It’s so hard to believe Christmas has come and gone. Why must it always go by so fast every year? For me, Christmas is the time I finally get to see my entire family get together in NH. I try to pack in as much social activities as I possibly can with friends and family while I am there. This year’s trip was extra special to me.

The hubs and I landed in Manchester, NH the Thursday before Christmas. Our first stop was at the Airport Diner where we met my longtime friend from junior high, Marie. I had photographed her wedding at the Keene State College Camp in September, but with all the festivities did not have a chance to get together. This time we had a wonderful two hours hogging the booth at the diner. Our husbands got to know one another and we laughed like old times.

It just so happened that my best friend from high school was also in the area for Christmas! That afternoon, we met up for a bit. I was able to meet her fiancé, reminisce and joke as if the years had never separated us.  

One of my favorite memories of the weekend was the evening we spent with my parents. Dinner at the Common Man in Ashland (gluten free menu provided), browsing the shops at the Mill Falls Marketplace and then sitting down to tea in the lobby at the Church Landing Hotel. It had been a year since we had time like that together.

Mill Falls Marketplace, Meredith, NH

 Church Landing, Meredith, NH

Our family Christmas Tree

The most emotional moments of the weekend were spent with my grandparents. They are both reaching 90 years of age and every moment I have with them could be the last. They are at an age where decorating for Christmas no longer happens. Their home hasn't had a tree in years. My husband and brother put up a decorated Christmas tree outside my grandparents window on Christmas Eve. Both of my grandparents cried they were so touched. Why can’t the little things in life bring us as much joy as this small act of kindness brought my grandparents?

The Lord also blessed us with a white Christmas. We woke up to huge snowflakes falling on a serene blanket of snow. Even with the single digit temps, I threw my coat on and enjoyed a few moments in the snow with the pets.

Now I am back in rainy, but somewhat warm Virginia. Memories of snow, food, family and friends continue to pop up in my mind as I unpack and get back to my life here. Another Christmas has passed, but a new year full of possibilities is right around the corner!