Tag: Christmas

Christmas Time (Archives)

It is that time of year when there seems to be a certain something in the air. It just feels kinder, softer and gentler. People seem friendlier, more in tune with life and rushing around becomes a “must do” and even though the hustle and bustle is not liked in some circles, it is part and parcel of the season.

Driving home yesterday, I noticed the Christmas tree vendor setting up his booth for the mad dash of Christmas tree buying. Not fake ones but ones that make your living room smell wonderful and out of the ordinary as the countdown begins to Christmas. I’ve always loved the scent of fresh pine accompanying my morning coffee as I go back in time to Christmases past.

However, it is not just about the good times, joyful times, the cozy times, but also about the moments I still hold dear in my heart. Memories of Christmases past where a special someone was there and he made Christmas so much better. The sale of Christmas trees brought back some memories that also brought a ache to the heart. He is gone now but those memories remain. The way he would make his way here excitedly on weekends ready to make Christmas a fantastic affair. A fresh tree was a must, he got the tree and I did the decorating. Menu planning was left up to me but there was always something special on the table, he made sure of that. Presents galore were all his doing and he loved giving. The Christmas tree vendor brought back some memories as I am sure more will come rushing in as we get closer to Christmas. He’s an “angel” now, this friend of mine, having earned his wings and I’m sure he’ll be singing with the rest of the angels welcoming the season in. Have a fantastic Christmas, “my angel.”

“But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round…as a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.” Charles Dickens

It is a time to rejoice, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, to breathe a little freer and to hug a little tighter. A time to step back, to sit by the fireplace with a cup of something warm and to take in the beauty of Christmas time. Sure, memories will rush in, they will hurt at times, you will shed a few tears, but when all is said and done, it is the most beautiful time of the year.

Have an amazing day.

Christmas!

We’re days away and it is picking up speed. Christmas is a time where “magic” is in the air but let’s not forget the modern version of Christmas. It is not about a babe in the manger a long time ago, it is about the craziness that accompanies what we call the Christmas of today. The shopping, the presents, the food fest, friends and family gathering together and of course, the “STRESS” that accompanies the whole shebang!

I’m there too. I feel it as I put the finishing touches to the house, making sure I didn’t forget anyone in the mad rush, last minute menu planning, and everything else that goes with Christmas. I’m sure when all is said and done, it will be wonderful and a time to relax and enjoy! Fingers crossed!

Some Christmas Magic

Honey and Hubie can’t believe their eyes at the scene before them. Christmas is a magical time and there is a lot going on where they’re at. Santa is busy getting ready for the biggest night of the year, the fairies are sprinkling fairy dust to make it a sparkling affair, the elves are busy filling Santa’s sleigh with presents and tucked away in a house near by, there is a family taking a breather and enjoying The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie. Christmas is on the way and Honey and Hubie think it is the best time of the year as well! The lights, the sounds, the colors, and the magic makes it the most wonderful time of the year!

Countdown to Christmas

🎄✨ The Gentle Countdown to Christmas with Honey & Hubie ✨🎄

As Christmas draws near, the world begins to buzz. Shops fill, to-do lists grow longer, and the days seem to whirl by in a mix of excitement, errands, and festive chaos. Yet somewhere between the wrapping paper and the rushing, there is a quiet kind of magic—one that whispers instead of shouts. And that is where The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie shines brightest. In the days leading up to Christmas, when everything feels fast and full, this story offers something rare: a moment to slow down. A soft place to land. A warm breath in the middle of winter’s hurry.

🌟 A Story That Brings Calm to the Christmas Countdown

While adults check calendars and children count the sleeps until Santa arrives, Honey and Hubie remind us of the kind of wonder that doesn’t rush. Their world is full of gentle courage, small acts of friendship, and the kind of imagination that warms even the coldest December day. Reading their adventures becomes more than just story time. It becomes a pause… a quiet moment shared… a way to settle the heart during the busiest season of the year.

🎁 A Cozy Escape for Families

As Christmas approaches, evenings grow softer—twinkling lights, warm rooms, and time spent together. Honey and Hubie fit perfectly into that space. Children lean in to hear about fairies, woodland creatures, and the brave little greyhound who learns to face her fears. Parents find themselves relaxing too, drawn in by the sincere sweetness of the tale. It is the kind of story that helps families breathe again—something peaceful to balance the noise and excitement of December.

🎄 A Christmas Countdown Full of Wonder

This year, why not make Honey and Hubie part of your family’s countdown?

•Five days before Christmas: Meet Honey and Hubie and slip into their magical world

• Four days before Christmas: Pause the holiday rush with a chapter of soft adventure

• Three days before Christmas: Share a lesson about courage and kindness

•Two days before Christmas: Let imagination take over where stress used to sit

• Christmas Eve: Cozy up together for a heartwarming read that ends the night with smiles

By the time Christmas morning arrives, children aren’t just excited for gifts— they’re filled with wonder, joy, and the warmth of stories shared.

✨ A Book That Feels Like a Calm Winter Night

In a season that often moves too fast, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie reminds us to slow down. To enjoy the small moments. To sit together. To let imagination be the gentle snow that settles over everything else. Christmas may be busy, but a good story has the power to quiet the world for just a little while… and Honey and Hubie do exactly that.

