Brought to you by:  Vintage June

Hug the Tree
Allie on seasonal celebrations

Whatever warms winter for you and yours, 'tis time to start the preparations.
For me, it's too challenging to "face unafraid the plans that I've made," when the plan-making begins any later than right about now.

By no means am I advocating the debauchery of prematurely decorated shopping malls, merely suggesting stress-reduction by a taking a proactive — not procrastinated — approach.

Light the candles. Select the menus. Book the travel plans. Enact the traditions. Savor the season's sweetness.

Why waste valuable time (not to mention introduce negativity) by condemning the widespread commercialization? This year, I intend to redirect my energies to balance the barrage for my two little elves — focusing on the "wonder" in winter wonderland.

The family festivities of my childhood were sensational — literally, a feast for the senses — courtesy of my own mama. With a dedicatory tip-of-the-hat to now Grandma's celebratory supremacy, Mai and Ringo's experiences this year will be founded upon that role model par excellence.

Sayonara, Scrooge. Bye-bye "Bah, Humbug."
When it comes to holidays, make 'em good for goodness' sake.