Hello book friends! How are all of you? It's December! And I'm coming back around to say 'Greetings!' and, as it says on my mantel decoration...'Be of good cheer...'! Or maybe try to be of good cheer. I'm choosing to try to do that and my husband and I have been figuring out what these December holidays will look like at our house. Not the 'usual', but we're choosing not to have a 'Grinch-y' Christmas either. We're working on plans to 'porch deliver' some bags of treats to family and friends here. And maybe have a small visit outside with them. We might even sing a carol or two - at a distance. You never know.
I can't help remembering that three years ago in December, my husband had an unexpected heart attack and then had triple bypass surgery. It was a very scary time and an unusual Christmas, but we got through it. We'll all get through this year as well. The holidays and Christmas are for me a time of joy, peace, and thinking of those I love and have loved. And also a time of reaching out and trying to bring some joy to others through whatever means I can. I encourage you to do that as well.
As to my reading life, it goes on, happily. I'm not going to share much about it here, but I plan to be back maybe the last week of this year to do some 'Best of...' posts and update at that time. Until then, I'm going to leave you with several pictures of holiday decorations around my house. My wish is that all will have a joyful, peaceful, holiday season full of love and good cheer. Merry Christmas! Thank you all for being my friends!!
Love your photos of decorations. I'm trying to get into the spirit ... so I need to get some decorations & the tree! Glad you checked back in. I didn't realize you had that happen 3 years ago ... oh gosh how scary & difficult times but so glad you both made it through.... wishing you very happy holidays ahead. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteYes, time to get some 'spirit' and 'cheer' - I think most of us can do that if we try. Our time 3 years ago was indeed scary. Even though this year is also scary, it's quite different for me. Sigh. Happy holidays to you and yours as well.
DeleteHow can we help but be of good cheer with positive posts like yours, the beautiful decorations, and the hope of Christ? Merry Christmas...soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meredith! I'm really trying to 'be of good cheer'. Some days I do better than others. Today, I made a playlist of Christmas music for my walk and it helped me out a lot. :-)
DeleteIt's been hard to get into the spirit this year but the other side to it is that usually I am so busy and sick from being overworked. None of that is an issue this year, which is a blessing for sure. I decided that whatever we do to celebrate is good enough. I am not going whole hog on anything this year and that's okay. I feel like I've been given permission to take it down a notch and I kind of like it.
ReplyDeleteIf we do not hear from you again before Christmas, Merry Christmas to you!! See you in the new year... the one we are all waiting for.
Ti, I think that making things more simple this year is just the thing. Sometimes I feel that I've made that 'must' list around the holidays so long that it is difficult to ever feel that it's enough. This year, it will be enough. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
DeleteYes, Christmas will be different this year, we will have half the family for Christmas itself and the other half on New Year's day. Trying to avoid cross-contamination and so forth. Happy Christmas to you and yours, Kay, if you don't post again before Christmas. You take care.
ReplyDeleteCath, I think that your plan sounds just about perfect for this year. Maybe not exactly the same as usual, but simple and cheerful. My wish for you and your family is indeed a 'Happy Christmas'!
DeleteIt's great to hear from you. Merry Christmas! I'll be looking forward to reading your post about what you've read, but I'm glad to hear you're all doing fine and finding ways to enjoy the holidays despite Covid.
ReplyDeleteTina, I'm not sure my list of what I've read is going to be all that exciting. Ha! I have reread scads of books, but it's been my comfort thing this year. We'll see how it sorts out when I take a look. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
DeleteIt is certainly more of a challenge this year, but bringing out the decorations with all of their memories helps. "Be of Good Cheer" is an antidote to the times!
ReplyDeleteJenclair, I hope that 'be of good cheer' can encourage others to try to think the same way. I feel we've all struggled with being sad. No, this year won't be the same, but it can still be joyful. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
DeletePerspective is everything when it comes to times like this, isn't it? I'm glad you and your husband are doing well and that you're finding creative ways to celebrate the season. :D
ReplyDeleteLark, I totally agree that perspective is a big challenge, but I hope that if we tweak ours just a little, it can be most helpful. Today I made a playlist of holiday music for my morning walks and it was lovely to listen to. :-)
DeleteGlad you checked in Kay and yes, for you, this December has to be better than 3 years ago. I'm trying to make the best of 2020. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I know that this year is tough for all of us. However, I'm trying to adjust my viewpoint a little and see if it can help. Hope you and your family will be able to figure out a few ways to 'be of good cheer'. Take care!
