayed in NY for Christmas while Allie and our day went to Roanoke, VA to be with with her husband, Brian and his family. As I mentioned last year, with my grandparents now in nursing homes and assisted living, the holidays have changed — but it makes you take a step back and look around. It is amazing what a difference just a hug and smile can make!

 

{little details} Baking, drinking, decorating, wrapping, soft twinkles of light… a few personal favorites of the little details during the holiday season.

A little Springbok, a new drink my mom and I discovered in South Africa, while baking.

My gluten free cookies. I was proud I actually baked this year!

 

{Christmas morning} Mimosas by the tree followed by opening presents and brunch with family. Of course Cody and Sammy had some festive fun too!

A few of my favorites from my mom and Allie… time to go wander and travel in 2014!!

 

{Snow dogs} Remember my New York, part 2: Canine friends with Sammy, Cody and my moms neighbors dog Nina? This time Nina couldn’t play in the yard with them since she is recovering from surgery. Enjoying the open space and playing in the snow, Sammy and Cody were worn out pups. Of course I was out there with my camera!

 

I swear Sammy smirks!

And last but not least, I couldn’t go to Albany and not visit Alyshia, who I keep in touch with and when I come in always does a wonderful job with my hair! Fresh cut and new highlights.

It was a lovely Christmas week in NY with lots of food, drinks, family and movies!

{Holiday cards} I was gone for a week and came home to some lovely mail. Recognize any of the pictures? 🙂

And that was Christmas… and closes out December! Look for a reflection post on 2013 soon. Wishing you a safe and memorable night as we close out 2013 and start 2014! Happy New Year’s (Eve), everyone!