the lure of winter

Winter means many things. We sled, build snowmen, go caroling, do all things Christmas, have movie marathons with excessive hot chocolate. You name it. Some times we don't get out of pjs. Sometimes we risk the cold to grab a 4 for 4 or hit up the arcade. 

There are so many magical things about winter in the midwest! Watching the snow fall is so completely calming. Driving in it- not so much. Snuggling up with a fire is so completely calming. Being out in the cold- not so much. 

No matter how old we get, the best part of winter (besides the snow) is the ever magical Christmas tree. Inside or outside, white lights or colorful, flashing or solid lights. Large ornaments or old school, it doesn't matter. Now that all the holidays and birthdays are over, we are missing all the pizzazz and flash. I love to tear down Christmas and start fresh, but man, do I miss falling asleep to the soft glow of tree lights twinkling near a roaring fire. Unless next year, I will just leave this right here :)

all the lights!

Buddy the elf said the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Not today, Buddy! It's the lights. I don't care how old I get. Driving around for a good lights display is mandatory. We know all the local spots to go to.

There is one particular block in Roscoe that has over 35 trees. The house down from them has almost 40 Snoopys. There are whole subdivisions in Rockton that have lights, sounds and bring all the "Awww!" out. Last night we drove a little further for the lighted fun. We went into Loves Park. 

First, you go through the lights at the Woodward drive through. Those lights have been up since I was a kid. It brings back so many memories. We bypassed the Festival of Lights drive through to go to Sinnissippi Park. The walk through lights there are my favorite. We were able to see the Christmas star and enjoy that as well.

They have signs and arrows directing foot traffic and there were more roped off areas this year, BUT the lights still dazzled. They sparkled. We "oohed" and "aahed". We walked around and didn't freeze to death. Yes, masks stayed on, but that's what the signs said so that's what we did.

I hope everyone finds their moment of joy this holiday season. Whether it's finding the perfect lights display or baking the perfect cookie. I personally know that streaming church live in my living room with my kids and hearing the true story of Christmas will be on my favorites list. I will find joy in all the moments big or small and remember to be grateful for everything this year from sparkling lights to family to our health.