📖 Begin your calm Christmas countdown here:

👉 The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Excellent-Adventures-Honey-Hubie/dp/1838759301

May your days leading up to Christmas be cozy, magical, and filled with adventure. And may Honey and Hubie bring your home the gentle calm the season sometimes forgets to offer.

The Quiet Glow

Photo by Elena Kravets on Pexels.com

The streets are alight with Christmas decorations and it looks pretty. I love it when it is all lighted up, the darkness that rolls in at around 5 p.m. doesn’t seem so dark anymore and it helps to brighten up the mood. I haven’t been in the Christmas mood lately, but I’m trying and looking outside at the lights makes me want to get in the holiday mood as well.

One neighbor has a big Christmas tree out front and it looks gorgeous all lighted up and wearing its festive wear. Another has fairy lights framing a window and yet another has some kind of mural playing on a wall. I can’t make out what it is but it is festive. I’ve got a Christmas bouquet of cream-colored Poinsettias in a vase out front, lighted up with fairy lights and instead of my big Santa with the friendly smile, I have a big star with the Poinsettias. Santa will have to stay in the cellar as he is too heavy to lug up and down the stairs. Too bad because he made a fantastic showing every Christmas in years past. I am toning it down this year as I did last year. There is a really cute Santa bear hanging on the door instead of a wreath to complete the picture and to make it Christmassy.

Nothing indoors yet. I’ll get to it once I get some shopping done tomorrow. I plan on getting some Christmas presents. Mostly for the people who’ve been really nice throughout the year and who do the work that we sometimes overlook. The hard work, that is. The post delivery person is one of them. She is a middle-aged lady who seldom has a smile on her face but delivering mail in any kind of weather is not a nice job so I understand her attitude. The smile comes on when she gets a small token of appreciation before Christmas. Then there is the gardener who helps throughout the year to keep the garden in tip- top shape, so I always make sure he gets a little something. The neighbor lady across the street is next. She always watches out for me and calls when I forget to shut the garage door. She gets a Christmas bouquet of flowers. The people at the cafe are next. They’ll get a box of chocolates or cookies, I decided on stuffed dates, because the boss loves sweet stuff!

I hope doing all that will put me in a Christmas mood. Perhaps, I’ll start decorating the house later in the afternoon. I’m going to keep it simple this year. Just some of my favorite decorations to make the living room and fireplace area light up like a Christmas tree! I love lights and Christmas is the time to amp it up without going too crazy! I’m going for the quiet glow this year.

Christmas is on the way and it seems to be arriving with bells on! It is almost upon us and I haven’t done much at all. Got to get moving.

Have an amazing day.

Christmas Time

It is that time of year when there seems to be a certain something in the air. It just feels kinder, softer and gentler. People seem friendlier, more in tune with life and rushing around becomes a “must do” and even though the hustle and bustle is not liked in some circles, it is part and parcel of the season.

Driving home yesterday, I noticed the Christmas tree vendor setting up his booth for the mad dash of Christmas tree buying. Not fake ones but ones that make your living room smell wonderful and out of the ordinary as the countdown begins to Christmas. I’ve always loved the scent of fresh pine accompanying my morning coffee as I go back in time to Christmases past.

However, it is not just about the good times, joyful times, the cozy times, but also about the moments I still hold dear in my heart. Memories of Christmases past where a special someone was there and he made Christmas so much better. The sale of Christmas trees brought back some memories that also brought a ache to the heart. He is gone now but those memories remain. The way he would make his way here excitedly on weekends ready to make Christmas a fantastic affair. A fresh tree was a must, he got the tree and I did the decorating. Menu planning was left up to me but there was always something special on the table, he made sure of that. Presents galore were all his doing and he loved giving. The Christmas tree vendor brought back some memories as I am sure more will come rushing in as we get closer to Christmas. He’s an “angel” now, this friend of mine, having earned his wings and I’m sure he’ll be singing with the rest of the angels welcoming the season in. Have a fantastic Christmas, “my angel.”

“But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round…as a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.” Charles Dickens

It is a time to rejoice, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, to breathe a little freer and to hug a little tighter. A time to step back, to sit by the fireplace with a cup of something warm and to take in the beauty of Christmas time. Sure, memories will rush in, they will hurt at times, you will shed a few tears, but when all is said and done, it is the most beautiful time of the year.

Have an amazing day.

A Christmas Gift

Looking for a Christmas gift that brings a little old-school magic into your holiday season? Let me tell you, this charming little book is a perfect choice. It’s like stepping into a classic storybook world full of colorful adventures and heartwarming lessons. As someone who’s always on the hunt for meaningful gifts, I can say this story stands out because it’s all about the simple
joys of friendship and the wonder of imagination.

In a season that’s often filled with gadgets and gizmos, gifting a story like this is a reminder of how a good book can bring families together. It’s a way to slow down, share a cozy reading moment, and spark a child’s imagination. In other words, it’s a timeless little gem that fits perfectly under the Christmas tree.

Ron Betta

He loves this book and that is a good thing!