Rivendell

"And (Elrond) preserved... the memory of all that had been fair; and the house of Elrond was a refuge for the weary and the oppressed, and a treasury of good council and wise lore."  The Silmarillion

"His house was perfect whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all.  Evil things did not come to that valley."  The Hobbit

"A little sleep does a great cure in the house of Elrond."  Bilbo, The Hobbit

"Weariness fell from him soon in that house, and he had many a merry jest and dance, early and late, with the elves of the valley."  The Hobbit

"I will make for Rivendell..."  He spoke lightly, but his heart was moved suddenly with a desire to see the house of Elrond Halfelven, and breathe the air of that deep valley where many of the Fair Folk still dwelt in peace."  The Fellowship of the Ring

"This is the Hall of Fire... here you will hear many songs and tales- if you can keep awake.  Except on high days it usually stands empty and quiet, and people come here who wish for peace, and thought.  There is always a fire here, all the year round, but there is little other light."  Gandalf- The Fellowship of the Ring

"Time doesn't seem to pass here: it just is.  A remarkable place altogether."  Bilbo- The Fellowship of the Ring

"For awhile the hobbits continued to talk and think of the past journey and of the perils that lay ahead; but such was the virtue of the land of Rivendell that soon all fear and anxiety were lifted from their minds.  The future, good or ill, was not forgotten, but ceased to have any power over the present." The Fellowship of the Ring

Blessed season of rest and rejoicing.  Blessed home of peace and pleasure. Blessed month of Advent, we embrace you.