Sometimes it’s like yesterday, so close, you need only shut your eyes for an instant, whisper Christmas, and you are back. This is a nostalgic time.
Our little house on the hill near the University exists only in my heart now, having been put to rest by urban development. There is Mom at the window waving hello and Dad handing out gifts. The family dinner is about to begin. Relatives and friends are still arriving, my dear little brother is lighting the candles, and all are singing carols, some much louder than others after a few Irish coffees! My parents celebrated Christmas like Ebenezer’s epiphany and Dad 
always claimed the title of the true Kris Kringle.
As time goes on people we know and love will be inevitably missed as they go off on other journeys. Sadness and loss touch us all, but the magic can still be found in a snowflake or a song and wonderful memories still swirl around inside the snow globe of winter dreams.
And we make new memories and new traditions! Many people we meet on this road of wonder and discovery will touch our lives deeply as we journey together awhile. Sorrow and joy are wrapped up in the same ribbons and both are gifts!
I’m a bit sporadic but here are a few eclectic offerings from the neighbourhood. One is a macro of one of my plastic ( yes you heard it) Christmas ornaments
-and good grief, it’s our Miss T as the mouse queen, sneaking up to have her photo taken with the Nutcracker before he comes to life and draws his sword!!! ( actually a wonderful experience dressing up at the Nutcracker Ballet)
the mouse queen ( Miss T) sneaks up on the Nutcracker
Christmas lights across the harbour
exploding plastic snowflake
above the cove
and here is the jubilant song, “Arrival” by ABBA for all you flute, penny whistle and bagpipe lovers. Listen to the end to experience the fullness of a joyful shiver!!
(The angel is an experiment in shutter speed and panning and I rather liked the effect!)
Arrival
Grant us peace
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Beautiful photos as always. But the last one …is breath taking! This is a place I want to be …so inviting and beautiful …I just want to put myself in the picture and be there!
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yes, I agree!! Thanks so much for your lovely comment!! Blessings!!
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Beautiful music, Cybele, and a beautiful posting!
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thank you so much Crow! Hope the season brings joy!!
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Such a pleasant read filled with nostalgia and accompanied by wonderful photos! The Arrival experiment has a fabulous outcome ! All the very best to you and yours,dear Cybele !. Merry Christmas,have a lovely festive season, Doda 🙂
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Many blessings back to you Doda!!Glad you enjoyed it.
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Hannah, I think peace would be the best gift of all, individually and collectively. I hope that you find peace (and hope the same for myself). Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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thanks so much Robert and to you a very happy Christmas and holiday. Feliz Navidad!
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Beautiful Cybele.. The snow globe is so sweet… Great photographs as well. Love and best wishes Aquileana 😛
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thanks for you visit!! Glad you like the snow globe!! 🙂
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The picture give that magical feeling. 🙂
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thanks Kev!!! Season’s blessings!
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Oh, the Angel is fantastic! Th experiment certainly worked from my point of view.
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Oh I’m happy for your approval!! Thanks so much!!
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You’re most welcome! Credit where credit is due 🙂
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🙂
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Beautiful pics as always Cybele, and the first time I’ve listened to that ABBA track. Happy Christmas!
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thank you Roy!! and it’s a great musical piece isn’t it!!
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Lovely post. It makes me think of roots and wings. To know where we’ve come from and have the courage to move on. Wishing you a joyeuse and peaceful holiday.
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ah thanks Six that is exactly what it’s about!! Peace and blessings to you too.
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Beautiful post, Cybele. It’s interesting how those who are now gone still sit at the table with us for Christmas, how we remember their smiles and the moments shared. Your post reminded me of that. And beautiful photos. I especially like the one with lights across the harbor. Thank you for sharing. Hugs!
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and thank you so much for commenting!!Blessings!!
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Beautiful angel Cybele, also enjoying you Gifs!
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So glad you like them. They are fun.( a bit time consuming! lol) Thank you Maria.
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Wishing you plenty of magic over Christmas, dear Cybele, and plenty of Irish coffees to warm you xxxx
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and the same to you Sarah!!! Raise a glass to me and I will as well!!
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Beautiful home for Christmas post! Merry Christmas to you, Cybele!
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thank you so much for a Christmas visit Amy!! 🙂
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I wish you and your family a very peaceful holidays full of love. Who knew I would meet so many wonderful people, here in a blogosphere.
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I wish you the same Snow!!! Thank you for being part of my Christmas blogoshpere!!
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Beautiful photos Cybele and well said. A good time to remember times past and time snow and appreciate both 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours x
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Thank you muchly Kaz!! And lots of Christmas happiness to you!
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I love the nutcracker. We went and saw it in the opera here the other day.
Happy holidays!
Juleblot!
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It’s always magical isn’t it, and they let the children dress up at the theater here. Happy Holidays to you as well.
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All the very best for Christmas Cybele. Your images are beautiful as always. Look after yourself xx Chris
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And you as well Chris!! Enjoy your Season’s journeys!
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You have a nice elevated view! And I love the angel Hannah :). So pretty!
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Thank you Laura!! Yes we are on a hill here.
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You’re welcome 🙂 Always good to be elevated. We are too.
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Have a wonderful holiday season, full of joy 🙂
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thank you Christy and you as well!!
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I think the angel is beautiful! May you find peace, joy, and comfort in your Christmas memories.
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thank you Deborah, and the same to you and the making of joyful new ones!
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