I have to be honest, photography has taken a sad backseat lately.  My brain is all over the place with work and holiday madness and generally just trying to find balance in my life again.  Now that things at work are dwindling down and I approach another month off (hooray!), I find myself re-centering.  Finding time for everything I love again. 

I really do enjoy the holidays.  Not the shopping or any of that.  Just the overall feeling they bring.  The base of what they're supposed to mean.  A break.  Some "good cheer".  Bright lights and dark nights. 

It can be tricky to remember to enjoy yourself during this hectic time of year.

I helped lighten the mood by getting us some Christmas lights for our bedroom.  I used to have them in my room in college and I forgot how relaxing and inviting they are.  Just like the glow of a candle but...y'know, less hazardous.  We do have cats after all.

However, nothing can actually replace a good candle.  I love the winter simply because I can light them again (way too hot in the summer).  It's amazing what a simple thing can do for one's mood.  I have one here on my desk at all times. 

So what's your favorite part of the holidays or even just winter in general? What do you do to keep up the cheer? 

Take the time to remember what you love and give yourself a moment to relax and enjoy today, eh?