Holiday Memory

Today we’re sharing a special holiday (any holiday) memory.

Deb: I have so many wonderful memories of Christmases past, but I will focus on one from Christmases long past. When I was a kid, I would sleep like a doornail, except on Christmas Eve, which I am sure was the case with many of us. I would wake up somewhere in the middle of the night and see my stocking laying at the bottom of my bed, gleaming and teaming with delights! When I still believed in the literal Santa I would be too afraid to move, lest he hear me from the living room, thus ruining my whole family’s Christmas. But when I entered the believing years that did not include Santa, I would wake up and gingerly open my stocking, piece by piece, chocolate by chocolate and thrill in each thing. I would then put them all back exactly how I found them and fall asleep with visions of my very own sugarplums dancing in my head. When I woke up, the family gathered around to watch my brother and I open our stockings. I would ooooh and ahhhhh at every single thing. My Mom (one of the great stocking stuffers of all time!) didn’t suspect a thing. Never have my acting skills come in so handy.

Barbara: I also have many special memories from Christmases recent and long ago, but the one memory that popped into my mind when we decided to write this comes from an Easter celebration when I was 7 or 8. My father was king of the magical set-ups and, for some reason, Easter was his specialty. I think because we always hid upstairs in one of our bedrooms while Santa did his thing on Christmas Eve (we celebrated—and continue to celebrate—on Christmas Eve), there was no chance to change up the surprises. In other words, we hid, Santa came, bells were rung, we’d come downstairs and we’d be surprised and delighted by the bedazzled tree and the gifts flowing from underneath (don’t get me wrong, it was GREAT). But every Easter egg hunt had to be different. Sometimes we celebrated at home, sometimes on a hike in the woods, sometimes in a park, sometimes in our backyard, sometimes it would be warm spring, sometimes still cold winter. But the bunny always managed to hide its treasures without us knowing and we’d always stumble upon them as if my father had nothing to do with it (I should also give kudos to my mother for diverting our attention!). But that one year when I was 7 or 8, it was cold and snowy out and we were all hiding in our kitchen so the bunny could go about its humble work in the living room. I was at an age when I might have been suspecting my parents had something to do with the holiday magic. Certainly I was on high-alert, paying close attention. Now, all the magic visitors to our house always announced that it was safe to come out and revel by ringing a bell of some kind. Well, on that day, while every single member of the family waited in the kitchen, that magic bell rung—all on its own—from faraway in the living room. The Easter bunny had come with no adult interference! That moment of impossible possibility never left me, and co-opted me a few more years of devoted belief.

(Years later, when I was an adult, I asked my father how he did it. He gave an innocent shrug. But I worked out that there might have been a fishing line rigged to the bell.)

Any significant memory of a holiday in your life?

Mice Love Christmas Too

Deb: A wee mouse snuck into our crawlspace to see what the big Christmas fuss was all about. He climbed into the birchbark canoe of our beautiful Canadian Santa and he gobbled all the apples that were in a barrel in Santa’s canoe. I couldn’t help thinking of his conversation with the mousewife when he got home as he recounted to her his disappointment as he gnawed on styrofoam painted apples. He must have been miffed to say the least.

I guess, reeling from his apple disappointment, he decided to give the dried boxwood wreaths a nosh and cut through them like he was designing a maze. A mouse maze. Imagine his disappointment when he realized all too late that they were treated with a preservative to keep them looking fresh. Again he complains to Mrs. Mouse. I suppose it was at this point that he turned tail and scurried home, secure in the knowledge that humans were clearly overrating this holiday of Christmas. I shall not inform him to the contrary.

At this point, with apples and wreaths gobbled, or half gobbled, I thought I was forced to switch up our Christmas theme and quickly brought down all the old silver, making little vignettes with vintage trees and silver tea sets. So our theme this year became sliver and gold with tiny vintage trees as our guest stars. It’s nice to mix it up once in a while, don’t you think?

Thanks “The Mouses”. Merry Christmouse. Love, The Mochries. xo

Please enjoy the Christmas images below from our home before the mice start to think they are nice. 

Christmas Tree Wishes

This is a re-post of last year’s story asking for Christmas wishes for our holiday tree and wreath. We thought this year we would share the story with you again so we can invite you to share and enjoy the wishes from last year in your own way. We loved the results, we're hanging our wishes again this year, and we are truly appreciating all the love we share with you all over the year!

Deb: I have come to see those of you who read us as more than bloggers, writers, followers of the blog. Through all the turbulence and joy of the last year, you have become so much more. You have stood with us in many ways. You have been advisors, shoulders, supporters and friends.

