I didn’t send out cards this year. I made cookies instead. Dozens and dozens of all different kinds of cookies and it was great fun.

This afternoon we decorated some of the sugar cookies. They look pretty good, don’t they?

I have an enormous platter of frosted cookies along with this one. There are cookies everywhere. My kitchen island is covered with cookies in boxes, in Tupperware, on platters and plates.

It is truly a sight to behold.

We took a walk on the beach after we decorated cookies.

We were the only ones there. Yes, it was cold. Yes, it was windy. But definitely beautiful.

The gumbo is reheating, a new batch of rice is cooking on the stove and there is a ham in the oven. We are definitely a relaxed bunch now that the Texans have arrived. Nancy decorated cookies until it was time for her to go to work at 3 PM, but she will return in the morning for Christmas breakfast and the opening of presents.

We are joyous.

This Christmas is a gift in so many ways.

So instead of mailing you a fun Christmas card complete with a family photograph, I am sending you a Merry Christmas wish from here, on the blog.

I dearly hope it is a happy, peaceful and healthy year ahead for all you.