it's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

with the sunsets coming earlier each evening, we have said goodnight to more suns from our kitchen together this year than ever before.  ezra is more aware this year on the month of his fourth birthday to note, "it's getting darker.  let's watch the sunset."  with the wispy clouds up above and the last warm glow of sunshine sinking into the cool blue ocean below, i now know the way a winter should look in the caribbean and i like it.  it looks like christmas is on its way outside as well as inside our home.

ezra has lovingly set up his little crèche by playmobil

i knit this santa set that is on display from a pattern in itty bitty toys.

our little tree is on the table as well as an advent wreath i was able to put together from a store i found on the island that has holiday decorations.  these last two christmases will hopefully be the last that we ever have a fake tree or wreath.  i want the smell of pine, the beauty and soul of truly bringing nature into the home.  i have never liked fake plants.  

but it was important to me to carry on the tradition of lighting the advent candles that my parents shared with me.  we are following the waldorf tradition of celebrating different aspects of the natural kingdom each week.  the first week is the mineral kingdom, then follow plants, animals, and finally humans.  

"the first light of advent is the light of stone.  

stones that live in crystals, seashells, and bones."

words by rudolph steiner

i am grateful for the jar full of beautiful shells that we have collected on our many days at the beach.    

most of all i am grateful for being in a place to watch the sunset with michael and ezra every night whilst enjoying this wonderful season of light, love, creating, and giving.