When Friends Become Family at Christmas and A Week In Prague

Sometimes, the most unexpected are our greatest surprises

My daughter, Quinlynn, age 6, holding a friend she made; a snowman on a sled. Photo credit: author.

Christmas celebrations can be with family, friends who feel like family, pets who feel like family, or complete strangers who may be family for a day.

Lighting the way

This year, the house across from us had lights professionally hung; it was still warm enough to keep our windows open at night, and we could see their house lit up. My fiancé, Jeff, bought me the Hallmark channel in early October, which is the only streaming service we have, so we began watching Christmas movies early.

As we walk through our neighborhood, we’re eager to watch it transform into its own Hallmark movie set. I love all of the decorations. Some are classic and minimalist, others bright, flashy, and over the top.

Some are whimsical, others are welcoming, many are unique, and some are old-fashioned, reminding me of the decorations found on front lawns when I was a kid. Some are funny or reminiscent of a film or a theme.

I feel like the people inside are spilling themselves outside during this time of year and sharing a part of themselves with everyone, and we’re getting to know more of our neighbors when we see them putting up…