Simply awesome, Joan! I lived in the desert and in the Western part of the United States where it is hot in winter, so I must say it always felt odd to me to have it so hot in the winter. I was born and raised in New England that has cold winters and warm summers.
It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. It doesn't get any better than that!
I do love the smell of impending rain in the forest. Have yourself a Happy New Year!
!tip
Desert offers a beauty of it's own, one does think of the cooler festive areas having received lovely Christmas cards over the years from overseas.
Recent years dressing table and home in African theme definitely makes more sense.
Rains have been kind to us this year, not so much the electrical storms accompanying keeping us on our toes.