As Christmas approaches, our little village celebrated “Light Night” yesterday evening. Children walked through the village center with glowing lanterns, a beautiful tradition. Living in a secluded area, and with the stormy weather, I didn’t see much of it. Today, however, my chickens made a brief appearance during dry spells. They relish their varied feed but can’t resist the treat of long, fat worms that emerge in this kind of weather.

I was fortunate to squeeze in a long walk with the dogs, dodging the rain and occasional snowflakes. With most of our Christmas shopping already done, we made a conscious effort to support local farmers by buying a large sack of potatoes and apples directly from the farm. But then comes the question: what to do with so many potatoes and apples?

My son-in-law had a delicious solution—homemade chips! Thinly sliced potatoes were soaked in oil and seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder before going into the oven at 200°C for about 25 minutes. A quick flip halfway through ensured even crispness. The result? Chips so delicious I may never buy store-bought ones again.

Meanwhile, I painted a few Christmas cards, a creative and inspiring activity, and baked extra-vanilla-flavored shortbread cookies. The house feels cozy and warm, filled with the aroma of good food. Tonight’s menu includes chicken and vegetable soup, followed by a cup of chamomile tea with a honey drizzle from local Morvan bees.

I feel deeply grateful—for love, warmth, and good food. At the same time, I’m acutely aware that not everyone lives this way. A small act of kindness, like donating pet food to a shelter or adding a few extra items to the food bank collection, can make a difference. And while it’s perhaps a dream that the world might one day have enough for everyone, no wars, and less suffering, it’s a hope worth holding on to, isn’t it?