We are small,

but we are mighty this Christmas!

There are only three adult souls celebrating together

and it is in our home that they rest.

Schmilly and I have never been without our parents at Christmas

or around Christmas - this is a landmark year.

Blue thoughts here and there, but we processed a lot of them before the most important days of the season:

that feels like a blessing.

Anthony's sister has joined us from Sacramento

and we are enjoying her company so much.

The fur family has had their share of pets

and romps in the paper mounds

before they (the paper, not the cats!) made their way to the recycle bin.

I've mostly hung around the kitchen, making a big pot of cannelini beans

and a double chocolate cake

in the style of my Aunt Sandra, something I know will bring a smile to our faces

as we finish our chicken and dumpling dinner:

who can resist cake?

My Aunt Sandra's chocolate cake, by the way, is the best I've ever tasted.

I know mine will not compare

but with every bite it will remind me of my cousin sisters and

our wonderful times around the table together at every age:

that feels good!

New traditions require a bit of bravery

a pinch of moxy

and a lot of tender loving care:

we've got love to spare -

the moxy needs a bit of work on my part,

but the bones are there.

When we were setting up our tree last nigh we realized we had no angel,

but Anthony had this massive hand-painted shark ornament:

in a year of new twists and turns, we thought it

appropriate to buck tradition a bit

and so - behold!

A shark angel, come to tell us the glad tidings

that Christmas is here

and change is a gift to unwrap in itself!

Happy holidays, you blessed beans:

have a safe and merry season!

xoxox,

Allisunny, Anthony, Jones and Janey