Listening to The Pogues Fairy-tale of New York this week, one of my favourite modern Christmas songs, it struck me how life changes from year to year and the Christmas season can change in tone as your life and the people around you evolve. And as much as that couple had a roller-coaster experience, the choir and the bells remained a joyous constant. 

The boys of the NYPD choir
Were singing Galloway Bay
And the bells were ringing out
For Christmas Day

~ Fairytale of New York by The Pogues

I love to surround myself in light and music and Christmas smells for the whole month of December and it is always a disappointment when it all goes back into boxes in January. As with every year, this December has been a little different, having been “funemployed” for nearly a year now. Just like it was different when we were first married or when we had toddlers experiencing Christmas morning for the first time.  It all changes, yet there are joyous constants that persist. 

There is the ornament from 1985 that always goes on the tree in a prominent place. And the handmade stockings that we have used for decades. There are the old Christmas movies that are traditional requirements, and the annual cookie decorating day when I handcraft about 20 kilos of royal icing. 

My wish for you all this Holiday season is that you are able to find joy and share it with family and friends and friends you consider family. Whether that is lighting a menorah or singing Christmas carols or waiting by the fire for the Yule log to be consumed. 

In my house, that means Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, May the blessings of the season be with you. 

Be awesome; Change the world.