For my followers celebrating Christmas: During this Christmas season, may you feel peace and joy. May your faith sustain your spirit as you celebrate with those you love.
For my followers celebrating Hanukkah: Chag urim sameach!
For my followers celebrating Kwanzaa: May peace, love, and unity bring a happy Kwanzaa to you.
It was a busy week for me, as I worked a little extra helping out, but I never felt overloaded or stressed. I'm better at making lists (and using them) as well as planning out the week when I know the schedule ahead of time. I made time to grocery shop at two different stores at less crowded hours and it worked out great.
As we all know life changes and moves on even when we may not be ready. I have tried to embrace many changes this past year and this holiday season is no different. I blended many of my parents ornaments and figurines into our decorations this year. My BFF and I went all out in decorating inside this year, we have not done so in many years, and it looks awesome. For the first time ever, I will be celebrating Xmas at my home in Sterling. I was blessed at Xmas every year that I worked and traveled to MA to be with family. This year, my dear friend Mary and I are having Xmas breakfast here with lots of food and mimosas (a nap may have to happen after that). My sister and most of her family (will miss you brother-in-law) will arrive later on Xmas for a few days. My nephew is coming from South Carolina the day after and then we will celebrate together. I am trying a few new recipes this year and they will be my guinea pigs (guess I should have warned them)...LOL! I hope you enjoy a blend of old traditions and new memories as you celebrate holidays, friends and family.
This past week I finished reading 3 books (I must have had more down time than I thought): "NOTHING TO SEE HERE" by Kevin Wilson. It's an odd book with imagination and heart. "MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN BEFORE" by Steve Leder. A simply written book about how suffering transforms us. This book so touched my heart. "LIKE FALLING THROUGH A CLOUD" by Eugenia Zukerman. It's a beautiful book of poetry about dealing with Alzheimers. I cried through most of this book.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
December 22
Channukah - date varies
National Date Nut Bread Day - or September 8!?
Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year, date varies
December 23
Festivus - for the rest of us
Roots Day
December 24
National Chocolate Day
National Egg Nog Day
December 25
Christmas Day
National Pumpkin Pie Day for recipes see Pumpkin Nook 's Cookbook
December 26
Boxing Day
December 27
Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day
National Fruitcake Day
December 28
Card Playing Day
A huge shout out to my niece Melanie as she turns 20 tomorrow! I was at her birth and have managed to celebrate with her every year. This is the first year we will not be celebrating together (one of those changes I discussed earlier). I will call her or video chat with her and her presents have arrived for opening on her special day. I love you much Melanie and will see you later this week.
I am going to leave it here for today. Congratulation to the New England Patriots as the AFC East Champions for the 11th consecutive year! Time for a second cup of coffee and perhaps a little breakfast. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"As we get older, we often change into a blinkered mind-set and forget what once made us happy. We get stuck in the rat race or are continuously saving for a holiday that we have booked or we are too busy working to take a moment and see what once made us joyful.' - Danielle Tinning
"This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays! " - D.M. Dellinger
"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility." - Mary Anne Radmacher