DeleteGood to hear from you, Kay! Glad you're making the best of the holidays, despite the circumstances!
ReplyDeleteAngela, I think that the holidays can be joyful and lovely still, even though these hard times. Take care and hoping you and your family have a joyful and Merry Christmas!
DeleteGood to 'see' you, Kay! I've been missing my blogging friends as homeschooling life took over. I look forward to seeing what your favorites are this year. Oh, and on your recommendation I've listened to the first three Amos Decker books and so has Jason. Amos has two new fans thanks to you :)
ReplyDeleteStacy, I'm so glad that you and Jason are enjoying the Amos Decker books. I really liked them all. Yes, doing the homeschooling thing is quite a lot of work. I do remember. Hoping all of you will have a joyful holiday time. Take care and hugs to Gage!
DeleteWishing you joy-filled holidays, Kay!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Catherine! My hope is that you and your family will have the same - joy-filled holidays! Take care!
DeleteYou have such wonderful decorations, Kay! I'm glad you are making plans for socially distanced visits with your family and wish you and Hayden the merriest Christmas. Looking forward to seeing your "Best of 2020" list! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSome of the decorations are quite old now. The cross-stitch creations were ones I did way, way back - when I could still see the cloth - ha! We'll do fine with our holiday family plans. We'll make some treats that we haven't made in few years and I've bought a bunch of little fun things for each family member. Think I'll do a post on those later when I'm putting them in bags. Anyway, it won't be the usual Christmas, but it will be a memorable one regardless. Merry Christmas to you, Rod, and Andi!
DeleteLoved seeing your decorations, Kay. Be of good cheer!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the Christmas things, Cathy!
DeleteI often buy an ornament from places that we travel, so I have a bunch from various locations. Brings back fond memories. Hope you and your family have a nice Christmas visit. It will just be the two of us this year as our daughter will be working. That's often the case though - about every other year. Those babies will insist on being born even on holidays. LOL
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, Kay. Such beautiful decorations! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. We decorated over the Thanksgiving weekend. Although our Christmas tree has been up all year, it's nice to see it decorated with our favorite ornaments again. My desk sits right next to it, and I have the colorful twinkling lights going while I work on my work at home days.
ReplyDeleteWe're going to have a quiet Christmas this year, just the three of us. It was a difficult decision (and conversation) to not have my mom travel down this year for the holidays. It'll be a year soon since we last saw her. But in light of the state's current stay at home orders (prohibiting travel and social gatherings of any kind), we are erring on the side of caution.
Wendy, I'm always reminded of my maternal grandmother when you mention that your tree stays up all year. She did that too. She had one of those silver foil-looking trees (you probably don't remember ones like that). There was a color wheel that was plugged in and turned and it shone colors on the tree and reflected back off the silver. As kids, we loved that her tree was always up. Thanks for your kind words and I hope you guys have a very joyful, peaceful holiday time.
DeleteI love this sentiment, Kay! If there's every a year when the world needs good cheer, it's this one. Since spreading cheer helps both the giver and the "getter," it's the perfect Christmas motto.
ReplyDeleteYour decorations are lovely! I collect nutcrackers and I love cross-stitch, so those are my favorite :) Thanks for sharing a peek into your holiday home. Made me smile!
Susan, I did those cross-stitch decorations years and years ago - probably over 30 years. Can't believe they have held together. Of course, they are only out at holiday time. I appreciate your kind words and, yes, I believe that spreading cheer and goodwill is beneficial for the giver as much as the receiver. Kind of a spiritual thing, right?
DeleteI'm glad your husband is all right now. And you have some lovely decorations. I particularly like your stocking. Enjoy your holidays!
ReplyDeleteKay I love your attitude and your Christmas decorations are so cheerful!
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