And it is in that spirit that we would like to have a small piece of your hearts in our homes for Christmas, and as the Old Year becomes New.

Colin and I have a little tree that lives in our bedroom at Christmas. Each year I decorate it with colourful glass birds of every description. This year I would like to decorate it with you and your thoughts and wishes. Not just wishes for me or for my family, although we will accept with grateful thanks, but anything you care to say.

In essence, it can be anything your heart desires. It can be a word, a phrase, a quote, a prayer, a hope for the planet, for her people, for each other or for yourselves. It can be funny, silly, irreverent, heartfelt, or whatever comes to mind. Basically, the sky is the limit.

I will print each one out, place it on a Christmas tag and tie it on our little tree. Barb will do the same with the wreath that adorns her front door. Just before Christmas we will post photos of said boughs brimming with ... you!

This unique, talented, exciting group of people should be together for the holidays in some form. This might bring us a little closer to that...

And this was the result!

Deb: Thanks, blogees, one and all, for joining in the festive trimming of the tree and wreath that we proposed some weeks ago. Here it is in all its glory in our respective homes. It’s lovely sharing this season with you all.

Barbara: Thank you all sooooo much for sending so many lovely wishes. I loved them when you sent them, and then again when I cut them out, and then again when I hung them. Here are all your words.

"Peace" and goodwill to all!

***

Give someone the gift of your undivided attention.

***

Gratitude.

***

"YOU PAINT YOUR OWN FUTURE.....SO PAINT IT THE WAY YOU WOULD WANT IT TO BE....I'VE PAINTED YOU GUYS IN MINE......I'LL SEE YOU THEN..!!! LOADS OF LOVE...

***

Am Ende des Jahres

zurück blicken auf den Weg,

der hinter einem liegt.

Sich erinnern, inne halten.

Aufatmen. Durchatmen.

Am Ende des Jahres

Hoffnung schöpfen.

Einen Neuanfang wagen.

Sich freuen, auf das was kommt.

Sich leiten lassen,

einem Stern folgen.

Am Ende des Jahres

an einem Ziel angekommen sein.

Stolz sein,

etwas geschafft zu haben.

Hindernisse überwinden.

Nicht aufgeben.

Am Ende des Jahres

einem Wunder begegnen.

Keine Angst spüren.

Sich überraschen lassen.

Staunen, glauben.

Vertrauen haben.

Am Ende des Jahres

einfach Mensch sein.

***

English: At the end of the year

At the end of the year

look back at the road

that lies behind you.

Remember, pause.

Breathe. Breathe deeply.

***

At the end of the year

gather hope.

Start anew.

Look forward to what will happen.

Be guided by someone,

follow a star.

***

At the end of the year

reach a goal.

Be proud

of something you achieved.

Overcome obstacles.

Never give up.

***

At the end of the year

come across a miracle.

Don't be afraid.

Be surprised.

Be astonished, believe.

Have faith.

***

At the end of the year

simply be human.

***

Joy and happiness

***

The greatest gift is a friendship you never knew you'd have.

***

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NRS

***

Friends come from strange places and I found both of you on Facebook and I am sure glad I did. I love you both without ever meeting you, yet! But that will happen.

***

From Norway with love: GOD JUL OG GODT NYTTÅR.

***

Thank you so much for your blog! It has helped me through many troubled times. Thank you both for thinking of us despite never knowing us before!

***

"You'll see it's all a show/Keep 'em laughing as you go/Just remember that the last laugh is on you." - E. Idle.

***

"What has happened, has happened. It's where we go from here is what counts." - author unknown

***

"There are many ways to skin a chicken." - me

***

"It's not enough to bash in heads/You've got to bash in minds." - Captain Hammer.

***

"Believe in what your heart is saying

Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste, there's so much to celebrate!

Believe in what you feel inside

Give your dreams the wings to fly

You have everything you need if you just believe."

***

Bippitty Boppitty Boo -- Ba Doo!

***

"Love wholeheartedly and without restraint."

***

merry christmas to all my love ones above

***

My wish is that for everyone here to make at least one person smile.

***

"Go to work. Do your best. Don't let your praying knees get lazy and love like crazy."

***

Grace.

***

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune—without the words,

And never stops at all,

***

All you do is make people laugh.

Thoughts are focused on nothing except what's going on up onstage.

There are other people enjoying the same thing.

There is friendly contact.

There is support given and taken, sometimes without anyone ever knowing.

There is no judgment.

There is no negative thinking.

The drive is not as lonely.

The future does not look as hopeless.

In the black of life, there was some light.

And all you did was make people laugh.

***

If love is the treasure, laughter is the key.

***

Never give up on your dreams!

