Traditions start with happenstance…a rare post from The Todd!
A long time ago someone dried a wishbone from the Thanksgiving turkey and a few weeks later stood toe to toe with someone they loved and made a wish. Another person saw a pretty girl standing under the mistletoe–which was added only to accent the greenery, by happenstance–and a smooch was performed. To excuse his brazen behavior, he improvised with “It’s a tradition to kiss anyone standing under the mistletoe, didn’t you know?” Brilliant! “Yeah…it’s a tradition.”
This is how it starts. Most families have a tradition unique to their clan. For instance, after the kids go to bed, you might wrap presents together by the fire, sipping eggnog along with a slice of Razzleberry pie–which you forced the kids to lay out for Santa. (Because Santa’s going to hurl if he sees one more cookie.)
The year I fell in love with Erin, Christmas was at hand. So, for no reason when I cut the bottom ring off the trunk of our Christmas tree, I set it aside by happenstance. I showed it to my wife with the initials “T hearts E” and the year. I told Erin we’d add a slice from every Christmas tree to remind us of another year’s passing (and the fact that we are the only ones who can put up with each other.)
Every year, when we unpack the decorations, there it is. We’ve had to add ribbon because of it’s growing length. Somerings are big, some are small–accomodate our financial state of the time or the size of the home we were living in. I feel a sort of pride every year to add the newest piece of tradition by “happenstance.”
Feeling frazzled? Reclaim your brain!
There’s piles of new research showing that working different puzzles and teasers can actually enhance brain performance and stave off dementia and Altzheimer’s. My mom’s ready to throw up if she looks at one more crossword puzzle, so I’ve been looking around for some new ideas. Lumosity is a free site with all kinds of easy things to do when you have a quick minute. Take a look and play around! $
“Kaboodle” your way to a Target $100.00 gift card!
There’s a new service called Kaboodle I’ve been trying out, where you can update your shopping list weekly with a listing from Target’s ads. You just clickto add, and you can print off a tidy list of bargains. Kaboodle also includes a lot of giveaways, 50% off items and some things you won’t see on regular ads. When you add at least one item, you’re added into the drawing for $100.00 gift cards from Target! Simple, eh? Click here to take a look and make a list. $
What I am NOT getting “Just in time for Christmas!”
This is no joke. I found this from one of my favorite mom sites, and it’s actually being marketed for little girls. This classy little gal’s name is “Gizmo” and the box says it all: “Style.” “Interesting.” “Music.” “Flash.” “Up and Down.” “Go Round and Round.” Yep, that’s the description of the latest in shocking doll designs — the “Pole Dance” doll!
The Loneliest Conifer
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