Christmas Thoughts 2021 -

Eugéne Samuel Grasset (Swiss 1845-1917)

Wood Engraving for the month of Décembre from his portfolio Les Mois -1895

This has always been one of my favorite depictions of December as

 Christmas approaches - snow, hellebores, wind, leafless trees,

a warm red dress, cozy wrap, and a huge bunch of mistletoe!

I'm certain some of you will recall how much I love this painting and

 I share it here every year!

Speaking of mistletoe, there was no kissing under our mistletoe 'kissing ball' 

last year, and you know why.  There are many stories related to how this

 traditional bit of Christmas season lore, and frivolity, started. 

Personally I like to go with this typically English version . . . . . it has that lovely 
Downton  Abbey warm feeling -

"The mistletoe tradition blossomed, first among

 English servants and eventually expanding to the

 middle class. The basis of the mistletoe tradition

 was that men were allowed to kiss any woman seen

 underneath mistletoe -- and refusal to accept was

 considered bad luck."

This year Bob and I are throwing caution to the December winds - at least 

here at home when alone. We are vaccinated X 3 so having a little

smooch now and then as we pass from the hallway into the living room

 where the ball hangs.

Hoping you are kissed under the mistletoe this year. . . . and 

will be showered with good luck in the coming year!