The lights of the holiday season amaze me. Whether it is the twinkling variety of a cold, clear night sky, or the human-made kind that pierce even the darkest corner or quietest heart with a warmth that startles and awes, I find light to be magical. This Christmas I am fortunate to live within a stone’s throw of the sparkling tree you see above. The Toronto Distillery District puts on one of the finest Christmas Markets you will find, and this gorgeous tree is the centrepiece. It is placed in the heart of our community square, and all festivities radiate out from its thousand tiny sparkles. I can even see it from the balcony of my apartment. It warms my heart. It quiets my soul. And it makes me smile.

This Christmas season these tiny, magical lights seem to be finding their way inside. I feel lit from within with something quite elemental. It is gratitude. After living far away from home for the past four years, I find myself back within a short drive of my family, who I can now visit more often. They are my life line and my touchstone, reminding me of who I am and that I am well-loved. And, each weekend since moving back to Toronto, I have had the luxury of visits from dear friends. While not forgotten when I was out west, they were simply too far away to hug, to receive the essential warmth from their smiles or laugh lines from their long-cherished stories.

I feel, for the first time in I don’t know how long, that I am finally home!

Perhaps the time away was needed to help me understand how very lucky I am to have the love of family and friends. I don’t care to analyze it further. I just wake up each morning with the profound urge to say thank you, thank you, thank you! What a simple, yet exceptional gift to receive this Christmas!

This Sunday morning your Vagabond Photographer wishes each of you peace and much joy this holiday season. Most importantly, may the light of love find you, no matter where you are.