I hope everybody’s new year is off to a good start! (Here in Estonia, people adhere to the rule that you can no longer say “Happy new year!” after January 6!). I didn’t post over Christmas 2011 since I was in Finland with J’s family for a week. This was my second Christmas at his house and my third together with his family, so I feel like I’m an old pro when it comes to Finnish Christmas traditions! Since they do pretty much the same thing every year, you can check out my recaps of past Finnish Christmases starting here and here.
Please note how the ground outside has some green and brown spots visible– that’s very rare; Finland usually has a thick layer of snow by Christmastime!
Christmas was a bit different this year thanks to a new addition to the guest list– J’s nephew, who was born just four weeks before Christmas 
. I’ve never spent so much time around such a tiny human being! At that point he couldn’t even focus his eyes on you or smile, but he was still very very cute. I was thrilled when it was my turn to try holding him.
The fact that he’s asleep doesn’t have anything to do with me having superior baby-soothing skills, I just lucked out and got him when he was full and calm and ready for a nap .
Christmas was wonderful and restful, but I also realized the last time I got to spend Christmas in my own parents’ living room was five years ago, and I am starting to miss it! 
If at all possible we’ll spend Christmas with my family next year, either in Tallinn or in Maryland.
I still need to put some thought into my resolutions for this year (and take a look at how I did with my promises for 2011), so I’ll get back to you on that soon, hopefully tomorrow!
