By tradition, the 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day – celebratory days, Christmastide – and last until the sixth of January. But I’ve been taking liberties with tradition (and the song) and will offer posts for 12 days until Christmas Eve – in a “my blogger friend gave to me” sort of way.
It’s been fun to think of the posts – but challenging to try and represent fragrance or music, and I do love both. When I pack up bright red and shiny green holly for Alaska, I include rosemary, knowing it will bring a different and welcome note to the package. Rosemary for remembrance, for hospitality, for flavor. Like cinnamon, clove, and orange peel – seasonal essentials for centuries like holly – so welcome at Christmastide.
I know you will fill in the fragrance and the sounds at your house to stir your memories.
Enjoy these days – let your spirits rise, and thank you for reading the blog!
her spirits rose... 
Thanks for writing the blog! And I love the idea of the “twelve days of Christmas blogs”. The pear looks very festive covered with the hole punch “chads”.
Thank you Katy for sharing your thoughts… I love the colorful pear… N
Hi Katy, I’ve just read your December thoughts which made me homesick for the first time. You wrote so poetically about the weather, the festive times, family gatherings, scents. I don’t miss the gray, but loved your imagery of cozy indoor activities in the winter. Thank you for that!
Last night at 3 a.m. I awoke to music – a mariachi band of sorts with singing, accordions, guitars – being played somewhat near our camping spot here in Baja. It was so beautiful, I went outside (from the camper) to hear it better. The sky was filled with stars that shine only when there are no city lights to obscure their twinkling. One star shot across the sky as the accordion played. They continued playing throughout the night in celebration of December 12 – the culmination of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe). It was extraordinary in all ways.
Abrazos,
Judy
How wonderful to have this comment Judy! Light an extra luminary for me. Will be thinking of you. Katy
You are inspiring me by showing how you can create daily in the midst of all the life and holiday obligations on you at this time of the year.
I’m glad Barbara, and hope you find time to do all your favorite bits!