Christmas and Hanukkah

Happy Saturday. 

No, I haven't been busy decking the halls in preparation for Christmas just yet. At the moment, I have a long list of other responsibilities that take precedence, and you know what? I'm completely at peace with that. Amid all this, I did manage to take out a cherished little angel topper that has been a part of my little family tradition since my boys were small. It’s a simple piece—a porcelain angel head mounted on a cardboard base, with oversized hands holding a choir book. 

Interestingly, I never really took note of the hands until I snapped a photo of it just now! It made me chuckle. Typically, angels are depicted as majestic and powerful beings, serving as messengers of God. While Scripture leaves their size to the imagination, many descriptions suggest they are large and imposing creatures. At least in this case, my angel certainly has some very noticeable hands that lend a bit of grandeur to its appearance!

Aside from the sparkling new lights strung around the branches, the pinecones nestled among the green needles, and the simple angel topper perched at the very top, my Christmas tree is surprisingly bare. The vibrant ornaments that typically adorn the tree are noticeably absent, and are still waiting, whether I am going to get them out or skip it this year. 

We'll see...

Source: Friends of the Redding Eagles

Now this is a tree topper! 

Christmas is a joyous season, a time for giving and spreading warmth. In my heart, I feel compelled to share that love with our local Jewish community. The true essence of this season lies in offering support, a comforting presence, and the genuine affection that can be felt in a simple hug. I believe that this is the calling my God has placed on my heart, urging me to uplift them and embody the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines this special time of year.

After all, Jesus is JEWISH!

It just makes sense! 

We ordered eight Hanukkah boxes, and they came the other day -  I bought dollar tree mesh and wrapped a bow around each box.

I packed everything back into the two bigger shipping boxes, for my husband's delivery this morning in time for Shabbat. The congregation meets only once a month - when the Rabbi from Chico comes up. (I tell you, we're rural up here!)  We wanted them to have these boxes to give to the eight who they believe can use Hanukkah cheer.  Unfortunately, I am not able to actually be there this morning because Laydee requires my attention and supervision while she recovers from her surgery. 

Last night, there was a baby naming ceremony, during which the new baby received a Hebrew name. During this brief event, the parents shared the significance of the name, and blessings were recited, acknowledging the child's covenant with God. The traditional wish is for the child to grow in Torah study, loving relationships, and good deeds.

Welcome to Eshet Chayil - Woman of Valor 

(Proverbs 31;10-31)

The best I could do with my iPhone! 

Yesterday was a warm day - probably the last for this year so I decided to open the door and let the pleasant warm air flow into the house. The interior temperature had dropped, and I wanted to take advantage of the warmth outside. With the sun positioned at a lower angle in the sky during the fall months, it tends to cast longer shadows and creates a cooler temperature indoors. 

I've learned that even lowering the temperature by just one degree can significantly reduce our energy costs, so I’m always cautious about how we manage our heating. On days when the weather turns cloudy and a brisk wind sweeps through, I adjust the thermostat upward by a couple of degrees to fend off the chill. Since we are already accustomed to cooler inside temperatures, we find it perfectly comfortable—plus there are always blankets and sweatshirts!  

Nice quiet evening last night. 

Sunset from across the street 

My sweetgum, refusing to give in to winter...

I had previously mentioned that our family had collectively decided to forgo gifts this year, but as the Mom, I couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness that came with it. The joy of giving has always been a special part of my tradition as a Mom, and it felt wrong to let it slip away. So, taking advantage of Cyber Monday's deals and next-day delivery,  I bought each of our adult children a thoughtful gift. It lifted my spirits to think of them unwrapping something special from us- and we didn't break our budget!  

I understand how challenging it can be to shop for loved ones who seem to have pretty much everything they could want or need—well, at least, everything that's reasonable to buy! For instance, my youngest son has his heart set on a boat, but there’s no way that dream gift is coming from us ever!  Instead, my budget allows for mostly smaller items. I’m always mindful that I might accidentally pick something they already own, but I tried my best to choose a gift that would bring a smile. It helps that I really know them - and can usually come up with something, that surprises them - and that's because us Moms pay attention during the year! 

If I manage to carve out some extra time, I might also whip up a few crafty projects or bake some treats to accompany the gifts. That would add a personal touch. I'm glad I am pretty much done! 

Update on Laydee

She's doing really well. Like any surgery for humans, she's been a bit tired. However, when she walks around, she gets her energy back and starts wanting to do things she shouldn't be doing for a couple of weeks—like chasing after the Amazon delivery trucks that speed up and down the street.

She needs supervision - to keep from scratching since the cone of shame touches her incision, so she has been sparred that humiliation...We have to keep an eye that she doesn't start digging the stitches out with her big old paws! 

She smells better too - like her old sweet self. Amazing how stinky that "mass" was. And to think we thought it was her breath or old dog body odor! 

Well, that's going to be it for me today - 

I'm feeling happy, energetic, grateful and thankful and I hope you are too. 

Until next time -

Debby