In polish tradition it's allowed and expected to keep up Christmas tree, decorations and singing Carols until 2nd of February each year (the Candlemas). It has been that way for centuries, because people here like singing Carols, which we have huge variety of, plus January is a common time in many parishes to do Pastoral Visits, meaning the priests are visiting parishioners in their homes, and though the main goal is to know the people better, singing together is considered to be a great integrating activity. Also, having a decorated tree during visit of the priest means one decoration less to prepare.
The entire newsletter feels pretty relatable to me. For example, I had a feeling of "I. Think. The. Same!" while reading about your kids willing to stay home forever, as introvertism runs in me strongly.
I was about ten when I was told to shovel off the snow for the first time. It was also when I decided that I want my snow to be only outside the window on Christmas Eve and next few days, with a small exception of it remaining in our backyard for sledding and in the mountains for skiing.
"The second something becomes helpful, it’s no longer fun." - the only time it wasn't true happened in my life in case of lawnmowing. Ever since I started doing it I really liked it.
I enjoy mowing the lawn, too, but now my pigs do most of that job. I like the idea of leaving up decorations until February 2nd. I'm less thrilled by the idea of a priest coming over to sing with me. If your priest heard my singing voice, I'd be excommunicated on the spot.
I have a neighbor who has permanent Christmas lights installed. Apparently you can change the colors on them because he has different colors / patterns for different holidays. And you can always tell when they're going to have a family party, because they go all multi-color and twinkly. It's kinda fun.
Can't wait for the new book to be released. I bought a paperback copy last year, as it was released the day after my birthday. It was fantastic! Picked up my 99 cent digital copy too so I can lay in bed and re-read but not wake up the hubs. Thanks for sharing your talent the world, we love you!
Im Sweden the tradition is to keep the Christmas decorations up until January 13th. That day is called "Tjugondag Knut" (20th day Knut) The explenation for that name is quite simple; it is the 20th day after Christmas Eve (which is the "big" day for us) and Knut is the Name-of-the-day in the calender. It also give a good rhyme: "Tjugondag Knut ska granen ut" (20th day Knut the tree must get out)
It used to be parties that day at the churches or community houses, you "danced the Christmas out" with dance games and all the kids got to "fish" for bags of candy (and usually some unwelcomed clementine and/or boxes of raisins).
Hmmm. I went to Amazon and read the reviews for The Chosen Twelve. Wow. People really loved it and several mentioned wanting a sequel! The digital version is certainly a great deal, but I have the paperback in my cart.
When I was working, I hated driving in the snow and those people driving behind me hated me driving in it also. Now that I'm retired, I don't mind snow one bit because I figure I don't have to go out in it. Of course it always seems I have a dental appt or something that can't be canceled at the last minute, so boo, I still have to go out in it but at least now I have MrP to drive me. And the most expensive machine item he bought without me complaining was a snowblower. Some years it is barely used but the times it is needed, it's a lifesaver. He likes snowblowing so much he does about 3 neighbors' driveways while he's at it. Oh, and if you don't put outdoor lights and decorations up, you don't have to take them down. Guilty!
I've got a neighbor like that. He only gets to use it once every other year, so when he gets the chance, he snow blows the whole neighborhood. I love that guy.
Here’s hoping your 2024 is surprise illness and surgery free! On New Year’s Day, we celebrated the fact that I wasn’t admitted to the hospital at all in 2023. That’s the first time in several years. Worth celebrating, but we waited until ‘23 was well and truly over. No need to jinx anything!
Late to the party with this one. Must have been outside with the puppies when it dropped. ANYWAY, I grew up in northern Michigan. Well, we lived in Detroit until the 1968 riots then my parents thought it’d be wise to move us, lol. Snow, back then, started just before Halloween and lasted till April. I learned to drive in it (how I wish others had also). It doesn’t bother me but then I’m retired and had enough sense to buy 3 days of dinners just before the recent snow hit here in MO. I imagine you got it right after us. Good luck. LOL. With the warming I was worried we wouldn’t get any at all here in Kansas City but nope. Pretty out, until the puppies go out. I imagine your’s looks pretty for five minutes for the pigs and kids get to it. Oh, also, pertaining to your newsletter, we took down our tree on the 1st. By “we” I mean me. The boys do take all the bins to the outdoor storage so I guess I can’t complain. I put it up, I take it down. As crazy as it was I’m sure having all that help...helped.
Loved this newsletter!!
So many, "right on target things...loved "parenting in a nutshell...hours of boredom punctuated by moments of in sanity".
Thank you!
Lynn
Since I'm retired and can't shovel snow anymore, I'm more than happy to watch it come down over a hot cup of coffee. 😆
Snow is best enjoyed through a window. Or a TV screen.
