Fall’s wardrobe is dusty with a hint of winter to come — a sharp, crisp morning turned fuzzy with frost.
Neglected garden flowers are iced and finished, reminding me there is still work to be done before winter takes hold… before I turn resolutely away from summer memories and embrace Christmas preparations.
Except for baking my Christmas cakes six weeks ahead, I don’t begin thinking seriously of Christmas until Advent begins. This morning I realized that’s barely a week away! I won’t begin digging out the bins of memory-drenched decorations quite yet, but it’s not too soon to start planning how I want to celebrate this year.
Yesterday I watched a webcast with Ann Voskamp and Liz Curtis Higgs, “Christmas at the Farm: Unwrapping the full love story of Christmas”. It was the perfect precursor, reminding me that having “a sane, sacred and simplified Christmas” is not a matter of circumstances — but a matter of focus. “Simplify Christmas? Celebrate Christ.” The webcast video will continue to be available online, so if you missed its debut, do please consider pouring yourself a steaming cup of coffee or fragrant tea (or perhaps a spicy eggnog if you’re already that far into the season) and settling in to watch it now.
Frost is in our forecast for the next week or so, with freezing nights and sun-filled days. I’ll need to take advantage of this last opportunity to finish up some of the fall chores and get set for the about-turn into winter. Then, except for meeting my NaNoWriMo goal, I’ll be more than ready to welcome December! How about you?
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(Consider a click or two on the photos to enlarge for a closer look.)
MUSINGS 
Your photos are lovely, Carol! I’m not yet ready for December. It still feels a long ways off for me. I’m sure, as usually, I’ll be one of the last ones scurrying around.
Your photos are delightful clothed in lace.
Everything is moving so fast! Christmas is only a little over a month away. I’d like to keep autumn around a little longer, but winter is pushing its way into the area.
Love the photos! Makes me miss Syracuse, NY. I live in Florida now and everything stays green. Have a great Thanksgiving! Tammy
Thanks for your comments! Ready-or-not, suddenly we’re just a month from Christmas Eve and I’m beginning to pull out my Christmas CDs. It doesn’t much matter what the weather’s doing at this point, does it?