Far too much turmoil to post over the past several weeks. Life does not take a holiday! Despite the obstacles, the tree was put up, although I cannot take credit for it. We had to mark this Christmas since it was a very sweet milestone. It was Miss G. (Sunday's Child) first Christmas!

The lights shine with hope. They will shine until June 7th. I always celebrate Epiphany. When the children were small, this would be the day we would give them gifts.

Growing up in PORTUGAL, we would put out our shoes by the chimney and waited for a tiny present from the baby Jesus (Menino Jesus) on Christmas Eve. On Epiphany, we would get another gift. It was not the madness of gifts that it is today, one that I do not subscribe to.

Christmas Eve, was indeed a silent and Holy Night. Our Christmas was quiet this year. Quiet in celebration. Not quiet in the little surprises that life always seems to have in store for us.

May your life's surprises in this new year be sweet ones.