A Very Merry, and Safe, Christmas!

It's Christmas!

I know that for many of us, Christmas might look a bit different this year. My husband and son and I have skipped our traditional visit to my sister's house for Christmas eve, and we've cancelled the dinner we usually host on Christmas Day. We are in California, where hospitals are getting overwhelmed and the state has asked everyone to stay home and stay apart, so that's what we're doing.

Of course we're disappointed, but I think this year is all about perspective. We're not sick with Covid 19 or anything else. We're not in a hospital, or wishing we could visit someone who was. In fact, we're incredibly blessed to be safe and cozy in our little home near the Monterey Bay, with our glimmering tree covered in cherished ornaments. In these hard times my husband still has his job, I have books to write, we have food to eat, we have access to healthcare if we need it. And most importantly, we have each other and there is a lot of love here!

 I think Christmas 2020 is about appreciating the little things, which, it turns out, are really the biggest and most important things. The love we feel for friends and family. The dedication of scientists who have worked so hard, and so quickly, to create a vaccine. The heroism of essential workers who are saving lives and keeping our communities functioning. The heartwarming beauty we can find around us.

My husband, son and I have been celebrating the holidays in lots of small ways. We drive around town to see the wonderful Christmas lights our neighbors have put on display. We've been eating way too many Christmas cookies and watching lots of Christmas movies. Because our weather is strangely gorgeous this year, we can hike and bike and walk our dog along the coast. And in the face of this pandemic, and all the hardships it's caused, we appreciate it all more than ever. 

My Christmas wish for all of you is that no matter your circumstances this holiday, you can look around and find at least one small blessing to warm this darkest time of the year. And if you are like us, and missing your family, friends and usual celebrations, let's have faith that they'll be extra-sweet when we can all safely be together again.

Merry Christmas!