Have enjoyed Christmas thoroughly, despite having to work both on the 25th and 26th. It was a really lovely family holiday, and the days since have been spent spending time with friends.
I just love having the energy again to go out and do stuff, without feeling under pressure or overwhelmed. I truly appreciate that again.

Have to work the next four days — today, too, until after 9pm. But I’ll go out to meet some friends afterwards anyway, just for a drink or two and to watch the fireworks over the Rhine. Everyone and their dog will be there.

Unrelated to the season — I took this picture on Saturday while sitting in one of my favorite cafés. Beautiful, isn’t it?

I also took some pics on Christmas Eve, trying to capture the things that make it special to me. Don’t know that I succeeded, but that can’t be helped.


My brother and I always decorate the tree on the morning of Dec 24. That’s just the way it is, and I simply love seeing the room transformed afterwards.

This angel orchestra has been in our family since I can remember. They’re very battered by now, but the tree wouldn’t be complete without them under it.

The nativity scene is really cheap, not very beautiful. But it was a gift from my grandmother for our first family Christmas, and it’s ours.

I just love our cozy family celebration. Candles, songs, the Bible story, and gifts… Makes me all warm and mushy inside.

Christmas is simply my favorite holiday, there’s no doubt about it. And I have my family to thank for that.