Merry Christmas.

***

This post isn’t for the tree or wreath, just to simply express my gratitude. I have been reading this blog for a short time now, after discovering it via Colin’s twitter, and finally got the courage to actually post a reply. I wanted you guys to know just how much your blog means. By sharing what you all are going through somehow helps me deal with the depression and other things I have going on in my life. It is hard to explain, but posting a reply and talking to someone REALLY helps. It is easier to talk to people online rather than in person for me. Regardless of whether or not anyone ever reads this, it is helping me. Even just having something to look at and keep up with everyday helps!

So thank you so much!! You will never know how something so small can help so much!

***

"Guess why I smile a lot. Uh, 'cause it's worth it.

***

"So I'll say Merry Christmas

I'll wish peace to you

I'll hope for the hopeless, your dreams come true.

And I'll pray for the laughter

I'll sing through the tears

I'll say Merry Christmas for all the world to hear."

***

"All you need is love."

***

"Hang in there."

***

"Peace and love to all"

***

"Stay shiny"

***

In Western lands beneath the sun

the flowers may rise in spring

the trees may bud

the waters run

the merry finches sing

Or there may be this cloudless night

and swaying beeches bare

the Elven stars as jewles bright

amid their dancing hair

Though here at journeys end I lie

in darkness buried deep

beyond all towers strong and high

beyond all mountains steep

Above all Shadows rides the sun

and stars forever dwell

I will not say the day is done

nor bid the stars farewell

***

Love from Norway, no signs of snow :(

***

"You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang. Sing it anyway!"

***

Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death.

***

"Dreaming is free.

***

"Let there be so much joy and love in you this Christmas it spills out to those around you!"

***

Peace, love and happiness!

***

The Best of Times Is Now.

What's left of Summer

But a faded rose?

The best of times is now.

As for tomorrow,

Well, who knows? Who knows? Who knows?

So hold this moment fast,

And live and love

As hard as you know how.

And make this moment last

Because the best of times is now,

Is now, is now.

Now, not some forgotten yesterday.

Now, tomorrow is too far away.

So hold this moment fast,

And live and love

As hard as you know how.

And make this moment last,

Because the best of times is now,

Is now, is now.

***

Listen! I hear bells!

Here come all the shiny gifts!

***

You sleigh me, Santa.

***

Dashing through the snow.

Santa is coming, my dear.

Are three ho's enough?

***

It's snowing outside.

I need something to keep warm.

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

Favorite Christmas?

Fireplace burning, Nat King Cole,

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

I don't want visions.

No Sugarplum fairies, thanks.

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

Hey Santa Baby,

I want one thing only please

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

The halls are all decked,

The fireplace is brightly lit,

WHERE the HELL is HUGH??!!

***

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

***

Love and hugs

***

“Fall, then figure out what to do on the way down.” 

Deb and Barbara: Please feel free to add a new wish for this year, or if you didn't have a chance to leave one last year!

Recurring Nightmare Before Christmas

Deb: I know that the most boring thing in the world is when people talk about their dreams. I hope we agree that I have acknowledged that and we can all move past our prejudices on that subject.

I have the same dream every year of my adult life in the months of November and December, and I had my first of the year last night. I dream that it is Christmas Eve day. We are just leaving our annual club sandwich and martini brunch with our friends and suddenly I realize that I have not shopped for anyone. I look at Colin in horror, heart pounding, and exclaim through tears that I have forgotten to shop. I explain to him that he will be getting nothing, my parents will be getting nothing, Luke will be getting nothing, and I am shaking with regret and panic.

In last night’s episode, Colin stayed calm (what else is new?) and he suggested splitting the list in half and hitting the mall until we were done. As dreams are wont to do, suddenly it is—not 2pm when our five-minute exchange began—but the more ever-pressing 5pm. That leaves us with an hour to do all we need to do, including filling stockings! My husband tells me in stoic tones that he doesn’t need anything and that I should not bother about his gifts, but of course that is out of the question. Even the dream question. The dream ends as I am riding up the elevator, pea green with envy at the purchase laden shoppers around me.  The weird thing about this recurring nightmare before Christmas is that I always wake up feeling energized physically and spent emotionally.

It is fascinating to me that I have these dreams every year. I am always prepared for the holidays and I generally start early. At breakfast this morning, I started to examine this yearly r.e.m. ritual for its meaning. Never fear, I will not bore you with my back and forthings, just my conclusions. And for the record they are inconclusive, these conclusions. So I guess they are not conclusions at all. Let’s just call them possibles.