Agreed! Moved from Maine to Mississippi for this very reason 🤣
In polish tradition it's allowed and expected to keep up Christmas tree, decorations and singing Carols until 2nd of February each year (the Candlemas). It has been that way for centuries, because people here like singing Carols, which we have huge variety of, plus January is a common time in many parishes to do Pastoral Visits, meaning the priests are visiting parishioners in their homes, and though the main goal is to know the people better, singing together is considered to be a great integrating activity. Also, having a decorated tree during visit of the priest means one decoration less to prepare.
The entire newsletter feels pretty relatable to me. For example, I had a feeling of "I. Think. The. Same!" while reading about your kids willing to stay home forever, as introvertism runs in me strongly.
I was about ten when I was told to shovel off the snow for the first time. It was also when I decided that I want my snow to be only outside the window on Christmas Eve and next few days, with a small exception of it remaining in our backyard for sledding and in the mountains for skiing.
"The second something becomes helpful, it’s no longer fun." - the only time it wasn't true happened in my life in case of lawnmowing. Ever since I started doing it I really liked it.
I enjoy mowing the lawn, too, but now my pigs do most of that job. I like the idea of leaving up decorations until February 2nd. I'm less thrilled by the idea of a priest coming over to sing with me. If your priest heard my singing voice, I'd be excommunicated on the spot.
Just put up clear lights and call them fairy lights. Fairy lights are acceptable year round 😜
We have a fairy garden out front, so the theme tracks!
I have a neighbor who has permanent Christmas lights installed. Apparently you can change the colors on them because he has different colors / patterns for different holidays. And you can always tell when they're going to have a family party, because they go all multi-color and twinkly. It's kinda fun.
That's a really cool idea. Also probably professionally installed and quite expensive. I'll add that to my "if I win the lottery" list.
Happy New Year!
Can't wait for the new book to be released. I bought a paperback copy last year, as it was released the day after my birthday. It was fantastic! Picked up my 99 cent digital copy too so I can lay in bed and re-read but not wake up the hubs. Thanks for sharing your talent the world, we love you!
Thanks for buying it twice! Also, husbands were meant to be woken up. Don't let him sleep too soundly.
Im Sweden the tradition is to keep the Christmas decorations up until January 13th. That day is called "Tjugondag Knut" (20th day Knut) The explenation for that name is quite simple; it is the 20th day after Christmas Eve (which is the "big" day for us) and Knut is the Name-of-the-day in the calender. It also give a good rhyme: "Tjugondag Knut ska granen ut" (20th day Knut the tree must get out)
It used to be parties that day at the churches or community houses, you "danced the Christmas out" with dance games and all the kids got to "fish" for bags of candy (and usually some unwelcomed clementine and/or boxes of raisins).
Hmmm. I went to Amazon and read the reviews for The Chosen Twelve. Wow. People really loved it and several mentioned wanting a sequel! The digital version is certainly a great deal, but I have the paperback in my cart.
Thanks! There's something special about having a physical book in your hands.
When I was working, I hated driving in the snow and those people driving behind me hated me driving in it also. Now that I'm retired, I don't mind snow one bit because I figure I don't have to go out in it. Of course it always seems I have a dental appt or something that can't be canceled at the last minute, so boo, I still have to go out in it but at least now I have MrP to drive me. And the most expensive machine item he bought without me complaining was a snowblower. Some years it is barely used but the times it is needed, it's a lifesaver. He likes snowblowing so much he does about 3 neighbors' driveways while he's at it. Oh, and if you don't put outdoor lights and decorations up, you don't have to take them down. Guilty!
I've got a neighbor like that. He only gets to use it once every other year, so when he gets the chance, he snow blows the whole neighborhood. I love that guy.
Here’s hoping your 2024 is surprise illness and surgery free! On New Year’s Day, we celebrated the fact that I wasn’t admitted to the hospital at all in 2023. That’s the first time in several years. Worth celebrating, but we waited until ‘23 was well and truly over. No need to jinx anything!
Congrats on the streak! Let's keep it going for all of 2024.
We can do it!
That's relieving to hear! Wishing you lots of health in 2024 and beyond!
*insanity
Late to the party with this one. Must have been outside with the puppies when it dropped. ANYWAY, I grew up in northern Michigan. Well, we lived in Detroit until the 1968 riots then my parents thought it’d be wise to move us, lol. Snow, back then, started just before Halloween and lasted till April. I learned to drive in it (how I wish others had also). It doesn’t bother me but then I’m retired and had enough sense to buy 3 days of dinners just before the recent snow hit here in MO. I imagine you got it right after us. Good luck. LOL. With the warming I was worried we wouldn’t get any at all here in Kansas City but nope. Pretty out, until the puppies go out. I imagine your’s looks pretty for five minutes for the pigs and kids get to it. Oh, also, pertaining to your newsletter, we took down our tree on the 1st. By “we” I mean me. The boys do take all the bins to the outdoor storage so I guess I can’t complain. I put it up, I take it down. As crazy as it was I’m sure having all that help...helped.