holidays – Site Title

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.

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.

Christmas Time

Have an amazing day.

December

I have a love-hate relationship with December The year is drawing to a close and I have a chance at making things better as year end approaches and a new one begins. Add Christmas to that and what’s not to like?

Plenty. I love Christmas, the sights, the sounds, the scents, and just the feeling of peace that is everywhere. The house comes alive with lights and there is this dreamy quality about it. The fireplace crackles, add a blanket or two on the couch and you’re ready to snuggle and watch the flames burn. There is just something about this time of year. I love it and yet, there is a certain sadness because the heart longs for Christmases past when loved ones were near and it was a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate the season. Christmas is no longer like it used to be. The circle has grown smaller and it is usually just Chachi and yours truly. Last year, I had a friend who came over but it wasn’t the same. This year, I might spend it with my “Little Buttercup” who is always ready to spend time with his mommy.

I have a love-hate relationship with this month. I love the cold, even better if there is snow outside, walks in nature are filled with wonder, and festive lights twinkling everywhere warms the heart and fills the soul with a certain something. I can’t put my finger on it. I call it “magic.”

However, there are definite downsides to this month as well and when you’re alone, it is magnified during this time of the year. I’m learning to cope with it and taking it in stride as I do with most things. Still, I do love December and all that it brings.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

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Traditions

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Almost every family has them and some are wonderful and some we can do without. My family had many traditions and I had to be there whether I wanted to or not!

My parents were religious people and church on Sundays was one of those traditions. I’m not just talking about Sunday service but spending the whole day at church! Yes, it was excruciating for a young girl but I did it simply because it was a must. This is one tradition I don’t keep up with. I’m not going to put my son through it either. It’s his decision altogether and he has chosen to go the other way but I think a little religion doesn’t hurt anyone.

All the other holidays were part and parcel of our upbringing. Christmas was a big deal but I loved it and when I was married, I kept up with the tradition. Presents, lights, Christmas carols and good food were all still a part of tradition but nowadays, it is a quiet affair. No going all out, just some lights, music and a quiet time, so that has changed. Thanksgiving was another big deal. It was a time for family get-togethers, turkey and all the trimmings and lots of food! I’ve changed it to almost nothing. When the friend was there, we would have a semblance of Thanksgiving, just some good food and a quiet time together. Now that he is gone, I’m mostly on my own except for Chachi, the cat.

Traditions have changed but I guess it does when life changes. Time changes things too and circumstances complete the picture. Memories of those traditions I had with my parents still remain, they always will, because they were wonderful times except for the whole day at church bit. I could have done without those.

Daily writing prompt

What traditions have you not kept that your parents had?

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Lonely at Christmas?

Here’s the thing, you may think that you’re the only person on earth who is alone for Christmas but did you know that there are thousands of people who spend Christmas alone? Christmas is a beautiful time of the year but for some who are alone, it can be downright excruciating. It can get depressing and you can dive into the doldrums of despair but there is something YOU can do about it.

Change Your Mindset

Yes, it’s all about that mindset. Instead of cowering in your bedroom and mourning about how sad you are, change it to my glass is half-full instead.

Let’s see. You have a roof over your head don’t you? You have food, warm clothes and you are safe while there are others out there who don’t have half of what you have. I’m sure they’ll gladly change places with you. Be thankful for what you have.

Get something good to eat. Enjoy spending time alone and be thankful you don’t have to deal with the stress. What stress? The stress of spending time with people you don’t like, the noise, the constant chatter and sounds of good cheer. It can get nerve-wrecking. Be thankful for the silence because if used wisely it can be your best friend.

Stay in your jammies all day! Check out a movie you’ve wanted to watch but never got around to it. Spend quality time with your pets or listen to your favorite music.

Turn your attention to your book collection. What about that book you’ve been wanting to read but never got around to it? Well, here’s the time to do just that.

Try deep breathing. It definitely helps me and sometimes I need to take a nap because nothing destresses like breathing for all you’re worth! Do a workout and work on getting yourself fit and buff. While all the others are “pigging out” you are on your way to looking pretty good!

Watch something funny on TV. It will help to boost that somber mood and make you feel much better. I tried it last night and watched Max Amini, a stand-up comedian and he was hilarious. It definitely helped to boost my mood because laughter releases those happy hormones. They are serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin which help to reduce depression and anxiety as well. These feel-good hormones do much to get you out of the rut you’re in. It worked for me.

SMILE! Wear a perpetual smile on your face even if you don’t feel like it. Know that YOU are not the only one in this situation, there are thousands out there spending Christmas alone. Make the best of it and you’ll be just fine.

“Christmas is a baby shower that went totally overboard.” Andy Borowitz

Ain’t that the truth?!!

