Christmas is coming
The goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
And if you not a penny
A ha'penny will do
And if you not a ha'penny then God Bless You

Among the several familiar carols that find their way into my head these days, I am constantly reminded that the very special season of Christmas is here. Garlands of snow-dusted and natural evergreens beautifully frame boutique doorways and little white lights shine from every corner of every little pedestrian road in Aix. I go grocery shopping and pass a bunch of college kid apartment-sized Christmas trees and smell the unforgettable aroma that brings me back to every living room from Utah, to California, to Missouri and Mass. I've discovered a type of bread at my favorite boulangerie that tastes exactly like the traditional Finnish snack, save the egg butter.

It's all coming together. The sights, the scents, the sentiments of the Christmas season. I have home in my heart every moment of the day but I'm taking in and enjoying every bit of the Aixois atmosphere for the time being.

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me