Perhaps more than any other holiday, Christmas is a time of tradition. The lights, trees, gifts and food – not to mention a portly gentleman in a red suit – make it a special time of the year. But, have you ever wondered why we decorate trees and kiss under the mistletoe? Why do we hang stockings over the fireplace? Who is this Santa guy anyway?  I thought that I would look into the origins of some festive traditions and discover why evergreen trees and… Read more »

Candid Christmas… “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” Here we are again. As we approach the end of 2015 and peer into the swirling mists of the future, I thought that it might be fun to reminisce of Christmases Past. I have amassed quite a collection of vintage photos on Pinterest and thought that I would share some of my favorites for you to peruse while warming yourself with a hot cup of cocoa (maybe with a little something… Read more »

In the spirit of Thanksgiving,  I thought that I would share some wise words written by the father of our country, George Washington. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving or will be an honored guest, may I humbly suggest that you read President Washington’s rules of etiquette and behavior and ensure that you do not end up being an embarrassing family epithet. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. Rules According to George…  

Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” King James Version (KJV) It has been almost one week since the terrorist attacks in Paris, although, somehow, it seems much longer than that. In these scant few days, we have witnessed both huge outpourings of generosity and kindness, alongside a lack of compassion for one’s fellow man that I find hard to articulate.  One thing is… Read more »

Thanksgiving is just around the corner here in the USA – the annual celebration of family and gratitude, cleverly disguised as an exercise in gluttony and football.  Every year, families gather together to share an enormous turkey dinner, watch the Dallas Cowboys lose to whoever, and argue bitterly about why the government is to blame for the burnt apple pie. (Thanks Obama!) As a native Brit, I am relatively new to Thanksgiving and all it’s delectable comestibles.  The main “eating” holiday in Britain… Read more »