MY HOLIDAY BLOG – DECEMBER 2025

December 14th Snow Storm. Too early for a White Christmas

This time of year comes with mixed emotions and fond memories of the past and those of the year that’s about to end. For Anita and me, it was a year of significant changes. The biggest was our move back to the East Coast after fifty-plus years out West.

It’s the time of the year that thoughts from the past sneak up on us when we see an old photo, or hear a familiar holiday song, remember a favorite dish, or catch ourselves laughing at a joke someone used to tell. Along with all the cheer, the holidays bring memories of the people we’ve lost. Friends and family who once sat at our table, texted or emailed us, sent us a gift, or a card. It hurts sometimes—more than we expect, even after years. But those memories also warm us from the inside out. The heart can be sad and grateful at the same time. I don’t know how, but it seems to work.

I also find myself thinking about the friends who made ordinary moments unforgettable—the ones with the loud laughs, the quiet wisdom, the terrible dance moves, the perfect timing for sarcasm, or that one weird holiday tradition we still honor because it would feel wrong not to. And somewhere between the smiles and the occasional tears, I realize their stories live on because we carry them. Every memory is a little piece of them we refuse to let go.

I love reminiscing. But I’m also thankful for the people who are still here to share life with me. The ones who have a hug, a joke, or a friendly smile when we need it most. The ones who know our flaws and hang out with us anyway.

And as we step into a new year, I find myself saying: “Wishing you good health.” This year, though, I mean it. Anita and I moved back East for better healthcare because at this age, our health has gone South.

Let’s be honest: I used to think staying healthy was “don’t eat too much pizza.” At 80 years old, I don’t particularly pay attention to that because pizza is my favorite food group, and after moving back to New York, it’s hard not to have an occasional slice. But I try to drink more water, exercise regularly, eat healthier, and get to my many doctor appointments.

Health is everything—physical, mental, emotional. Some of us are trying to bounce back from tough months, tough years, or surgeries and other medical procedures. Whatever your situation, I hope this coming year is gentle on your body and your heart. I also hope we learn to take care of ourselves in small, doable ways, such as walking, taking a nap, or eating something new and healthy. I know some of us make New Year's resolutions. Most of them never make it to February. So let’s be practical when making them. Make it something reasonable and within our reach.

And while we’re taking care of ourselves, I hope we keep an eye out for our loved ones, relatives, and friends. The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be lonely. If someone comes to mind, send a message. If someone disappears a bit, check in. And if someone needs a friend, offer an ear, a meal, or, at the very least, something that makes them laugh.

Thank you for being in my life, for sharing memories, showing up, reading my blogs and books, and for being part of my story. You matter more than you know—even if you sometimes forget where your keys are… and your phone… and your glasses… which are usually on your head.

This holiday season, I hope you find warmth, love, and a chance to breathe. I hope your memories bring more smiles than tears. I hope the coming year brings good health—not just the kind measured by doctors, but the kind measured by how you feel waking up in the morning. I hope joy sneaks up on you.

Most of all, I hope you keep making memories that someday will feel just as precious as the ones we hold onto now.

Here’s to loving the ones we’ve lost, laughing with the ones who remain, and taking care of ourselves so we can keep doing both for a long time.

Happy holidays—and may your new year be filled with good health, love, laughter, and the ability to find your keys.

Caleb's Xmas Present from Great-Grandparents Bob & Anita

Caleb enjoying his new chair

If you’d like to read some of my holiday blogs from the past, here are the titles:

Holiday Blog – December 2024

Holiday Blog – December 2023

Fish Salad for Christmas 2022

Christmas Trees – December 2021

New Year Blog – January 2021

Christmas Eve Feast – December 2021

(FEEL FREE TO ADD A COMMENT. IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING AGAIN. I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.)