Year of Gratitude - Day 357 - Holiday Music

Christmas Carols, the holiday jams and season's greetings spoofs. I love it all during this time of year. I love the radio stations that rock out the holiday spirit 24/7. I listen to the Pandora Christmas Music station shamelessly.

Fun Fact (well, maybe not that fun): December 24, 1818: Father Joseph Mohr first performed his song Silent Night 196 years ago today. Nearly a century later, in 1914, German soldiers on the Western Front sang the song from the trenches and were joined by their British opponents. (Thanks, Goodreads.)

Finally, Michael Steven Bublé. I am a fan. 

Year of Gratitude - Day 330 - Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has always been a little strange to me. Some in my family dreaded it, because it made them miss family. Others, like myself, LOVE Thanksgiving. I love being with my family and eating. Even though my Thanksgivings sometimes are associated with some sad happenings, this is still a holiday I hold dear.

This year Thanksgiving was an adventure as the power cut off at about noon. The bird had to be moved to a relative's house to finish. The stuffing was barbecued, then finished on the stove. We ate by candlelight and enjoyed ourselves no less. At the end of the night, leftovers were abundant and delicious and we all had a fun story to tell.

Book Review: Holidays on Ice

Holidays on Ice
By David Sedaris

All I knew about David Sedaris is that he was regarded as hilarious by lots of people I respect and admire. They spoke of hearty belly laughs and tears caused by mirth as they read. Well, I finally confirmed that indeed Mr. Sedaris IS freaking hilarious. Was that almost a rhyme? I think it was.

Holidays on Ice was part of a recent trip to the library after I was frustrated with the books I had on hand at home. I looked up the ole Pinterest Reading list and planned my reading bounty. I figured Holidays on Ice would be a perfect December read and intro to the author.

It is a small book, but it packs a lot of entertainment punch. The "SantaLand Diaries" is probably one of the funniest things I have ever read in my life. I'm told that Sedaris's reading of it on This American Life is wonderful and I can't wait to make some time for that. I love his voice on the page, his humorous perspective on the mundane and his natural creativity. This was another one of those books that made me ashamed I'm not writing every single day.

Anyways, I loved this holiday-themed essay treat and highly recommend it! I also look forward to getting into more of Sedaris's books.