Ending the Decade - December 2019

December Decorating

I love a little whimsical decorating at Christmastime! I knew the kids weren't going to be in town this year, but I had some fun making the house festive anyway.

The kids weren't around to help put up the tree... or to blame, when I knocked it over. Oh dear.

Reading, Playing, Baking...

It was nice having a lot of home time, this year. I actually got around to reading some of my favorite Christmas stories. Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" with a cup of coffee, on a balmy morning! Perfect.

I had a little fun playing some carols and baking cookies. I fumbled with graham crackers and a glue gun and invited the neighbor kiddos over to make candy houses. 

Gatherings

It was nice to have a few toasts with friends at the house.

I shared some wonderful feasts, with old neighbors and new neighbors.  

Christmas in Nola

Our quiet house felt cozy and festive, but we decided to shake things up and celebrate Christmas Day in New Orleans.

We spent two nights at The Monteleone, in the French Quarter.

The Roosevelt

On Christmas Day, we walked our bags a few blocks to stay in the ultimate Christmas Hotel! 

Who does that? We do. Two hotels... twice the fun! At both places, I had to get up at 6:00 am, to get festive photos without crowds.  

Wandering
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For someone who loves an old fashioned Christmas, it actually sounds awful to spend a 3-day Christmas, in a city known for partying and drinking.

But the city was as welcoming and happy as I've ever seen it. No bachelorette parties and frat boys were spotted. The weather was pleasant and the locals and travelers we met, were all pleasant to talk to!

Merry Christmas!

​On Christmas morning, we made it to Jackson Square just as the bells of St. Louis Cathedral were calling folks to 11:00 mass. 

We spent Christmas morning enjoying the sounds of music and bells, church folk and street entertainers. We wandered and absorbed and best of all, talked and FaceTimed with our kids on the west coast. What a treat to hear their voices and feel connected on Christmas morning! 

Back Home

On December 26th, we headed back to Texas.

That evening, we had more Christmas and a few days later, we ended the decade!

Cheers to December and to 2019!