As we have all started a new year, it seems to have a certain same feel as last year. But even if we are like going in a circle and repeating the same, we can always do things a bit differently. These days we are all trying to be careful and safe. But we must not forget that there is still plenty of life to live. I think we can live a great life and still be careful and safe. We just need to look at things differently this year. And this can translate into how we share our lives with others. Let’s start sharing the best versions of ourselves.…

As the new year approaches and everyone gets ready to celebrate the end of this year, I find that sometimes people look too much towards the parties and the fun or to the celebrations of what the new year means. I see people making plans for the new year and deciding what changes they wish to see. But I think one thing is essential, especially because of the kind of years we had. I think it is important not to look at what we desire for the next or look at what changes we need to make. But to look at what we are thankful for from the past year.…

Now we all know decorating can become such a hassle. The tangle of the lights, the changing of the busted bulbs, the hanging up so high you need a ladder, and the cold outdoors (well, for some of us). But all this frustration and annoyance never prepares us for the effects once it is all up. The beauty of the lights, glistening on the snow. How they twinkle in the moonlight, like as if the stars were colored and close by.  One of my favorite activities is walking outside and looking at all the beautiful decorations that people have put up for the world to enjoy. The beauty of it…

How much I love the smells and tastes of the season. Christmas food from goodies to cooked meals to my mother’s homemade apple pie. I just love it. The smells of spices and chocolate mint, what a lovely smell. I love baking. I love when you walk into a home, and you can smell the baked goods so well that you can almost taste it in the air. Now that’s Christmas.  All these tastes and smells can encourage a writer like me. I can imagine a scene playing out in my head and how the smells or tasting of the food may play in the character’s mood and emotions. It…

We all have our favourites. There is no comparing. I won’t write how this or that song is the best for all Christmas songs are great in their own way. Even I have my favourites, but songs reflect who we are, so there is no right or wrong in what we like or don’t when it comes to songs. Whether you are a rock and roll or a country song fan, there are Christmas songs in every genre for every person. That is why I love Christmas music. I could listen to it all year long, but once the first of December hits, it’s Christmas at my house every day…

Yes, I am a Christmas fool when it comes to all the movies that a person can watch about Christmas. I probably have seen almost all Christmas movies, from the old but good ones to newer ones, to the classics and the not-so classics. I have watched many. I love a good romantic movie, but nothing I find brings out romance best than a Christmas movie. I love how two people can be brought together by the magic of this season. I enjoy watching the journey that the two people go through that makes them end up with each other. Movies are a great way of seeing a romance story…

What is more fun than looking at all the Christmas cards, especially the romantic ones? They vary from deep love to friendship kind of love. But they are so beautiful to read. One of my simple pleasures I take out of life is going to the holiday card section and reading the love Christmas cards. I love reading them because they make me feel so hopeful and joyous. And then I get thinking about how someone out there may buy this card and give them to a loved one. I love trying to play a scenario on how the person will receive the card in my head.  Christmas cards can…

As plans are being made for Christmas, I have come across many people who want to go back to how things were, to the old traditions. I have nothing against that. I love old traditions. But I find that after the year we had, it’s time to think a bit different when it comes to, well, about anything, which means about Christmas too. I mean, I love Christmas, all of it, but I find that Christmas is not just about old traditions but also about founding new traditions.  At my home, every year, I do some traditional things, like putting candy canes on my tree for my kids to steal…