Here is my possible. My Mom did not have money growing up. They were, as I have said before, the happy recipients of The Toronto Star Santa Fund, which delivered a package of Christmas in a box to each child in her family every year. Although extremely grateful for their generosity and the city’s generosity in donating to the fund, I know she was determined to change it up for her children. As a result, Christmas was the magical store window Christmas for us. My Mom did it up, let me tell you. And she fretted and plotted and ran around town like a lunatic to get everything she could afford, to place us in a postcard Christmas morning. Without even trying, she has instilled this in me. And although I have come strides in my life regards obsessing around the perfect Christmas, my subconscious is clearly festooned with boxes and bows and panic!

Shopped my Misstletush off today. Yes I did.

Although I do like kind of panicky there, don't I?  And P.S. Cutest skirt ever. It was felt, lined with silk. The doors of the circus carts would open to reveal different lovely animals.
LOVED THAT SKIRT!

Barbara: First off, I have to say that I actually have NOTHING against people describing their dreams. Instead, I find it quite fascinating. It’s so up my alley in terms of conjecture and psychology and fantasy and unlimited possibility. That said, I will acknowledge that I may be in the minority!

As for your dream—knowing how brilliant you are at the whole Christmas thing, how prepared and thorough you are, it amazed me that this would be an Achilles heel of yours. But, of course, don’t we all have issues around those things that mean (for whatever reason) the most to us?

Me? It’s the classic “actor’s nightmare” where I’m performing and can’t remember any of the lines. The truth of that nightmare is that it actually feels like it could be a possibility! I so feel like I would struggle with lines if I were to do a play again. With you, it just doesn’t seem possible that you would ever EVER forget to shop for Christmas. Anyway, I know that’s not the point of our dreams. I know there is deep voodoo magic embroiled inside them. What I wonder is: is there any way we can stop the cycle???

But, more importantly, congrats on already chipping away at the Christmas list, Deb!

Trimming A Tree With Friends Realized

Deb: Thanks, blogees, one and all, for joining in the festive trimming of the tree and wreath that we proposed some weeks ago. Here it is in all its glory in our respective homes. It’s lovely sharing this season with you all.

Deb's Wish Tree

Barbara's Welcome Wish Wreath

Barbara: Thank you all sooooo much for sending so many lovely wishes. I loved them when you sent them, and then again when I cut them out, and then again when I hung them. Here are all your wonderful words:

"Peace" and goodwill to all!

***

Give someone the gift of your undivided attention.

***

Gratitude.

***

"YOU PAINT YOUR OWN FUTURE.....SO PAINT IT THE WAY YOU WOULD WANT IT TO BE....I'VE PAINTED YOU GUYS IN MINE......I'LL SEE YOU THEN..!!! LOADS OF LOVE...

***

Am Ende des Jahres

zurück blicken auf den Weg,

der hinter einem liegt.

Sich erinnern, inne halten.

Aufatmen. Durchatmen.

Am Ende des Jahres

Hoffnung schöpfen.

Einen Neuanfang wagen.

Sich freuen, auf das was kommt.

Sich leiten lassen,

einem Stern folgen.

Am Ende des Jahres

an einem Ziel angekommen sein.

Stolz sein,

etwas geschafft zu haben.

Hindernisse überwinden.

Nicht aufgeben.

Am Ende des Jahres

einem Wunder begegnen.

Keine Angst spüren.

Sich überraschen lassen.

Staunen, glauben.

Vertrauen haben.

Am Ende des Jahres

einfach Mensch sein.

***

English: At the end of the year

At the end of the year

look back at the road

that lies behind you.

Remember, pause.

Breathe. Breathe deeply.

***

At the end of the year

gather hope.

Start anew.

Look forward to what will happen.

Be guided by someone,

follow a star.

***

At the end of the year

reach a goal.

Be proud

of something you achieved.

Overcome obstacles.

Never give up.

***

At the end of the year

come across a miracle.

Don't be afraid.

Be surprised.

Be astonished, believe.

Have faith.

***

At the end of the year

simply be human.

***

Joy and happiness

***

The greatest gift is a friendship you never knew you'd have.

***

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NRS

***

Friends come from strange places and I found both of you on Facebook and I am sure glad I did. I love you both without ever meeting you, yet! But that will happen.

***

From Norway with love: GOD JUL OG GODT NYTTÅR.

***

Thank you so much for your blog! It has helped me through many troubled times. Thank you both for thinking of us despite never knowing us before!

***

"You'll see it's all a show/Keep 'em laughing as you go/Just remember that the last laugh is on you." - E. Idle.

***

"What has happened, has happened. It's where we go from here is what counts." - author unknown

***

"There are many ways to skin a chicken." - me

***

"It's not enough to bash in heads/You've got to bash in minds." - Captain Hammer.

