Happy Holidays to everyone! I usually go all out with the decorations, but this year, so far, I haven’t been in the mood. Until today! Today, I bought Christmas presents for the kids and grandkids. I ordered some personalized neon lights for the younger kids and Amazon gift cards for the others. Not very creative, but it is something they will use.

I also bought some new door knobs for the house, which I have been wanting for a long time and a new doorbell camera since mine stopped working some time ago.

I am also in the mood for baking after viewing the lights downtown last night. I had a cold for a couple of weeks, so it felt good to get out. George and I went to IKEA first to get gingerbread cookies and see what else they had. I only bought food items.

I am missing Sweden. The Christmas lights and the markets were amazing. I have been watching YouTube and a Christmas walking tour in Stockholm. My brother and his family are posting pictures of their European Christmas trip, which looks incredible.  Next year I hope to have a trip like that.

Thanksgiving was quiet. We watched Christmas movies. It was delightful. The following day, black friday, I started feeling sick, so I relaxed all weekend rather than things I could have been doing. I am just now making the turkey. My timeline is a bit off. Maybe Christmas will be in the New Year, who knows?

The year is coming to a close rather quickly. No one can stop it, can they? On a good note, the cats are fighting less. Buddy wants to play, but Nala is having none of that. He has so much energy all the time. He is fun to play with, but he plays pretty rough. They do sit close to each other occasionally. He is adorable, yet I feel for Nala, who was used to all the attention.

I went to look at a house in another part of Phoenix last week. It was really nice. It got me thinking about a fresh start. Someplace without all the memories of my past. I could see myself there, but this morning I found out it was under contract, so someone saw it too. I know there are plenty of homes out there. Maybe in an area a little closer to my job. Maybe not. I haven’t gotten my financial stuff ready to be able to buy just yet.

The days are still pretty warm here, but the evenings are cool. It doesn’t feel much like Christmas. I did put up a few more lights outside. Mom and dad sent me some gifts, and I got one from Sheila as well. It will be nice. I haven’t sent any Christmas cards this year. This may be all you hear from me, but I am keeping you in my heart.

The SWEA Christmas market had a great turnout on the first weekend of December. We had over 500 people there. We had a very nice Lucia procession and sold of beautiful Swedish things. Haven’t done the numbers yet, so I’m not sure if we did better than last year, but I feel we did. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!