This party is the highlight of my year. It’s been rolling since around 2010—gumbo on the stove, potluck dishes on every surface, cheap awkward gifts, and friends packed into a house that was never designed for this many people. Loud, messy, familiar… and exactly right.
On the Fifth Post of Christmas…
Our Christmas decorations may only be out for a few weeks, but they completely transform our home. From villages and nativities to handmade touches and a familiar elf, the clutter and chaos are part of the charm. For a short season, the ordinary steps aside—and something special takes its place.
On the Fourth Post of Christmas…
We don’t do Elf on the Shelf—but we do have our own elf who shows up every year with the same magic and mischief. Turns out the joy isn’t in the branding, but in the tradition. Tongs, gloves, and creativity included.
On the Third Post of Christmas…
Between sweaters, shirts, and shoes, our family may own more Christmas clothes than regular ones—and I regret nothing. From thrift-store finds to movie quotes and questionable fashion choices, Christmas clothing is half the fun. Team sweater or team t-shirt?
On the Second Post of Christmas…
Cutting down our Christmas tree wasn’t something I grew up doing, but once I experienced it, I was hooked. Now it’s one of our favorite family traditions—new places, new memories, and the perfect Carolina Sapphire every time. What’s your go-to Christmas tree?
The Twelve Posts of Christmas: The Music
Probably my worst-kept secret is that Christmas is my very favorite holiday. I love everything about it — the music, the lights and decorations, the parties and get-togethers, the silly gift exchanges, and all the traditions wrapped around the day itself. So this year I’m starting a little series on the things I love most …
Cobwebs, Canoes, and a Christmas Tree That Defies Physics
A lakeside Thanksgiving full of cobweb surprises, cold canoe lessons, amazing family meals, and the world’s most ambitious Christmas tree. Perfect chaos from start to finish.
Lessons from the Owl: The Gift of Selfless Love
The last Owl I’ll be looking at this week is Hedwig from Harry Potter. Despite the first Harry Potter being published in 1997, it took me a decade before I first read it. In the community I grew up in, we were discouraged from reading it due to its themes of magic and “witchcraft.” In …
Continue reading "Lessons from the Owl: The Gift of Selfless Love"
Lessons from the Owl: Between Fear and Understanding
Busy day, so just a few quick thoughts based on what I’ve been reading about literary owls this week. But first, a story from my own childhood. When I was little, I remember spending the night at my aunt and uncle’s house and hearing an owl hoot for the first time. The night was still …
Continue reading "Lessons from the Owl: Between Fear and Understanding"
Lessons from the Owl: The Fool Who Thought He Was Wise
Next up in my study of owls is another harken back to childhood — A. A. Milne’s Owl of the Hundred Acre Wood. As a child, I always assumed Owl was the smart one of the group. He always had...
Ramblings from That Guy 