Holiday Traditions by J. S. Marlo

 

 

Red in the Snow

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Deep Beneath the Surface

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When I googled "Holiday Traditions", this is what popped up: 

Decorating Christmas tree - I used to do it with my children, now I have to wait until my granddaughter has a free weekend to put it out because decorating grand-maman's tree is an integral part of her Christmas tradition.

Exchange gifts - We do that, but it can happen anywhere between Dec 24 - Jan 1, and nowadays, it's rarely on Dec 25.

Sending cards - I still send a few, but we mostly exchange text messages and emails.

Cookie decorating - We tried a few times, but the cookies weren't great, so... Santa gets a 'store' cookie with his glass of milk.

Make reindeer food - I never made food for Santa's reindeer, but I made tracks in the snow.

Music & Carols - I play Christmas music all day long. That counts, right?

Tracking Santa - The grandchildren love that one. To access the Norad tracking site, click here

Ice Skating - We have two grandchildren who are learning to skate this year, so we may end up on the ice, but we're more likely to sit on a cold bench and watch fun hockey games.

Elf on the Shelf - No Elf moving around the house, but I have two Gnomes who sit in the windows, unless my grandson is playing with them LOL 

Go for a Christmas lightwalk - We started that before we even had children, let alone grandchildren, though we sometimes drive around instead of walking when the temperatures are too frigid.

Mail letters to Santa - My children did and my grandchildren are doing it. To get Santa's answer by Christmas, the letter should be mailed by Dec 8. That's today! So get your pen and paper out! For more info, click here

Shop at Christmas Markets - I love Christmas Markets. The ambiance is fantastic, you can find very unique and original gifts, and you get to shop local.

Late Game nights - Playing games and making puzzles (while listening to Christmas music) is a big hit.

Advent calendars - Chocolate calendar, Escape room calendar, Puzzle calendar, Little teddy bear calendar, Yarn calendar... We love them all!!!

Attend Christmas Parade - We've done it in polar temperatures. Brrrrr....

Watch Christmas movies - I love them but hubby isn't a fan.

Bring kids to meet Santa - That resulted in tears more often than none.

Cook Christmas feast - I do every year, but it's less and less often on Dec 25.

The list goes on, but the one that fascinates me the most is called Jolabokaflod. (Please, do not ask me to pronounce it.)

Jolabokaflod is an Icelandic tradition. On Christmas Eve, family and friends get together and exchange the gift of a book. They then spend the night reading while eating chocolate and drinking hot cocoa.

I've been in Iceland, but I dream of spending a Christmas there just so I can fully immerse myself in that tradition.

Whatever you do this holiday season, give someone a book and send her/him on a wonderful adventure.

If you're looking for a warm and cozy mystery, full of twist and turns, all wrapped in the magic of  Christmas, The Red Quilt will take you through an unforgettable adventure. You'll even learn how to make reindeer tracks. The Red Quilt is available here.

It's snowy and cold in my corner of the world. It sure looks like Christmas!

Stay safe and warm! Hugs!

JS

 

 

J. S. Marlo's Website

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Janet Lane Walters 3BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #St. Patrick #Parade

 

St. Patrick’s Day On Hold

 

 

Though today is St. Patrick’s Day there will be no parade in NY City or in the town not far from my house. Though I’ve never gone to the one in the city, I understand it’s quite the affair. The one in the town near where I live is also a fun time. I usually don’t go because it’s too cold but I love watching the pictures in the paper and ones friends have taken. I have a trace of Irish in me but not on the green side. Doesn’t stop me from feeling a bit of festivity on that day. Just heard from my daughter that the parade in Savannah has also been cancelled.

 

I think of the stories I’ve been told about the country and of how my great-great came to this country and lived in a town called Fall River, Mass. I also had a chance to visit Ireland and spent a few hours in the town where she was born. A rugged hilly area and a small town tucked among the hills in northern Ireland. The greens of the countryside were stunning and the people friendly though at times I had trouble understanding them. Mr friend had a harder time with the language. I still have pictures from that long ago visit.

 

One of those pictures brings back memories of the collie and how the shephers showed us how the god herded sheep. What a fascinating thing to watch. No voice commands, only hand and body signals were given.

 

I also remember the rapid tour we took with my friend’s mother seeing so many sights and so much green. The Giant’s Causeway was a magnificent sight and the bus ride on the steep road quite a thrill. So this year, I’ll celebrate by looking at some of those pictures my friend and I took without the parade.

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