FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

Don’’t feel alone. Christmas and all of its changes since childhood (!) has un all wishing it were OVER. We need nothing but our friendships and love among those friends and family that we cherish. Maybe we should all start giving away the $$ we spend to those who really need it, and there are so many, so many. Love from us and an exciting New Year full of adventures. Joyeux nöel et bonne année and peace for all.

Kristi thank you for your comments about the Christmas season. It is so easy to get worn down by lists and thoughts about things to do. With the children grown up and flown the nest, parents all passed away it is too easy to track back to former times than focus on the blessings of today. A happy marriage, settled boys one with two young girls that we are going to see on Christmas Day.
I am so aware of how things can change in a flash as I grow older. Next year I will be 73.
Anyway, bonne noel and joyeux anniversaire Kristi from me also.

Dear Kristi, thank you for this important message as I certainly need to hear it also! Joyeux Noel and Bonne Anniversaire! Wishing you all the best! xoxo

Even after 20+ years, you are the best!

Dear Kristi, Thank you for sharing this beautiful and SO true message. As I grow older, I find that one needs to 'simplfy'. Traditons are wonderful but there are ways to make things easier. You have many in your family and you can delagate and share the responsibilites as well as the LOVE. What is too much, can be dropped or changed. As we say here, 'Don't sweat the small stuff, and it is ALL small sturff". Hold on to the people you love and they will hold on to you. God bless you and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas Kristi! Thank you for sharing these wise words. Anxiety is aggravated if we listen to marketers telling us to hurry up and buy, as if buying would satisfy. I have pushed back against most of these feelings this year. It is not easy. Your words are gifts from above guiding us back to the light of the season. The true meaning of our celebrations. God bless you and your family!

Joyeux Noël & Bonne Année Kristi!
Thank you Jo-Anne!
Eileen

Hi, Kristi,

I was reading somewhere about CPSD - "Christmas Preparation Stress Disorder." Many people feel it. I used to have a Christmas countdown calendar to make sure everything got done. Now that I am finally retired, it is easier. And I see myself downsizing. Our decorations are stored in the attic (our house has no garage, basement, or pantry), and as it gets more challenging to navigate the pull-down staircase, I've given away our large artificial tree with preinstalled lights, animal decorations for outside, etc. I use little trees (2 feet tall or so) and put family-made ornaments on them. Other heirloom items (napkins, wreath for door, etc.) are our main decorations. For me, one could take away most of the "trappings" of Christmas, and if I still have the music, that would be enough. I do send some cards with messages/letters in them. I think it's possible to achieve a balance between enough and too much. I make traditional Danish Christmas cookies each year and send them to my brother, who loves them; that is his annual gift. As far as helping the needy, for the last several years, my son's gift to me has been a contribution to Heifer Project International, for less advantaged people; this year he gave a sheep, as did I. The most important message is for us to try to love everyone, and to retain the Christmas spirit all year. Meilleurs voeux a tous!

What others expect is just that, their expectations. And yes, easier said than done to ignore what they expect of us. Start small. Find a way to do and manage smaller. What we tear from our soul is not worth the rending for them. While I spend energy worrying about their disappointment, my own disappointment in me swells. Seek peace within my dear Kristi. They will be ok if you celebrate smaller. They will love you still. Be at peace . Joyeux Noël.

Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season -Joyeuses Fetes.

P.S. Merci a vous for all your wrings full of delight,

Oh ! Thank you!! That was a much needed reminder.
came at just the right time.
May you have a Christmas full of peace and love

Those words are so true. This time of year the most important thing for me is time - the very best gift of all. Time spent with friends, family, our dear animals, and soaking up an enjoying our world outside of our doors.

I remind myself of that when I can't listen to one more holiday song or when I feel lonely. My father died in 2008 on December 26 so this is a time when I remember the dear people I loved who are no longer here.

I will save the quote you shared - it is good to remember those words. I am grateful also for the fact that you write and share with us.

Frances

I am repeating what has been said but is ...oh so very true.
You, dear Krsti, are a gift to us, your readers.
You are using your gift of words to encourage folks around the world.
The bright spot of life and love and reality in your own Kristi way brings us a breath of fresh air in a world that can often feel frightening and overwhelming.
Thanks dear friend!

A beautiful message! Thank you. And, surprise, family has revamped the 7 fishes extravaganza to a simpler and shorter meal. So off I go to enjoy the loved ones without the 3 day malaise
that followed. Yup, we're getting older and the trappings aren't all that important. Joyeaux noel a tout and bonne anniversaire a vous. Bisous and a virtual American hug. New year's rez, I am going to use more french. If I don't have time to check it, I expect it to be pretty bad. Apologies in advance. 🎁🤶🎅🎶🎄💞

Dear Kristi,

You are a treasure! Love is the reason for the season! As I’ve grown older, it has become easier to prioritize my peace over stressing over the things that truly don’t matter. My holidays have also changed dramatically in the last few years as I’ve lost many family members. Being together with our loved ones is what makes any day memorably special! I hope you’re enjoying precious time with your family. Joyous New Year!

Love,
Stacy