It's the Most Wonderful Day of the Year

¹ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:1, 4-14

Holiday stress?

Less than a week until Christmas. Do you have your shopping done? Your cookies baked? Decorating done? Your presents wrapped? And when are the relatives going to descend upon you? But wait. When are you going to get your hair cut? Groceries? This time of year? Who has time for groceries?

Yes, it's that time of year, and Christmas is encroaching quickly with Thanksgiving falling late this year. Less time to fit in all that last minute fun. The planners among us have taken this all into consideration and are all ready, set, go.

Me? Yes, I'm a little behind this season, but I've reached an age where I would rather leave something "undone" than stress about it. I haven't made as many cookies this year as in some years. My tree is up and decorated, but some of the other decorating I normally do isn't done (an no one will notice but me). I have a present for everyone, although they're not wrapped yet. That's on today's agenda. If the holiday season is fraught with stress, it's impossible to enjoy it, and I love Christmas too much to worry about the "little" things. More important is spending time with my family, and the day job has generously offered me four days of holiday in the next two weeks. Time to enjoy the people around me and in the quiet moments, enjoy the things that make me who I am (like writing).

Preparing for my post-Christmas book binge. I already have an uncorrected pre-pub edition of a Jayne Ann Krentz novel and another indie book that I'll be picking up tomorrow to review. Several on my "wish list" that I expect to purchase after Christmas and then I'll curl up in my corner and read for days. It's a post holiday tradition for me, and a definite stress-reliever after all the excitement of the holiday.

As a reminder, Hear for Rent is available until Christmas Day for half off at Smashwords (in case anyone else goes book bingeing for the holiday). Use Coupon Code Code VX35C when you check out at Smashwords.com.

Holiday cheer

First! Let me help you with your Christmas shopping by offering a discount on Heart for Rent, with an Option. This discount is only available until Christmas Day using Coupon Code VX35C at Smashwords.com.

And then let me share some fun with you. I'm taking some time off this week to celebrate the new baby and One Young Son's graduation. Pardon my indulgence in family time this week. 

This author is not keen on having her photo taken! As evidenced by the expression on my face at the Christkindlmarkt (and yes, that is DH laughing behind me and my nephew wondering why I'm making a goofy face). 

And then there are those moments when I don't mind having my picture taken, like when I'm holding this little bundle of love. Congratulations to my DD and son-in-law on the birth of their second precious gift from God. 

It's that time of year - Christkindlmarkt

I'm always surprised when people who have read Mist in the Meadow ask me about Christkindlmarkt. For me, it's a part of living where I do. When my kids were young, their choir sang at a local, scaled down version. In the Big City, the market takes over Daley Plaza every year right around Thanksgiving. 

So what is it? It's a Christmas market. The tradition comes over from Germany and from Norway. For the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, vendors from around the world set up an outdoor market filled with ethnic Christmas treasures. The prevailing nationality is German, and several booths serve Glűhwein and beer and bratwurst. From handmade ornaments to Sherpa jackets, from cuckoo clocks to imported candies. There's a little bit of everything. Even if you aren't interested in shopping, it's a traditional kick-off to the holiday season. And what did I buy? Helmut's Strudel and hot spiced cider. Yum!

Here are some of the treasures we saw when we went down last weekend.

Looking on from across the street

Traditional beer steins

Hand carved wood

Cuckoo clocks

Original German glass Christmas
ornaments from Ernstthal Germany