I hope the Christmas holiday went well for you. It was probably a bit different, but hoping you embraced the spirit. I saw some brilliant ideas for changes which sounded fun (some may be keepers) - pajama rides to see the lights, concerts online, neighborhood decorating contests, zoom calls, etc. I had a quiet Christmas at home in Sterling, VA. I made a simple spaghetti dinner and opened presents with my BFF. We dropped dinner off with presents at a friends driveway and spoke to a few people via phone and zoom.
Christmas is over and now it's time for the New Year! Are you ready? I learned about an Irish tradition where on New Years Eve at midnight you open the door to usher out the old year and usher in the new year. I might open every window as well...LOL! I am also going to break out the sage and smudge the house to invite positive energy. (Almost feels like the whole world should do this.) Maybe we need to practice all the traditions/rituals to bring in the new year.
Oh what a year it has been. Although 2020 has been a year of sadness and anger for many, I would rather focus on the positives. I'm not a Pollyanna in any way, shape or form, but I do believe some positives have come forth: 1. Sightings of wildlife have increased worldwide and a reduction in air pollution is giving the planet a chance to rejuvenate. 2. Increased hygiene and social distancing practices have reduced the instances of other medical problems like seasonal flu. A hunt for a COVID-19 vaccine may also see medical breakthroughs. Listen to the science. 3. Businesses have had to adapt to a new way of working and this has meant unprecedented levels of innovation and invention. While change can be challenging, it can also bring opportunities. 4. Volunteering and giving/donating has risen. 5. Working from home. I'm sure there are more positives you can think of in your own community. For those struggling in business and life I'm not pushing that aside. I do believe things will turn around and you will come out stronger, perhaps in a different way and with a different purpose.
I finished reading: "THE LAST STORY OF MINA LEE" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim. It was recommended by Reese' Book Club. It's a story of a Korean mother-daughter story meshed with secrets and cultural norms. Of course, I caught up on Christmas movies finished Hallmark and watched a few on Lifetime and Up. .
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
December 27
Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day
National Fruitcake Day
December 28
Boxing Day - date can vary
Card Playing Day
December 29
Pepper Pot Day
December 30
Bacon Day
National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
December 31
Make Up Your Mind Day
New Year's Eve
Unlucky Day
JANUARY 2021
Month:
- National Bath Safety Month
- National Blood Donor Month
- National Braille Literacy Month
- National Hobby Month
- Hot Tea Month
- National Oatmeal Month
- National Soup Month
2nd Week Letter Writing Week
January 1
National Hangover Day
New Year's Day
January 2
International Stop Spam Day
Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day
I am going to leave it here for today. This turned out longer that I expected so thanks for hanging in there. I hope you have a good week. Count your blessings! Stay Safe! Wear the damn mask! Marie
"The finale of every year is a time to say goodbye to one year and welcome the coming of a new one. A blessed year may it be." - Author Unknown
"A new year is a time to get your options clear and to make a significant decision to do what it is that makes you really happy. The real issue here is that you must take each day as a new opportunity to keep moving towards what you want." - Author Unknown
"Each passing year sees changes in our world, our society, but we also change and grow up to appreciate the value of each day of every New Year." - Author Unknown