December

We are well into December and in many ways it feels like other years. Gifts are made or purchased, waiting to be wrapped. Tree is up (that only takes a couple of minutes, since it is a small artificial tree that stays in the basement, fully dressed, all year).

With nobody visiting, due to COVID, it's tougher to get excited about "decking the halls", but I decided that even if it is just for the two of us, we are worth it, and we will feel a bit merrier if we do. So, today I put out my snow people that I have collected over the years. They are guarding the fireplace, and I chose them over the Santas, since they can stay out for the whole winter. They do make me feel better when I bring them out. And even though the kids can't be here this year, they are represented in pretty much every Christmas decoration that I put out. 

It is fun to see them every year and remember where they came from. Talk about a trip down memory lane. A little papier mache fellow named "Joe Cool" that I made when our son was in Grade 2. Three graduated size snow folks made from tips cut off a neighbour's fence in Toronto. A driftwood one we bought at an early One of a Kind show. And one that I hooked while we were living up north. 

And this Davis "snow family" I made when the kids were small. Everyone has something on their "snow person" that was special to that time. Hubby is wearing his shirt that says "I'd rather be at my cottage", daughter is wearing her CWSA (Claude Watson School for the Arts) shirt, son is in Raptors gear - early logo. I have "button covers" on my vest. And our snow dog Misty is also there. I think that is around 1993. 

The William Morris stocking that I hooked a few years ago is hanging on the front door - on the inside where we can enjoy it and it is sheltered from the elements. It was originally going to be for our grandson, but he will have to grow into it. Maybe he will get it as a wedding present. 

Another sign of COVID Christmas: instead of sending cards this year, I made seasonal masks for siblings and their families. And I had enough fabric left to make a cheery batch for the hospital. 

December Santa is in the studio, keeping things merry there. Truth be told, we don't have the right spot for him upstairs, but I am happy to have him keeping me company where I spend a good part of most days.

Indeed this will be a strange Christmas. We will do a "gift drop" close to Christmas, with an outside visit and social distancing. There will be hugs - with masks - and lots of FaceTime and Zooming. And hopefully, this will be ONE TIME ONLY.

In case I don't get back here, have a wonderful holiday. Stay safe. And I'll be back here on the other side of 2020.