Ukrainian Christmas Greetings – Missoula, Montana

“Khrystos Razhdayet’sia!” (Christ is Born)

To whichyou reply:

 “Slavite Yoho!” (Let Us Praise Him)

We are still enjoying Christmas tree cheer at our house, in honour of UkrainianChristmas. And as added bonus for me this year, a Russian Orthodox friend has promised leftovers from their family Christmas feast! I’m gleefully anticipating something similar to happy childhood comfort food…

Historical Depot Christmas Beacon - Missoula, Montana

"A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories." -  Honore de Balzac (1799-1850)

And wasn't part of first Christmas's true beauty and hope that of a mother's heart? It amazes me to think on Mary's (and Joseph's, too, but that doesn't tie in to my quote) trust and obedience amidst a situation that must have garnered an avalanche of questions. Possibles: What?! Why? Who?! How?!!! When? Where?!  And despite - or perhaps because of? - these, they continued on as directed. May we be inspired in this season to shine our best light, whether it be toward someone's hopeful future or with thankful reflections from our own history. 

18 Days to Christmas...Missoula, Montana

"Meanwhile, back at the ranch...." 

Just wanted to share  a bit of Montana-styled Christmas decor to stir a little nostalgia for happy days on a ranch or farm.

Downtown Lights, Missoula, Montana

"Downtown - where all the lights are bright...."
and it seems the moon has come to a lamp post resting place.

Pictured is a Christmastime evening view of the north end of downtown Missoula, Montana, including a snatch of the iconic red X Crossing sculpture and a smidgen of the old railroad depot.

More Decor from MissWhoLaVille, Montana

Because it's so fabulous, I had to share a wider perspective of the local MissWhoLaVille decor. Be inspired to create, eat some roast beast, and feel free to sing the song!  And if you're in Missoula tonight, stop by the East Missoula Tree Lighting for cookies and carols and photos with Monte and Santa!

Miss-Who-La-Ville, Montana

My feelings on arriving at work got escalated from "happy " to "wheeeee!" earlier this week; our excessively talented events coordinator spent a festive chunk of last weekend creating what I call MissWhoLaVille in the company lobby. Out of all the things merry and bright, my favourite is this little orange tree. In addition to unflagging cheer, this winter wonderland has propelled me back to a favourite childhood Christmas pasttime:  hiding in the corner behind the tree. Only now I'm not avoiding work, but rather busily compiling my blog.

Christmas Decor, Missoula, Montana

My 5:00 drive home in the dark is cheered by an increasing array of Christmas lights. Interestingly, my bah-humbug toward early Christmas music does not apply to the visuals of the season. Bring on the garland, the lights, the shining stars! One roadside business lit their frontage trees with a moving cascade of lights that are dangerously mesmerizing; I have to pay extra attention to my driving in that block.
Attachment to Chrismas decor harks back to when I was small and would scootch behind our luscious fake Christmas tree into a me-sized corner formed by the wall and the large wooden stereo turntable cabinet.  I'd hunker in there for what seemed like hours, happily listening to the weekend sounds of my family bustling about the house. It's amazing what you learn when no one knows you're listening. Eventually, of course, someone would realize I wasn't dusting, and I'd hear the first strains of, "Where's Cinderelly?". That was my cue to carefully ease unobserved back into the room, preserving my hidey place for future reconnaissance, and commence dusting as if I'd never stopped.  But, after a few false starts, my prince did eventually come and sweep me away to a life of love and happily twittering songbirds.