December has been a whirlwind of sights, sounds, memories, sensations, and emotions.

I was lucky enough to travel this month. Germany, Austria, and Slovenia with their colorful Christmas markets were a seasonal delight–

Christmas gingerbread in Munich

Nuremberg market at dusk

Handmade citrus pomanders in a Bratislava market stall

Vienna’s St. Charles Borromeo Church hosted a midnight performance of Mozart’s Requiem

And while the trip was thrilling, it came at a price, the race to prepare for Christmas when I returned home.

A tradition of 30 years and more, friends and family and I climbed the hills of a Christmas tree farm hunting for the perfect tree. Trimming them, dressing the house for the holidays, gift wrapping, and baking occupied the final 2 weeks before Christmas.

It was only on Christmas, with favorite carols and holiday music flavoring the air in my home that I began to enjoy the day. White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Christmas Waltz and more reminded me of  happy holidays past, while Adeste Fidelis, Ave Maria, and Panis Angelicus settled the joyful reason for Chritsmas in my heart and soul.

Next came the holiday parties, this year, thankfully, celebrated happily with close friends.

And now comes the new year.

I wish you all what I wish for myself–health, peace, a modicum of wealth, creative inspiration, the satisfaction of work well done, and success in whatever endeavors we hold dear.

Happy New Year!