When it comes to the holidays, I’m a big one for tradition. But with time, life changes and so what once was, cannot always be. It used to be after I decorated the Christmas tree (a real one) with glass ornaments and family heirlooms I would put my two boys to bed and shut off all the lights in the house except for the Christmas tree. I would put Silent Night in my cassette player and just bask in the simplistic beauty of it all. The true spirit of the holiday would course through my body, reducing me to tears, and it was a private moment just for me as I reflected on all I was blessed with.

I no longer have boys to put to bed, and the tree, well, now it’s artificial and it’s decorated in a leopard theme with non-breakable ornaments. After I’m done decorating (with lots of help from my furry gang) I still turn off the lights and reflect in the beauty of it all, but now I share the moment with Dan and the cats. We converse at the end of the day like we do every day, sitting together, me blanketed in a soft pile of kitty love as we binge watch whatever show of the moment it is… in this case, Nurse Jackie.

But regardless of time, one thing always remains true, the spirit of Christmas resides in the heart to be shared with those you love…

Have a lovely Wednesday all!

When you feel overwhelmed at the holidays, even something like a tangled strand of lights can be enough to cause tears to flow in frustration. At that point, it’s just best to walk away for a moment. Put on some music that calms you and come back to it when you are ready. Or throw them away and buy a new strand!

I do love the holidays, but I must admit with the joy, peace, and goodwill, along with it comes a strong dose of anxiety, sadness, and melancholy. Tensions flare, unrealistic expectations for perfection set by Norman Rockwell standards of days gone by unravel at the seams, the simplest of things can overwhelm you, and every day can be a quick trip into a dark hole if you don’t keep it all in check.  Read more

Once a year, those musty boxes and totes we keep in the garage come in the house, and as I begin to unpack the contents, Jazmine wonders what the heck I am up to!

Oh! It’s stuff to decorate for Christmas! Kizmet who’s been around the block a year longer than Jazmine is already a pro and digs in to help (while finding the time to pose endearingly for the camera as well).

Yes, you Kizmet! Thanks for all the help!

Yes Mia, you’re a pretty little helper too! Oh, and hello Jazmine! Nice of you to join us!

So how is it in your house? If you decorate for the holidays, have you started yet? Do you cats help or are they bored with it all already?

First off, please let me stress that my cats give me untold love every single day of the year. Their devotion to me is astounding and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. From sunup to sundown, they amuse, fascinate, entertain, and comfort me and there is not another single thing I need or want from them. Well… okay… since it is nearly Christmas, maybe there is just a thing or two or ten that I would like. That said, here is my Christmas wish list from me, to my cats: Read more

ACK!!!!!!!!!!! It’s already the beginning of December! I haven’t even started my holiday shopping let alone making my list and checking it twice… And then there’s the tree I haven’t put up yet… For those of you starting to panic like I am, here’s a bit of advice for you:

I will not let the holidays stress me out. I will not let the holidays stress me out. I will not let the holidays stress me out. I will not let the holidays stress me out. I

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