Have a good one and wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, know this: YOU WILL GET THROUGH IT.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmastime

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

There’ll be much mistletoeing

And hearts will be glowing

When loved ones are near

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

That song captures Christmas in a nutshell and it is the most wonderful time of the year, that’s true. It’s a time for lights, glitter, trees decked out in holiday cheer, and the scents and sounds of Christmas. Houses trimmed in lights, Santa and his elves taking centerstage and a time for joy and celebration. However, it is also a time for loneliness to take hold and for some of us a reminder that we are lacking in some aspects.

Memories of Christmases past gnaw at our insides as we miss the people who are no longer there, the ones who put a smile on our faces at Christmases past and there will be a feeling of not being whole and complete without them. It’s the time of year that brings home the fact that YOU are alone when others are gathering to celebrate the festival of cheer. It is a time to give thanks but also for mourning losses.

“Isn’t it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for I don’t know what exactly, but it’s something that you don’t mind so much not having at other times.” Katy L. Basher

I miss the big Christmases when mom and dad were there. The scent of duck roasting along with chestnuts and all the other goodies filling the air with anticipation and carollers trooping into the house shortly before midnight their angelic voices spreading good cheer to all. Later, when I had my own family, I remember the twinkle in my son’s eyes as he eyed the presents under the tree and watched as Christmas slowly began to unfold with good food, joy, grandma and grandpa and his mom and dad gathered around the fireplace. Much, much later, I remember Christmases with my dear friend, the one who passed away, and with my son but sans my ex and his family. Christmas was getting smaller but still a joyful affair. Fast forward to the here and now and it will be just Chachi, the cat, and yours truly this year. I’ve toned down the lights, Santa is in the cellar and won’t be spreading his brand of good cheer at the front door like he does every year and the tree will be missing. It will be a lonely Christmas because my son will be spending it somewhere else. I could have company if I wanted to but I’ve decided to do it alone this year.

I’ve come to the conclusion that Christmas is a feeling that we accentuate with presents, food, decorations, music, family and friends. Some will say it is hyped-up to the extent that we forget what it is really about. It is about the birth of Jesus in a manger a long time ago. He came to give us love, hope and joy and this is worth celebrating. All the rest is just icing on the cake, nothing more, nothing less.

This Christmas I will celebrate that message wholeheartedly because “goodness” is much needed in this world of ours where “bad” often takes top priority. Someone told me yesterday that the bad people are not being held accountable for the evil they put into this world and I agreed with him but that it only seems that way. I told him that I believe that they will pay the price when the time is right. He disagreed but that’s his opinion and that’s alright too.

Coming back to Christmas, if you’re dreading it, it’s time to change that mindset. Be grateful, be thankful and turn “loneliness” into something marvelous. Sometimes being alone is a Godsent. You have YOU and I’ve got my little guy in the fur coat to put good cheer on my face.

We’ll Get Through It!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Have an amazing day.

It’s on the Way!

It’s unbelievable but we are approaching Christmas at a fast pace, faster than I would like. It’s just 21 days away so let me ask you, where did this year go? It seems to have come in on wings and just as swiftly it is getting ready to fly out of here.

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” W. T. Ellis

The neighbors are trying frantically to out do each other as to who has the best Christmas decorations and I haven’t even started yet. The Christmas tree vendor has his little shack set up with trees both big and small. The call is inviting but I’ve decided no real tree this year. There is nothing better than the scent of fresh pine on a cold winter’s morning but I’m not up to the hassle of lugging that tree back to the house and setting it up. It is not in my repertoire of things to do this Christmas. Bah Humbug?!! Not really, I love Christmas in all its shapes and forms BUT I’m not expending too much energy this year. Scrooge? I hope not. I’m actually missing the guy who will help me with such things so I’m hoping he’s on the way and maybe, just maybe, Christmas will be an all out affair next year. One can only hope.

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” Edna Ferber

What’s Christmas without the lights? Exactly! The house will be lit up like a neon sign but tastefully and candles will get the scent of Christmas going. My faithful Santa will take his rightful place at the front door as he does each year, all lit up, his cheeks red from the cold and grinning from ear to ear.

I like cozy so the fireplace will be going and couches and chairs will be decked out in Christmas blankets and cushions. Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus along with The Three Wise Men will take their place of honor in a simple manger on a mantel by the fireplace and Christmas music will add to the atmosphere. Of course, there will be presents, it goes without saying but they won’t be under a huge Christmas tree. I’ll have them piled under a tiny fake tree but it will be pretty just the same.

I like Christmas, no, I LOVE Christmas! I love the scents and sounds of Christmas but more than that, I love the peaceful feeling that Christmas brings. There is just something about this time of year when it’s cold outside but there is warmth inside, not just indoors but in our hearts as well.

“May this Christmas, Santa fill your tree of life with presents of happiness, joy and love.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.