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A Gentle Start to Winter Break

A gentle weekend at home with family, festive dinners, a favorite winter movie, and a good book as we ease into the calm of winter break.

Jack and I finished our last day of school before winter break on Friday. It felt good to close the books and step into a slower rhythm, knowing that Monday and Tuesday will be spent getting the house ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
This weekend, we had my stepchildren with us, and it was a really good visit. On Saturday, we headed out to yet another lodge Christmas party (our third one this season) this time at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I can’t complain about a festive night out and not having to cook dinner again.
Today was much quieter. We stayed home, rested, and let the day unfold slowly. We watched the movie Flow, which I found surprisingly deep and inspiring. The animation style is so sweet and gentle… the kind of movie that lingers with you. I could easily watch it again.
I also caught up on some reading. I’m currently reading Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. I’ve always loved the movie but somehow never read the book until now. I’m fully invested at this point and hoping to finish it by Christmas Eve. It’s been such a cozy companion during these winter days.
This weekend felt like a gentle transition — from busy days to slower ones, from school routines to holiday rhythms. Exactly the kind of pause I was hoping for before Christmas arrives.
With love,
Abby