Holiday Hippo

Family traditions abound this time of year.  Winter solstice, Christmas ham, New Year fireworks, and so many more.  Celebrating, remembering, and gazing into the future are all part of the festivities.

Sometimes new traditions start.  Of course, they're not a tradition yet.  They are just the essence of a tradition; something memorable that one might want to try next year.

Enter the holiday hippo.  This past year, Ricardo made a wooden animal that very much resembles a hippo [at least the face!].  It stood by the fireplace for much of the year.  We thought it deserved a showcase for the holidays so we added some butterflies to its teeth, placed holly on its head, made a necklace of amulets, and lit some candles.  Voila!