Slightly belated and sweetly sincere

This is one of four designs of holiday greeting card that you, my family and friends, would have received had I written, addressed and/or mailed a single one. Meilleurs Vœux means 'Best Wishes' and although it is an expression that is often used when we don't really have time to think of something more personal or clever to say, (like when signing a group birthday card in a hurry at work or when sending out a mass email (or blog?!)...); when taken literally and used sincerely it is meant to convey all the best wishes to the recipient, who in this case, I remind you again, is you, my friends and family.

Bo and I traveled to see Bo's family for Christmas. Our nephews at age 2 and 4 were in holiday high gear. My parents came to Montréal a few days later. We visited with them at the Hôtel Reine Élizabeth and they came to have lunch at our place before heading home. I've been spending this week on the phone catching up with old friends, putting off school work, and watching just enough TV. New Year's Eve was spent at the home of some close friends in our neighborhood (four out of the eight of us at the table were immigrants (or wanna-bes like me), and not one of the eight grew up in Montréal). After supper, we played a game and toasted the New Year at 12:15 when the last player guessed the word that was written on a post-it and stuck to her forehead.

Wishing you safe travels, warm hearths, laughter and magic this holiday season!

And truly the best wishes for 2009 to you and yours.