Photos of the Week: December 20

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” – St. Francis of Assisi

This post is dedicated to the bright lights of this delightful WordPress Community. Wishing you all happiness and joy in whatever you celebrate this time of year whether it be Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, New Years or simply the change of light that comes with the solstice.

Ten-year-old Miss O smiling after singing in a lovely Christmas concert. The Elves on the Shelf might be smiling but we don’t know because they landed in the bathroom. Mr. D installed a privacy screen so no one had to feel embarrassed.

Before I had kids, I used to do one of my favorite hikes every New Years Day. One of the best ways to celebrate a new year, in my opinion! This is the first year that I think my kids might be able to do it because it has a fair amount of elevation gain. To prepare, we worked out on my favorite Seattle stair climb – 13 flights, 290 steps for each full set! And let’s be clear – it’s me that needs the workout more than they do with their fresh, young legs!

Happy holidays from the grocery store soda display and the neighbor’s skeleton

I’m taking the next two weeks off so this is my last post for 2025. I may even take naps like Cooper during the break. I wish you all a fantastic holiday season and all the best in 2026!

58 thoughts on “Photos of the Week: December 20

  1. love the way you all live life to it its fullest and your children will pass this on to their loved ones one day I’m sure of it! tomorrow is the solstice, one of my very favorite holidays, our time for transformation from one season to the next, and I wish all of you the happiest christmas and all the holidays ,and a wonderful new year ahead! p.s. does Cooper wake up when santa sneaks in?

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    1. I’m warmed by your lovely words, Beth! Thank you! I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten to know you in this lovely community of thinkers and writers. You bring so much humor, wisdom and service to this world and I’m honored to receive your light. I love the solstice too! Happy holidays and wishing you a fantastic 2026!

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    2. Oh, yes, you captured this so well! I too love how Wynne and the kids live life to the fullest. This is a great example for all of us, not that this is their intention whilst doing it but it becomes that when it’s shared here.

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  2. Happiest of holidays to the family Wynne! Enjoy that hike. I have to laugh now when I realize that I now live at and hike at altitudes that I never imagined and couldn’t handle at all when I lived in WA 🙂 See you next year 🙂

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  3. What a lovely post Wynne. Yes, let there be light 👌 Wishing you, Miss O, Mr D, Cooper and Cat (sorry, forgotten name) a wonderful Christmas. Plus a relaxing snooze now and then as beautiful Cooper has it sussed I think 😀🧑‍🎄🤶🎄

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    1. You are a marvel for remembering that we have a cat that we call Kitty (her name is Simone) so no need to remember that name!

      I loved the word “sussed!” Thank you for your light – I’m grateful to know you! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic 2026!

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  4. What beautiful photos of your children. And how considerate of your son to install a privacy screen! All the best to you and yours! Enjoy your time focused on family. I am considering doing the same because we’ll all be together under one roof.

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  5. I am sure all your Christmas tree ornaments tell stories, but that top bell rings in the best feeling! Enjoy you time off from blogland and may your days be filled with cozy moments, endless laughter and the magic of creating beautiful things all year long! 🎄🌟🌟🌟🎄

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    1. Mary, you are wonderful with your wishes of cozy moments, endless laughter and the magic of creating beautiful things all year long. Yes, that sounds perfect – and I’m wishing you the same warmth, good humor and beauty! Merry Christmas, my friend!

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  6. And best wishes to you and the klan, Wynne! I am happy to hear that you are taking time off. Rest up! The world would not be the same without you.

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      1. They are so creative!

        Thank you, Wynne. Here’s hoping 2026 is fabulous! (Though I’ve no doubt you, like me, will search for ways to make it so .)

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  7. Those big smiles on Ms O and Mr D’s faces – and Cooper’s peaceful slumber – say it all. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas week ahead, Wynne! 🥰 Enjoy the school break, relaxation, as well as the chaos, of the holidays together!

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    1. You said it perfectly, Ab! I’m grateful we are healthy and peaceful this holiday season — and it’s a little chaotic too!!

      Hope you all have an incredible holiday season and a fantastic 2026!! So thankful for you and your friendship, Ab!!

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