For The Last Time This Year

As has been my habit every Wednesday for this past  year, I have been recounting and recording my daily joys. This will be my last Wednesday post, because this year will officially begin on a Friday. So during 2021 my weekly joys will be posted then. Looking back this has been a painful year, but I have managed to find joy every single day, even on the worst days. 

Thursday night I plan on taking an hour or so to myself to re-read all the posts just to try and relive the day to day happiness I found in the middle of a dreadful year. If any of you feel so inclined please join in with your own joy diary next year (which sounds funny since next year is officially in two days)

Wednesday: The biggest joy for the day was having DIL3 and Son3 around the house, talking with them, then watching Christmas Vacation together.

Thursday: I needed a couple of stocking stuffers so I ran out at 8 a.m. to beat the rest of the holiday shoppers. I actually went to two off the beaten path stores with very few customers and was done, home, and having a hot cup of coffee a little bit before 10. The rest of the day was spent mostly leisurely getting ready for Christmas. At 3 we watched a Swedish Walt Disney compilation, which DIL3 has watched every year, while we drank Glogg and feasted on saffron rolls. I loved being able to share her traditions. Later in the evening we were able to participate in Christmas Eve services via live streaming. I was the last one in bed leaving the house clean, the table set and food prepped for an easy Christmas morning.

Friday: TheHub and I woke very early, and for the first time ever had  leisurely cups of coffee and conversations while listening to Christmas music. Later when Son3 and DIl3 woke and came downstairs, The Great Unwrapping began. Afterward my sister and BIL came over for brunch, then we went to Son2 and DIL2's house to give them their presents. They were still in quarantine following 1st degree exposure to covid (fortunately neither of them got it and both tested negative at the end of their time) We put the gifts on their porch then stood outside while they were in the doorway, talked for a few minutes then left.

Saturday: We had nothing to return, no need to go to the grocery store and basically just had a lazy day at home putting up our gifts and enjoying the tree lights. We did go out driving that night to looks at a couple of areas with beautiful outside decorations, then picked up BBQ. DIL3 declared the best part of winter in the south is the availability of delicious, freshly cooked, hickory smoked bbq in the winter. It seems normal to us but was a novelty for her.

Sunday: After streaming church services and a Webex Sunday school class, TheHub and I ran down to the lake place for a couple of hours to check on everything. After we returned our middle son and his beautiful wife were through with their quarantine and came over to visit. We still all wore masks, and only did the elbow bump, but it was wonderful to be able to visit with them. DIL3 made more delicious saffron buns served with coffee this time! Perfect!

Monday: Looking out the kitchen window there is a redbud tree in the back yard. It was covered with finches. Both purple and regulation house finches.  It was quite beautiful to see. 

Tuesday: Tuesday began the defrocking process. I like to start the new year with Christmas gone, however I also tend to alter some it into New Year's decorations. I like the lights and brightness from Christmas to remain without the traditional Christmas look. It is a process, but it is something I like to do. 

We also played a new to us board game "Mind the Gap". It was a lot of fun with a lot of laughs. 

I can't believe I only have two more days to find joy this year. I am so ready to turn the page from this unusual (not necessarily in a good way) year. I know magic is not going to happen, and when the clock strikes midnight everything will become all goodness and light, but I am hopeful that before the new year is up we have transitioned into a friendlier year. 

I hope you find joy daily and peace through the new year!