***

"Believe in what your heart is saying

Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste, there's so much to celebrate!

Believe in what you feel inside

Give your dreams the wings to fly

You have everything you need if you just believe."

***

Bippitty Boppitty Boo -- Ba Doo!

***

"Love wholeheartedly and without restraint."

***

merry christmas to all my love ones above

***

My wish is that for everyone here to make at least one person smile.

***

"Go to work. Do your best. Don't let your praying knees get lazy and love like crazy."

***

Grace.

***

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune—without the words,

And never stops at all,

***

All you do is make people laugh.

Thoughts are focused on nothing except what's going on up onstage.

There are other people enjoying the same thing.

There is friendly contact.

There is support given and taken, sometimes without anyone ever knowing.

There is no judgment.

There is no negative thinking.

The drive is not as lonely.

The future does not look as hopeless.

In the black of life, there was some light.

And all you did was make people laugh.

***

If love is the treasure, laughter is the key.

***

Never give up on your dreams!

Merry Christmas.

***

This post isn’t for the tree or wreath, just to simply express my gratitude. I have been reading this blog for a short time now, after discovering it via Colin’s twitter, and finally got the courage to actually post a reply. I wanted you guys to know just how much your blog means. By sharing what you all are going through somehow helps me deal with the depression and other things I have going on in my life. It is hard to explain, but posting a reply and talking to someone REALLY helps. It is easier to talk to people online rather than in person for me. Regardless of whether or not anyone ever reads this, it is helping me. Even just having something to look at and keep up with everyday helps!

So thank you so much!! You will never know how something so small can help so much!

***

"Guess why I smile a lot. Uh, 'cause it's worth it.

***

"So I'll say Merry Christmas

I'll wish peace to you

I'll hope for the hopeless, your dreams come true.

And I'll pray for the laughter

I'll sing through the tears

I'll say Merry Christmas for all the world to hear."

***

"All you need is love."

***

"Hang in there."

***

"Peace and love to all"

***

"Stay shiny"

***

In Western lands beneath the sun

the flowers may rise in spring

the trees may bud

the waters run

the merry finches sing

Or there may be this cloudless night

and swaying beeches bare

the Elven stars as jewles bright

amid their dancing hair

Though here at journeys end I lie

in darkness buried deep

beyond all towers strong and high

beyond all mountains steep

Above all Shadows rides the sun

and stars forever dwell

I will not say the day is done

nor bid the stars farewell

***

Love from Norway, no signs of snow :(

***

"You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang. Sing it anyway!"

***

Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death.

***

"Dreaming is free.

***

“Fall, then figure out what to do on the way down.” 

***

"Let there be so much joy and love in you this Christmas it spills out to those around you!"

***

Peace, love and happiness!

***

The Best of Times Is Now.

What's left of Summer

But a faded rose?

The best of times is now.

As for tomorrow,

Well, who knows? Who knows? Who knows?

So hold this moment fast,

And live and love

As hard as you know how.

And make this moment last

Because the best of times is now,

Is now, is now.

Now, not some forgotten yesterday.

Now, tomorrow is too far away.

So hold this moment fast,

And live and love

As hard as you know how.

And make this moment last,

Because the best of times is now,

Is now, is now.

***

Listen! I hear bells!

Here come all the shiny gifts!

***

You sleigh me, Santa.

***

Dashing through the snow.

Santa is coming, my dear.

Are three ho's enough?

***

It's snowing outside.

I need something to keep warm.

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

Favorite Christmas?

Fireplace burning, Nat King Cole,

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

I don't want visions.

No Sugarplum fairies, thanks.

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

Hey Santa Baby,

I want one thing only please

Hugh Jackman...Naked.

The halls are all decked,

The fireplace is brightly lit,

WHERE the HELL is HUGH??!!

***

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

***

Love and hugs

And Deb has written a holiday poem for you all!

            And Christmas Time

Oh festive of Elves, ahhh decker of halls, 

Pourers of shots, and rummers of balls

Up nutmeg, up foam, on baker, on treats, 

Dash sprinkle of chocolate, where buzz and full meet

Why season of joy, you do me so right

I meet with long friends, and some, just tonight

We guffaw and we whisper, surprises to come

We reindeer the merry, and elf up the fun

We build, almost bursting this day to become

when the last cookie’s cookied and the last hymn is hummed,

And I know it's scant weeks before I’ll start in

To rally the Christmas, that's yet to begin. 

And last but not least, this is the best way we could think to “send” you all a Christmas card. Just click on the link! Deb and Barbara’s Christmas card.

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!!