December Calendar

     

We'll see if this survives Little Miss this year. Last year she routinely sent the little tree sailing off the piano. Lights to the lanterns are a new addition. 

     I'm not putting stress or expectations on myself in December other than to just try and chill, enjoy time with family and friends, and slow down to see the lights and hear the music. I really miss my husband right now, being that he'd be retired and we'd enjoy these things together more without the stress of his job. Now, likely I still would be working as that had been the plan for me to keep working and follow four years later. So, in that sense, I feel I really need to maximize the gift of time I have. 

     This weekend is busy. Friday I'm joining my sister and niece for her church Women's Christmas Dessert. The program has been good the last two years and the table settings spectacular, set up by the table hosts. Saturday morning is the AAUW Christmas brunch and fundraiser for the local family services. We're doing a women's sanitary product drive, always needed by food banks. Later, we're having family book club and cards. I'll bring my UK gifts I bought for my family and a few treats we don't get here.

      Sunday, I may attend the service of lessons and carols. I haven't felt like going to church in a while, but this is a service I usually enjoy. I'd like to drop off the sign up for the Poinsettia garden and get an ornament for my husband from the Angel tree. Then, in the afternoon, I'm going with anyone who is free to the country fairgrounds pioneer village Christmas display, always a beautiful treat. Monday night is my other book club. Oh yes, and I have two books to finish! 

     I won't have the big dog here tomorrow so have willed myself to make two batches of jam. I'm cooking beans now and thawed a huge package of thick ham slices so will make both bean and ham soup, ham and au gratin potato casserole, and just for a bit of brightness ham salad with pickles to bring to my sister's Saturday.  I'm enjoying a leisurely cold morning, but will keep on my to do list, continuing to clean, purge, organize, and decorate a bit. Have a good Thursday. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 4, 2025 at 8:35 AM

    It looks cozy and pretty. I went to Costco yesterday which wore me out. I have a meeting at the library today, but as I am not in leadership in this organization, I may not show. It’s pouring down rain and I am exhausted. But, I do have books to return. I also have a book I want to finish, so I may take the meeting time to do that. Actually, to be honest I need to start it.Somehow I have once again lost my way to reading for pleasure!
    Enjoy the upcoming weekend!
    -Meg B.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 4, 2025 at 9:25 AM

      I hear you on not being in a reading mindset. Both Siobhan and I had reading materials for the beach but, hotels, Air BNB, quiet nights. One late afternoon is all I really read and it was more a browse of a recipe/ vignette book from Cornwall. Hence why I have two books to read!

      Delete
  2. GinaDecember 4, 2025 at 12:03 PM

    Your Thursday sounds cozy and beautiful. It feels like a weird time of year for me, too. My late Hubby was such a huge part of Christmas for all of us. We are learning a new normal and we haven't quite figured it all out yet. My mantra for moving through the season is peace. Its what I seek every day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 5, 2025 at 5:21 AM

      I don't know if we'll ever find normal, but I do want to find a sense of peace.

      Delete
  3. BelindaDecember 4, 2025 at 2:56 PM

    Hopefully Little Miss will leave the decorations alone. Our kitties are currently tossing a snowman off the bookshelf into the floor multiple times per day. LOL
    The Women's Christmas Dessert sounds lovely, I hope you enjoy yourself. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 5, 2025 at 5:22 AM

      So far, she's just curious when I turn them on. We'll see what happens Christmas week when my daughter comes again with her two cats. I've really enjoyed the Christmas Dessert evening the last two years.

      Delete
  4. Anne in the kitchenDecember 4, 2025 at 7:22 PM

    Good for you! You need to enjoy leisure, especially after such long travels

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 5, 2025 at 5:24 AM

      Christmas will be decorated and currated on the light side this year. I'll enjoy others triumphs.

      Delete
  5. The Happy WhiskDecember 6, 2025 at 12:15 PM

    HI. I'm Ivy and I found your page through Gina's page. I'm sorry to read that you lost your husband. 35 years is an amazing thing. I am glad to read that you're keeping December on the low-stress side. That's the good stuff. Not to be stressed out. I like the little lights, they look pretty inside.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 6, 2025 at 3:36 PM

      It's been almost 3 years and still tough. But, we all have our losses. I just want my family to have joy still.

      Delete

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