Yesterday I went into the office for the morning and then snuck away to the farm to check on everyone in the afternoon. I was able to sneak in a ride on my best mare, Cheetah, knowing that between Christmas and the weather it would be a few days. 

It was the best ride I have had in a long time. It felt as if we had been riding every day. Good thing I appeared to bring my brain and it was connected to my body! It was so good, I have practically been on a high ever since. I am so blessed to have this horse. I do not know where I would be without her. We did all the things since I showed up and was not riding like a bafoon. The leg yields I tell you! So good. Tranisitions, on point. She was adjustable and relaxed. It was one of those rides where neither of us wanted to be finished. It was just what I needed to power through. 

Today, we did our Christmas Eve celebration with my dad’s side of the family. I baked the Peppermint Dream Cake. Y’all, it is a winner. Beautiful inside and out with alternating red and white layers and fluffy white frosting. Check my last post for the recipe. 

It used to actually be on Christmas Eve, but nowadays with changing lives, we do it on Christmas Eve Eve. Some can not make it because of work schedules and/or because they live out of town or some other family function. 

Something about it changes every year, but this year had the hardest change. The missing physical presence of my Uncle. This is now part of our new ‘norm’ we are still figuring out. I still do not like that saying, by the way. In many ways it was extremely hard. In others, I am grateful to feel and say that it was great to be together. All of us linked by more than blood. Figuring it out, together. 

Times and traditions change. Traditions can be good, and in some ways and times, important. However, they are not the most important or what IT is about. AHAmoment. Hard for this gal that loves her traditions and can be very change averse. 

We have each other. We are growing in our faith together. That is what is important. Traditions are starting to feel less and less important to me as life goes on. Traditions are like things, they do not last. Embrace the new traditions when they present themselves, it means you are adapting to the new and moving in your life. 

Walk in love, dear readers. Have a very blessed and merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Remember and live for the reason for the season!