first cards to arrive...

Like clockwork, Jim and Shirley Klauser's Christmas card arrives the day after Thanksgiving every single year.  It's always a card from Miles Kimball and always has a packet of flower seeds in it.  This year was an exception...it was a small wallet calendar!  The next one to arrive is Nick and Catherine Hurtgen's card..every single year!  It's always a beautiful photo of their children.  How interesting that both have a connection to Grandpa Milo & Grandma Bea/La Crosse.  It's no coincidence that Jim worked for Grandpa Milo and Nick worked for Jim...and Chris worked for both of them.

I actually think it's a commentary on tradition and how things should be done.  Knowing both the Klausers and the Hurtgen (Johns) family, I am never surprised to receive these thoughtful cards.  They are a reminder of our link to Grandpa Milo and Grandma Bea and our strong connection to home, which will always be La Crosse.

Nowadays, most of us fly by the seat of our pants...hoping to get the cards out before the holidays and hoping to "get it all done."  I am always impressed when these cards arrive because it means they are important to the sender.  It's a priority for them to stay connected to friends and family.

Traditions are important.  Very important to me.  I have let some things slide over the years because I was busy.  I'm not going to let it slide any more.  It's imporant because big and little traditions make us feel comfort and that reminds us how quickly life moves.  Getting these first two cards every year takes me back to so many different memories and reminds me to remember those times.

xo, H

preparations...

I bought these jars at World Market a couple of years ago and I love them.  I change the contents with the seasons, but one usually has ribbons for wrapping, one has candy for Peter and the other usually has oatmeal for breakfast.  They make me smile.  xo, H.