It seems that the holidays feel different every year. It’s not a matter of growing older, but maybe of seeing the world through different eyes.
Some years have seen good-sized gatherings, some years, small and intimate ones. Some years bright and merry, others quiet. There have been years where gift-buying was a big deal, others when it barely mattered at all. Years with COVID in play, years not.
The common thread? Change. Everything is always in motion, including how we spend our holidays, where, and with whom.
The other thread? Feeling grateful … for all the experiences the holidays have brought, and those they will bring.
Here’s hoping that you will not get lost in the rush, but lost in the peace, joy, and sweet calm of the season. I’ll be joining you for these.
It wouldn’t be the beginning of December if I didn’t mention that I have adorable Frenchie items for sale in my Etsy shop, or that my magical and beautiful picture book, Where Do Butterflies Go at Night?, would make a great Christmas gift.
Cheers!

Gentle peace and joy to you, Jeanne, however your merry and bright appear this year! And I hope your darling Frenchies get all the attention they deserve. I’m a little sad that my shoulder’s continued healing keeps me from sending cards this year, but that’s one of the changes in my life this time around! XO
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I’m sorry to hear your shoulder is taking this long to heal, too, but yes, we do have changes, not in our control. I wish you all the best in every way, Kitty, as you always know – happiness, love, light, and healing! ❤️
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I am grateful for past holidays and enjoy looking back at traditions that have indeed changed over the years. One way I do that is to bring out holiday decorations I managed to hang onto from my childhood. Holiday decorations that were actually made in Germany and not China. One of which is a Santa that opens up to hold candy. As a child, instead of candy, I’d clip a small piece from our Christmas tree and put it inside. I’d do this each and every year. To this day, those clippings are still there and in tact.
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That’s a great tradition! I have family ornaments stored in a carton in the basement …. Since I only have a tiny tree, I seem to never open that box and see what memories are actually there. Who knows? This could be the year!!
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Merry Christmas Jeanne 🙂
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Hi Andrea – so nice to see your face! I hope you are all well there across the pond. Happy Christmas, New Year, and Solstice to you!!
Cheers to a great New Year – let’s all be more “us” and find wonderful new avenues to bring ourselves to the world that awaits. 💕
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