It’s finally Christmas time – we’re decorating the house now, putting up the tree and “decking the halls” with all the ribbons and evergreen garlands we’ve collected over the years; and all to our favorite Christmas music. (Which by the way, Carol of the Bells by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is just about the best to me. I’ve played THAT one on repeat probably too many times. ;) ) There’s something extra-special about this time of year. The cold, the excitement, and the fun of giving gifts to loved ones just can’t be beat. This year we’re going to have a family Christmas – in years past we’ve had other people over, which has been wonderful, but this time we’re just going to be together and soak it all in. And I have to say I’m pretty excited.

What are you looking forward to this Christmas?

{all images via pinterest. clockwise, from top left: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14}

Breathes there the man with soul so dead // Who never to himself hath said, // This is my own, my native land! // Whose heart hath ne’er within him burned, // As home his footsteps he hath turned // From wandering on a foreign strand? // If such there breathe, go, mark him well; // For him no minstrel raptures swell; // High though his titles, proud his name, // Boundless his wealth as wish can claim, // Despite those titles, power, and pelf, // The wretch, concentred all in self, // Living, shall forfeit fair renown, // And, doubly dying, shall go down // To the vile dust from whence he sprung, // Unwept, unhonored, and unsung. – Breathes There the Man, Sir Walter Scott

I just wanted to share that beautiful poem. No, it doesn’t relate to this post at all, but the value of freedom and patriotism are things I’ve been thinking very much about in last two weeks, with the election and my own writing about the South’s fight for their own freedom. I had the honor of voting for the first time this year and was so proud to do so. I know I don’t normally talk about politics here, but the recent decision of Americans has left me wondering – does anyone value freedom anymore? Have we forgotten just how precious it is? Do we not care about the blood that was spilt by our soldiers so many years ago to guarantee us our right to life and independence? Why are we so willing to give up the right to have or reject healthcare, the right for states to govern themselves without intervention, or the right for unborn babies to keep their lives?

Truly, what will we do without freedom?

{all images via pinterest. clockwise, from top left: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17}