My adventures in Austria ended in mid-December. Before I knew it, my bags were packed, my finals were written and my time in Austria was over. Suddenly I was chasing the sun. I never quite caught it, but I did make it back home.

Some people travel and decide that “home” means something different to them, that the world becomes their home rather than their town. I’ve always seen it a bit differently. My family is my home. My friends are my home. My community is my home. I can, of course, always find a way to feel at home in another place. But my heart always pulls toward those I hold most dear. Going home for Christmas was such a blessing–I got to answer that feeling in my chest saying that I was ready for comfort, for lots of hot chocolate, for decorating the tree. And once I got there? It was magical. 

We found our perfect tree!

True love.

Hot chocolate made by mom every day, please.

Getting all the ornaments out of storage.

Untangling the dreaded fluffy snow ball chains.

Dad relaxed. I took pictures. Mom did the hard work.

Mom re-enacting her favorite photo of me in Paris.

Getting to see Dana was such a treat!

And we got some snow! It was cold. So cold.

But a wintery walk was just what we needed to brighten our spirits.

They close school for this. I did a snow dance every day of December when I was still in school here!

The tree finally got decorated, complete with the ballerinas I chose in fifth grade.

We went to a fancy restaurant that just opened up.

We hadn’t gone downtown for dinner in years!

It was French American cuisine. Mom still makes better hot chocolate, though.

We made sangria for New Year’s (we have the recipe if you want it!).

And rang in the new year together.

I visited Portland and ate Salt & Straw ice cream with one of my favorites…

Jessica!

Gülfem and I met up for drinks at a swanky martini bar.

And I spent some awesome time just hanging out with my Aunt Wyonne.

Lastly, a farewell thai lunch with the best woman in the world.

But, just like my time in Austria, time at home flew by. Suddenly I was running from the sun all over again and starting a new adventure.

Here’s to a Happy New Year. Thanks for stopping by. 

Featured illustration found here.