Dear Readers
Our Christmas Card to you. Wishing you and yours the most warm and joyful of times. Creating many wonderful memories.
With grateful love and thanks for all of your support. This has been a very special year!
Debbie “aka Dusty” , Banner & Balboa
Growing up, our family had several Christmas Eve traditions that still glow warmly in my memory. Thinking about them now takes me right back—proof, I suppose, that I’ve reached the age where reminiscing becomes its own quiet pleasure.
One of the clearest memories is all of us gathered in the living room, the lights low, as we watched Amahl and the Night Visitors. I haven’t seen that film in years, and I often wonder how many children today have even heard of it. It’s such a beautiful story of honesty, generosity, and wonder. Today’s holiday favorites lean more toward The Santa Clause, Elf, and The Grinch. All fun in their own way, of course—but what happened to It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street?
Speaking of Christmas stories, do you have a favorite? Mine has always been The Gift of the Magi. It gets me every time—heartwarming, tender, and just sentimental enough to bring a tear to my eye. If you’ve never read it, this is the year to treat yourself. You don’t need a book. You can read it here for free.
The Magic of Midnight MassAlthough I was raised Episcopalian, both of my parents came from Catholic upbringings, so Midnight Mass was a must in our household. I’m not sure whether the excitement came from staying up late or from the hope that we might catch Santa in the act when we returned home. Either way, Midnight Mass felt special.
I remember feeling so grown up, swept into the beauty of the rituals—the incense curling upward, the choir filling the church with soaring hymns, the organ vibrating through the pews. The sanctuary glowed with Christmas trees, wreaths, and stained-glass windows shining outward into the night. I no longer attend Midnight Mass, but the memories remain vivid and dear.
Life felt slower then. We sat together as a family, and my parents kept the Santa Claus story alive long after we “knew”—or thought we knew—the truth. Still, the note from Santa tucked into the tree on Christmas morning, or the sudden appearance of gifts that definitely hadn’t been there moments before, kept the magic alive. How did they do it? Even now, I’m not entirely sure.
It was mysterious, fun, and it was childhood.
I hope you and your family enjoy your own joyful traditions—whether they involve classic hymns, cherished stories, or even a movie called Home Alone.
What’s your favorite Christmas story?
A Lighthearted Look at December 23rd
December 23rd is the underdog of the holiday calendar. It’s not festive enough to get its own song, and it’s not dramatic enough to inspire a Hallmark movie. It’s the day we use to panic‑wrap gifts, lose the scissors repeatedly, and wonder why we bought so much tape last year but can’t find any of it now.
While we’re doing all that, the animals are busy with their own very serious preparations.
Dogs treat December 23rd like a personal performance review for their beds.
By the time they settle in, you’d think they were preparing for a long winter’s nap sponsored by a luxury bedding company.
Cats approach December 23rd with the focus of tiny, furry real‑estate agents.
They wander the house evaluating:
By evening, they’ve chosen the exact spot where tomorrow’s holiday lounging will occur. And once a cat claims a location, it is — legally and spiritually — theirs.
If you hear extra chirping on the 23rd, don’t worry — the birds aren’t arguing. They’re rehearsing.
They like to start the 24th with a crisp, cheerful soundtrack, and they take their warm‑up routine very seriously. Think of it as nature’s version of a soundcheck, minus the roadies..
Squirrels treat December 23rd like the final lap of a reality competition show.
They’re:
If you see a squirrel moving at warp speed, just know: it’s on a mission.
A Quiet Kind of PreparationWhile we’re juggling to‑do lists and wrapping paper, the animals are carrying out their own traditions — no fanfare, no fuss, just small rituals that make the season feel a little cozier.
Maybe that’s the charm of December 23rd. Not the sparkle, not the spectacle, but the everyday routines happening all around us… reminding us that everyone prepares for the holidays in their own way.
There’s something extra special about December 22nd—National Cookie Exchange Day. It’s the unofficial kickoff to that delightful moment when kitchens everywhere turn into flour‑dusted wonderlands, ovens hum like old friends, and neighbors appear at your door with tins full of sugary surprises. Around Dusty Roads, we’re all about celebrating the small joys that make a season feel special, and a cookie exchange is one of those traditions that warms the heart as much as the home.
Cookie exchanges aren’t just about the treats—though let’s be honest, that’s a pretty big perk. They’re about community, creativity, and the simple pleasure of sharing something homemade. Whether you’re a seasoned baker with a signature cookie or someone who relies on the “add water and stir” method (no judgment here), there’s room for everyone at the cookie table.
Plus, you walk away with a variety of cookies without having to bake a dozen different recipes. Efficiency and sugar? A winning combination.
Of course, no cookie exchange is complete without a recipe that earns a few “Who made these?” whispers. So we’re dipping into Mom’s Recipe Corner for a tried‑and‑true classic: Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies—a soft, spiced, crowd‑pleasing cookie that looks festive without requiring a culinary degree.
This cookie is a version of the classic Chocolate and Vanilla Icebox cookie. It was a staple of my youth. I admit it took more than a few tries to get the peppermint right. If the candy isn’t crushed enough your cookies are going to spread in the oven. But they still will taste good.
I found this recipe fun to play with. Sometimes I’d use white chocolate and 3 layers of dough so you got more swirls.
Let your imagination rule the day! Then , of course, share the bounty.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, joining one, or simply gifting a plate to a neighbor, today is all about spreading joy one bite at a time. So preheat that oven, put on your coziest playlist, and let the holiday spirit rise—just like your cookies.
If you want more recipes for your exchange, Mom’s Recipe Corner is always cooking up something delicious.
Deck the Halls… with Good Energy! 🎄✨The stockings are hung, the tree is twinkling, and the scent of pine (or maybe gingerbread) fills the air. Holiday decorating isn’t just about sparkle—it’s also about how your space feels. And that’s where Feng Shui comes in. This ancient practice is all about arranging your surroundings so energy flows smoothly, bringing harmony, joy, and maybe even a little extra luck under the mistletoe.
Holiday décor isn’t just eye candy—it sets the tone for how you and your loved ones feel. By layering Feng Shui principles into your decorating, you’re not only making your home look festive, you’re inviting harmony, warmth, and good vibes to carry you into the new year.
So this season, as you hang ornaments and string lights, think of it as more than decorating—it’s a little energy makeover for your home. And who doesn’t want their holidays to glow from the inside out?
