The holiday season includes gifts of all kinds. These are a few of my favorite things!

Whether four-legged or two-legged, we are all watching the fields during December in great anticipation.

The rain-flooded winter fields provide a welcome mat to geese and ducks flying in for a pit stop on their winter journey south. It is always exciting to watch and listen for the first guests to arrive.

With snakes turning in for their long winter nap, it is once again safe to wander deeper into the woods to see the old trees and cypress knees adjacent to the river.

   Somewhat Nice?  Mostly Naughty?

December provides the opportunity to pause the action for a moment to admire the bright lights, share cards and gifts with family and special friends, and enjoy the season with child-like wonder and joy.

Winter also allows us to admire the grandeur of God’s many gifts through a different lens.

I am so grateful for the gift of this December sunset over the soybean field behind our house.

The jet tracks captured in this sunset sky reminded me of the many roads I have traveled with colleagues, working on soy food research during the last several years.

I have crossed paths with some incredible people and have learned so much from young and old alike.

This December sunset is dedicated to Annette, a dear friend I lost to cancer this month. A gifted pianist, Annette, could light up a room. I am so grateful for her life and the light she brought to others through a life well lived.

In the midst of all the December “to-do” lists, don’t forget to check on those you love.

As a gift to yourself, I encourage you to look up and enjoy the blue sky (when it isn’t raining!), the ducks (who love the rain), and the beautiful winter sunsets this time of the year. These are gifts without a price tag.

Wishing you all a blessed holiday season.

Karen

P.S. More December pictures from the farm below. Enjoy!