Every holiday season, people look for ways to put a personal stamp on gift-giving or gestures of kindness or even to adopt traditions that make the holidays feel like their own. I have developed a few things that I do with the kids for Christmas. We drive around town … [Read more...]
Christmas Day Our Way
When I was growing up, Christmas Day went like this: -wake up, really excited about opening presents, but also nursing sugar hangover from sweets-filled Christmas Eve party -open presents, then be hurried off to get dressed -visit first set of grandparents -visit second set of … [Read more...]
Songs That Stab Me in the Heart: “There’s Still My Joy” by Indigo Girls
Last year someone gave me Indigo Girls' new Christmas album. I played it on my computer while I was wrapping presents. This song came on, and that was the end of that. I had never heard it before. It's a cover of an old Melissa Manchester tune. I brought my tree down to … [Read more...]
Hugs For the Holidays: You Are Not Alone, Even Though It Feels Like It
In the past year, I've lost one of my best friends, my grandfather, and my illusion that I can keep my family safe. It is that first loss, the one of my friend Lisa who was my best friend in Los Angeles and the woman who gave me a reason to move here from Connecticut when I … [Read more...]
A Month of Reading – Day 12, Santa
This is the ninth post in “A Month of Reading“ Kyle's letter to Santa, which he rolled up into a scroll and taped closed, and put into our mailbox: Dear Santa, I have been good this year. If I don't get any other presents than 3, it's fine with me. I know the elves are … [Read more...]