Taking in life around me.....#Sundaystills : Festive

This #sundaystills challenge is hosted by Terri from Second Wind Leisure. It's a great themed photography challenge that you'll enjoy. I love seeing the other participants interpretation of the theme each week...it causes me to think outside the box. I joined in hopes of it pushing me to get out and take more photos...I have to some degree, but I also like that Terri is okay with us finding photos in our archives, which is also a lot of fun. So check out my photos and then head over to Terri's page to participate or visit other's posts. There are some awesome contributors who always inspire me.

I'm on vacation right now but I'm going to try to get this post done and up. We'll see. This weeks theme is the word "festive". My mind immediately goes to Christmas since that's what I think of when I hear that word, AND it's December, so there's that. Though the definition of festive is "relating to a festival, joyous, merry, jovial".

We are in Cabo San Lucas for vacation, staying at the Sandos Finisterra, all inclusive resort. We got here last Thursday night and head home on Tuesday. It's pretty festive around here. 

I feel the most festive during the Christmas season, though I will admit that if I'm not careful I can become overwhelmed and forget the whole reason I find joy in this time of year. 

There are many reasons and times to feel festive...weddings, birthdays, other holidays..many cultures have their own specific celebrations. A friends daughter recently celebrated her Quinciera which was a huge celebration and my youngest daughter took photos at. 

The first Peppermint beverage of the season (usually a Peppermint white mocha) definitely gets me in a festive mood. 

This year I simplified my decor a bit. I wanted to remain festive and not get overwhelmed, which started to happen a few times, especially because the decor sat out for longer than I liked before I could think of starting to decorate.

Sometimes, all it takes is turning down the lights, turning on some music, and allowing myself to just feel the festive spirit of the season. 

My girls and I made cookies together, along with my grandkiddos, my sister and part of her family. What a fun afternoon we had. 

Have you heard the story of the Christmas spider? There are a few versions. One of our delivery driver's wife made this one for each of us to put on our tree. I told them it's the only spider I'll allow on my tree. 

Every year I try to find a new Christmas mug This years has a cardinal on it. 

In Cabo, the festive spirit is very much present. 

While we're here, a wedding is taking place. It is a combination of a traditional american wedding and an Indian wedding. So fun to watch from the balcony of our room. 

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin