Let’s settle our sweet brains

For a long winter’s nap ✨

‘Twas the day before Christmas,
and all through December,
there were plenty of glimmers,
I hope to remember.

At a grungy dive bar
with its charm, old and classic,
bands played holiday tunes —
it was pure, wholesome magic.

Phone calls with dear friends,
though they’re far, far away,
made the miles disappear,
and brought joy to my day.

Kids built gingerbread houses
piled high with sweet flair,
while us moms swapped gifts —
made with love and great care.

The glow of the tree
made the dark evenings bright;
paired with sweet movies,
everything felt just right.

Brisk walks in the cold
cleared my mind and my heart,
and a bowl of hot chili
was culinary art.

I dove into The Husbands,
a book that’s hard to beat.
Next up is Sandwich —
a literary feat.

So as December winds down
and the new year draws near,
I’ll hold tight to these glimmers,
the best gifts of the year.

Writing and publishing anything this week feels a lot like whispering into the void. Is anyone there?

Normally, I’m comforted by the knowledge that there’s someone on the other side of the screen reading my words. Today, I like imagining an empty chair. I’m hoping that you’re taking a break from the internet. That you’re spending quality time with family — as complicated as that can be — or enjoying glorious time alone, though that is certainly complicated, too. I hope you’re eating delicious food, going for brisk walks, reading good books, and finding some peace in the final days of the year. Most of all, I hope you’re happy — or, more realistically, that you’re able to find a few pockets of contentment and burrow deep into them.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, friends. And joyous Feral Week to all. May your glimmers be abundant.

xoxo
KHG