“Ugh…” My ears buzzed, louder and louder. A headache joined it and amplified the pain tingling through my body. My neck, arms, back, and legs all ached. Pain pulsed through me. That was good, though. Pain brought me closer to reality. I tried to move, but that made everything hurt more. I growled with discomfort, ...

Christmas music is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. I have a strong emotional reaction to music. Lyrics speak to me in ways nothing else can. So, it is no surprise Mark Schultz singing “Different Kind of Christmas” opens the floodgates of my emotions every time I listen to it. It is ...

My paws prance upon the hardwood floor. I look around the silent living room, and my nose directs me to a small table where the corpses of half-eaten gingerbread men lie alongside a glass of cold milk. I take nibbles of each spiced cookie so that their bodies don’t go to waste. But, I avoid ...

Christmas’ frosty breathBringing more than wrapped presentsNo ribbons or bows –this kind of Joy can’t be bought Reflects in babes’ eyeThe magic of ChristmastimeFriends and families –Merry time of reunions making memories-Spreading cheer and goodwillHelping those in need-the spirit of Santa lives Warmth shared, winter thawsWith Gifts of love, hearts unwrapSpirits are lifted –The Miracle ...

It’s Christmas day, and as the kids grumble about the gifts they didn’t receive, you’re in the kitchen, surrounded by the sharp aroma of minced onions while completing the repetitive task of removing the thick, robust skin of the potatoes. The kitchen is filled with the pungent and sweet fragrance of herbs as the flavors ...

Louise tossed on her bed and turned onto her back. She twisted a blond curl splayed out on the pillow. The lights strung on the bushes outside her window took turns glowing red and green on her ceiling. In the predawn hours, Louise rose and pulled on a flannel shirt and jeans. She slid on ...

            Antlers cutting through                                                 Thick dark clouds                                                 Hooves dancing upon                                                 The aurora borealis                                                 Heavy puffs of mist                                                 Escape our nostrils                                                 The cold bitter world                                                 With sharp barbs of ice                                                 Attempt to break us                                                 We are mildly disturbed                                                 But still move ahead, for                                                 All along ...

“Are you sure all the presents are wrapped?” “Yes.” “Positive?” Paul laughed, placing a hand on his wife’s knee to prevent her from getting off the couch. “Dani. I’m sure. All the presents are wrapped and accounted for.” “I’m just checking! You know if Noah ends up with more presents than Penny, it’s going to ...

This week started a new year. I think everyone is ready for this particular cycle around the sun to be over. The thing is that this is our new normal for a little while longer at least. The only thing we can do right now is to make the best of a bad situation. This ...

It may not be the usual Christmas, but you can still do something together to help your loved ones remember it. Here are some ideas to help keep Christmas alive.