When many of us plan for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we envision large gatherings around the dinner table and loved ones sprawled out in the living room opening gifts. Unfortunately, things will look different for many of us this year. The risk of spreading COVID will lead many of us to choose smaller gatherings or perhaps even no … [Read more...] about Why Gratitude Isn’t a Panacea During Tough Times
holidays
Christmas in July: Christmas Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
I’ve written one or two Christmas in July posts each year since I began blogging. For the most part, these posts address how to plan for Christmas early so the Christmas season isn’t busy and chaotic (see all of the posts here). This year we’re in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. Though we don’t know for certain what things will look like … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Most Wonderful Things About Summer
Given the unexpected and challenging things we are facing this year, I have even greater appreciation for how the change in seasons provides stability. We’re still about a week from the official start of summer, but I’m thinking about it today. In many ways, summer can be miserable around here. I live on the Texas Gulf Coast, so our … [Read more...] about The Most Wonderful Things About Summer
8 Ways to Celebrate Easter During the COVID-19 Lockdown
I can’t remember a single Easter in my life that didn’t include attending church. For many of us, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Easter will include a number of “firsts” in regards to how we celebrate. Thankfully, even for folks under the most stringent stay-at-home orders, there are ways to celebrate. Here are 8 ways to make … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Celebrate Easter During the COVID-19 Lockdown
The Most Wonderful Things About Spring
We’ve had such a mild winter around here that I’m not particularly eager for spring’s arrival. Nevertheless, it’s about to begin. Like each of the other seasons, there are a number of unique things about spring that make it special. I’m going to enjoy these things, even if I feel unprepared for the warmer weather. The best things about … [Read more...] about The Most Wonderful Things About Spring
Paper Chain Prayer Calendar for Lent
It seems like we were celebrating the start of 2020 just yesterday. In reality, it’s been nearly two months! We’re already to Ash Wednesday and Lent. Though I’m not Catholic (or part of a Protestant tradition that follows the liturgical calendar), I believe that all Christians can benefit from observing the various seasons of the liturgical … [Read more...] about Paper Chain Prayer Calendar for Lent
10 Frugal Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special
Valentine’s Day is a commercialized holiday in the U.S. It has a rich history that begins with Christian martyrs and includes many folk traditions and legends. In the 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer associated Valentine's Day with romantic love (source). Since this time, individuals have written love letters and exchanged tokens of their … [Read more...] about 10 Frugal Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special
New Year, New Hope
Very little actually changes between December 31st and January 1st, yet many of us feel a sense of hope on January 1st that we didn’t feel on the previous night. We have a brand new year in front of us. This is a blank slate of sorts. We can change. Our situations can change. This sense of hope is particularly apropos because we celebrate … [Read more...] about New Year, New Hope
