December Archives

A Lighthearted Look at December 23rd

The Forgotten Day of the Holiday Season

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: Conducting the Annual Comfort Inspection

Dogs treat December 23rd like a personal performance review for their beds.

They circle with the intensity of a NASA docking maneuver.
They nudge blankets into shapes that defy geometry.
They sigh loudly, as if the fate of the season depends on proper fluffing.

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: Scouting Prime Real Estate

Cats approach December 23rd with the focus of tiny, furry real‑estate agents.

They wander the house evaluating:

Sunbeam strength
Blanket softness
Human‑lap availability
The structural integrity of the laundry pile

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.

Birds: Rehearsing the Holiday Morning Chorus

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: The Last‑Minute Overachievers

Squirrels treat December 23rd like the final lap of a reality competition show.

They’re:

Stashing one last acorn
Reorganizing their secret treasure hoards
Sprinting across yards like they’re late for a meeting
Checking your flowerpots for “inventory purposes”

If you see a squirrel moving at warp speed, just know: it’s on a mission.

A Quiet Kind of Preparation

While 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.

The Countdown Is On

🎄 December Arrives: Let the Festivities Begin!

My Little Helper 2013 Photo credit Deb Neumann

December has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? One moment we’re crunching leaves underfoot, and the next we’re surrounded by twinkling lights, peppermint mochas, and the unmistakable hum of holiday music. December 1 marks the official start of the Christmas countdown, and whether you’re a planner with gifts already wrapped or a last-minute shopper, this month is all about embracing the joyful chaos.

Santa Rocky 2013 Photo Credit Deb Neumann

The Magic of Christmas Craziness

There’s something wonderfully wild about December. The calendar fills with parties, parades, and family traditions. Stores bustle with shoppers hunting for the perfect present, while kitchens everywhere come alive with the scent of cookies and pies. It’s hectic, yes—but it’s also magical. The “Christmas craziness” is part of the charm: the laughter, the late-night wrapping sessions, and the spontaneous snowball fights that remind us to slow down and savor the season.

Finding Joy in the Hustle

Instead of letting the rush overwhelm us, December invites us to lean into the energy. Light a candle, put on your favorite carols, and let the spirit of the season guide you. Even the smallest traditions—like hanging stockings or sipping hot cocoa—can ground us in joy. This month isn’t just about crossing items off a list; it’s about creating memories that will warm us long after the snow melts.