Holiday Traditions - Reaching Across the Miles

Yule is a difficult time of the year for many people and I am no exception. Money gets tight, work hours get extended, and tempers start to fray. Snow is falling (although we are getting only a light snow here today), the temperatures are falling into some very cold temps (thank goodness for my down parka) and the cards are arriving, making my spirits rise with each and every one.

This image of a burning yule log was first broadcast on

TV in 1966. It's a holiday tradition.

Every year I send holiday cards to my friends and family. I've purchased store-made cards in the past, but over the last few years I've made my own cards with shapes, stamps, pens, and Swarovski crystals (because everything needs some bling). I make my cards because it gives me a chance to play with my art - something that brings me great joy. I made and mailed the last three cards yesterday, bringing my total for the year to 53. I have one card made in reserve in case I get a current address for my sister in Texas. She keeps moving around and even though I asked my nephew for her address, he didn't have a current one either *sigh*. So, Maja, if you're reading this, email me your address and I'll send your holiday card to you.

In modern days, the burning Yule Log has been

supplanted by a baked rolled & frosted cake

usually referred to as a Yule Log. Tasty!

I don't ask for cards in return, but have received some truly beautiful ones. As of yesterday I had received cards from:
Missy & Alan - my cousin from Bakersfield, California
Pam L - a high school friend from Denver, Colorado
Silver Trails - an LJ friend from Peru
lindahoyland - an LJ friend from the UK
shirebound - an LJ friend from San Diego, CA
alexcat - an LJ friend from Siloam, North Carolina
keiliss - an LJ friend from Cape Town, South Africa
erviniae - an LJ friend from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Annie & Joe - my niece from North St Paul, Minnesota
Cindy & Jeni - my friends from Circle Pines, Minnesota
Pam & Jim - my friends from San Jose, California
Holly & Joe - my nephew from White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Mary & Nick - my niece from Saint Paul, Minnesota

THANK YOU TO EACH ONE OF YOU - I LOVED EACH CARD I RECEIVED

I mount the cards around my entryway. By the time the New Year has arrived it is quite a festive sight. I want to thank each and every one of you, whether you have sent me a card or not, for your kind thoughts during the year and over this stressful time of year. I hope that if you celebrate the holiday season with any pomp and cheer that you have the opportunity to spend it with wonderful friends and perfect food, creating a time to remember with joy down the years to come.

Today is the 200th Anniversary of Grimms Fairy Tales. For a different look at these classics, read Philip Pullman's "Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm". I'm currently in the middle of this and am enjoying it very much.