“Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.”
Jonathan Lockwood Huie, author
Christina Rossetti wrote the lyrics to a beautiful Christmas Carol about the “bleak midwinter”. It celebrates finding hope when surrounded by feelings of being forsaken. The Holiday season is like that. Celebrating the birth of a savior, hanging sparkling lights, telling Santa stories, and carefully wrapping gifts; all which bring color to an otherwise faded winter palette. Hope is the key for 2023.
Shiny ornamentation brings iridescence, but it is family that brings the warmth. When I (through a veil of utter denial) understood our house would NOT be built in 2022, I had a mini-meltdown. Okay, it was a major meltdown, complete with tears, and a trip to the liquor store. I had nightmare-quality visions of being stuck in an RV, in a remote area, with inadequate heat, and a spindly, tree twig serving as our sole reminder of the holiday season. I already spent one, lonely, yuletide in a campground, I could not bear two, nontraditional Christmas’ in a row. Thanks to my sister’s abundant hospitality, and visits to our sons, we were blessed with homes filled with laughter and merry-making.
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
I am quite certain that there is nothing more magical than the chortling of a child. Our Christmas morning was filled with giggles of complete glee, as our wide-eyed, grand-nephew ripped open packages. The deep, genuine, belly-laughter was the best gift of the day; a patent reminder that the best presents are not those that are under the tree.
Sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, husband, sisters, grandchildren; these are the gifts that matter. Christmas is all about love and kindness. It’s that simple.
2022 has brought it’s share of challenges and frustrations, but it has also provided adventure and discovery. We have enjoyed mountainous treks, panoramic views, alluring lakes, and an opportunity to explore. We have not lost our wanderlust. Our passion for RV rambling has not come to an end. We merely needed a holiday hiatus.
In less than two weeks, we will be on the road again, keeping close tabs on home construction, but still enjoying the gift of globetrotting.
Happy New Year to all. May 2023 bring good health, good times, and safe travels. Stay tuned…..
Retired and Rambling 
Happy New Year to you and Geoff! Hope your travels are safe and enjoyable! Praying your home is finished soon! ❤️
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