Happy New Year!

This is a little late, as usual but it should be okay to wish everyone a Happy New Year for at least the first week of January! It is sad that the holidays are over but there's no reason the parties have to end. As far as the internet is concerned, there is always something to celebrate, all you have to do is google it. For instance, the first was not only New Year's Day but also Hangover and Bloody Mary Days. While yesterday's honorees included Swiss Cheese and Science Fiction. I'm hoping to finish this post before the Drinking Straw and Fruitcake Toss Days.     

Wednesday, December 4th was National Cookie Day. You can never have too many Christmas cookies and His Madness did his best to pay homage to the occasion - it was two weeks later but still before Christmas. It's the thought that counts, they are unofficial holidays after all. 

 These are Polvorones or Mexican Wedding Cookies, the ones in the previous photo are Polish Tea Cakes and he also made Norwegian Sandbakkels. A trio of multi-national treats to munch on.

The 4th of December is also National Sock Day and according to the description, it "recognizes the rarest of all lasting unities, the marriage of matched socks." Obviously, that is not the case here but these were two of my most favorite Christmas socks - ever!  Since I lost their mates, I've worn them anyway and I believe they belong together. To me, they match. 

There is a National Christmas Tree Day but I would never have to patience to wait until December 8th to pick out a fresh cut tree. All of the good ones would be gone! Plus they need to sit unadorned for at least a couple of days to expose any huge, gaping holes between the limbs. This year there was just one but it was a doozie. Fortunately, it's now facing the bookshelves. 

Do we need a Garland Day? Maybe there should be an occasion to celebrate questionable Christmas decorating choices. The globe really doesn't get dressed up for the holidays. Burt lost his balance while he was helping to hang it around the french doors. It does look good though, maybe next year?

Here's Stewart, caught trying to sneak a drink from the tree stand. He eventually gave up but last year his bad habit resulted in a visit to the vet. His veterinarian told us fir trees are less toxic than pine and although it's not good for them to drink the tree's water, the resin is what is most harmful. Take Your Cat to the Vet Day isn't until August.

Finally, on the 23rd of December there was our (mostly) annual Festivus celebration. (Some years we just don't have the time to squeeze it in.) Our Festivus Pole has always been a ski pole because it was the only thing called a pole that we had on hand. Back in the day, we didn't realize it was supposed to be unadorned and made of aluminum. Whatever works. This year we skipped the Airing of Grievances, voting on the Festivus Miracle and the Feats of Strength because we all agreed Nancy Pelosi already had those covered.

Speaking of Festivus Miracles! This is the second year in a row that the Christmas Cactus has actually been blooming on Christmas Day. 

Putting electric candles in the windows during Christmas was a tradition in the community where I grew up and I occasionally see them around town these days. My mom, aunts and both grandmas lived in big old farmhouses and had to have at least one in every window. While looking up silly holidays I ran across an important one, Worldwide Candle Lighting Day. It's observed on the second Sunday in December in remembrance of the children who have lost their lives, whether from disease, war or by accident, whatever the reason. It all started in 1997 with just a few people lighting candles from seven to eight o'clock and now has spread around the world and next year I'll join in, too.

Soon it will be National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day, no kidding, it's January 6. Yikes! I feel like I just got it up, ha! What will Spenser do without all those bins to occupy?

Thanks for stopping by, I hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful Christmas.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2020!