The solstice trespasses lightly through the bustle of our winter holidays. It quietly marks the end of fall and beginning of winter, a muffled transfer between seasons. Yet it’s also a momentous and remarkable day, when the world stops and turns around in the midst of darkness, to retrace its journey toward light.  As the world starts to pick up speed and slowly roll toward summer, before I forget, here are some moments on either side of this year’s solstice I want to remember.

The view from our living room.

Oma and Opa coming to visit, for a Thanksgiving turkey trot, apple pie, and pandas at the National Zoo.

Rainbow bagels, so fun!

Wreaths Across America, 150,000 of them, laid one by one in Arlington cemetery. We visited with friends and laid a special wreath for Dede.

A weekend in Charlottesville, to introduce the boys to shrimp and grits, UVA, Monticello, and Outback. 

Sunset walks.

Fall leaves, and carving pumpkins with our friends.

Holiday music and game night. Gus likes to play “laundry.”

The Kennedy. Center

Christmas trees. In a parking lot filled with music and the calming scent of freshly cut firs. They are glorious, these trees, giving their lives to spend the season at the center of our Christmas joy. Thank you, trees! We are so honored to welcome you into our home.

Christmas at Home. The last time the boys were in America for Christmas, they were seven months old. 

Somehow 15 years have passed, and now here we are in Arlington again, with cookies, fondu, and pomegranate seeds in our drinks. We had family dinners in Rockville, a hot tub on Capitol Hill, and DC even has a Christmas market! There was cinnamon and music, artists selling candles, and tables full of jewelry, sausages, and hats. If only there was a little snow and some hot Christmas punsch, it would be just about perfect.

It’s a happy new year, and a happy new chapter, and we are blessed and grateful for our life. Merry Christmas and Happy Solstice, and peace through whatever comes next!