Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

As regular readers know, R.J. and I took the last two Fridays off from vlogging and blogging (sounds like some kind of winter sporting event when written like that!), and we both needed the rest after an extremely busy, creative year.

We weren't idle, though. We drove to Florida, visiting dear friends overnight, both heading south and returning home. They live in Louisville, Kentucky.  Arriving near Orlando, we were able to spend two relaxing days with another couple we've counted among our group of treasured friends for many years, but hadn't seen in a long time. That was time well spent, for sure.

The next four days were our personal time together, just the two of us. And where did we choose to spend it? In a place that has never failed to put us into the Holiday Spirit: Walt Disney World. When I worked there, I would always marvel at how the Parks, hotels, and public spaces could all become - literally overnight - places of Christmas enchantment!

R.J. took numerous pictures of the many Christmas trees (my favorite was the one in the lobby of the Grand Floridian hotel), as well as the touches of the Season everywhere, from garlands to illuminations to trimmings on light posts. The Magic Kingdom's castle was covered in white LED lights on all its spires and roof lines, given the nightly impression of magical snow. How could one not be looking forward to Christmas with all that inspiration, coupled with the attractions and sights that always help me forget the real world for a bit.

We did do a bit of work, making notes every now and then about things we plan to include in our new book, but we intended - and succeeded - in renewing with each other. It's one of the reasons our marriage has lasted so long. We make a point of indulging ourselves periodically with fun times and/or travel that serve to give us new energy and creative resolve.

We've been back home for a few days, and we are busily decorating our home for Christmas, I've sent off my Christmas cards today, R.J. is completing some paintings that will be Christmas gifts, and next will come my cookie baking and prep for Christmas dinner. As an added addition to our favorite time of year, the day we got home we had our first snowfall of this winter!

I hope all of you get to enjoy some restful moments like ours. They truly help, I feel, to better appreciate the joy, peace, and gifts of the Season.

My next blog will be on January 5th, 2018.