Twelve Days of Christmas

I have to admit, I like after Christmas much more than before Christmas, or even actual Christmas. I just enjoy the quiet down time, with nothing that needs  to get done, and nowhere we need to go. No building up and planning and list-making. No boys so wound up with anticipation they're about to spring. But I'm not one to take down the tree the moment the last crumb of plum pudding has been brushed off the table. I like to stretch out and luxuriate in holidayness, without any holiday fuss. Also, I like any excuse to use my holiday tablecloths.

We have been having such a wintery winter here this year.

But it's hard to feel annoyed by the cold, when everything is so incredibly beautiful all around us. 

It's like we're in Narnia (only without the White Witch) or Winterland.

I mean, at the risk of sounding a bit daft, the world positively appears enchanted.

(This is actually a pin oak, trying to get into the spirit of things by dressing up as a Christmas tree.)

Even our sugar shack looks beautiful.

Of course, it's easy to say all this from my spot inside, warm and cozy by the fire.

Meanwhile, indoors, we've been carrying on our little Twelve Days of Christmas rituals.

The boys, as is to be expected, are a little less enthusiastic about playing along this year, but as we get further away from actual Christmas, they have shown a little more interest in hearing about the day's animal in The Wonderful Christmas Tree and hanging the ornament on said tree. And, of course, they're always game to blow out candles (though not so much for singing Christmas carols, especially since I've declared "Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer" to be not a proper carol.

I hope your holiday season--whether you celebrate one day or twelve (plus a few) has been merry and bright, and I hope winter is putting a little sparkle into your New Year!