June 14, An Auspicious Day on the Holiday Calendar ~ A Holiday Review

People love to know what kind of "Holidays" or "Special Events Days", are out there because there are just so many!  If you want to be in the KNOW, sign up for Days of the Year, you will find out that there are holidays and days of remembrance for just about everything and anything!

Today June 14th is Flag Day and I must admit that it comes just at the right time.  In a couple of weeks the two  largest countries on the North American continent will be celebrating holidays where their own country's flag plays an important role.  But don't let that stop you from showing your Flag pride today!  Show us where you are now and where you have come from!  There are flags for every country available, just remember if you are flying more than one flag, your new home's flag is on top!  For Americans it's the stars and stripes and for Canadians it's that lovely maple leaf!

Now if you live in either Canada or the USA, you will know that Canada Day on July 1st and Independence Day on July 4th are 2 very important holidays and both our countries celebrate them with lots of festivities, pride and the waving of our flags.

Most important for us all is the displaying and flying of our flags, signalling our pride in our homeland!

It is a good two weeks before these great holidays and a wonderful  time for us to look at our flags and make sure that they are in proper condition for the trooping of the colors.

There is nothing sadder than seeing a flag that is torn, ragged or tattered from use being flown on such an important holiday.  So might I suggest that today is a good day, no, it's a great day to take down your flag temporarily and check it over for wear and tear. 

If your flag is in any other shape than perfect, it's time to get a new flag!

Being Patriotic means more than just flying a flag.  It means that you will not fly a flag that is tattered and torn or worn out.  Doing that,  (for me anyways) is a sign of disrespect for the country that I love.

A beautiful pristine flag is what I will be flying so that everyone will know that I love my country and am proud to fly it's flag.  A perfect flag that sets a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart.  

 While this particular flag is not the least expensive one, it is made in the USA and it has the highest customer satisfaction rating. That says a lot to me, but you make up your own mind. Just make sure that you have a beautiful flag to fly high!

For Canadians who might be reading this review, you are NOT left out!  July 1st is coming quickly and that beautiful red and white flag needs to be as spotless and fresh looking as any flag can be.  So now there is no excuse for you to be flying a flag that would rather not be seen.

Be wonderful, be patriotic and be proud! We do live in two of the greatest countries in the world and we have every reason to be proud! Happy Flag Day and I know now that you will be ready for the next two big holidays as well!

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The Thanksgiving Turkey ~ Part I of Thanksgiving Recipes

CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ~ Photo by Julie on Flickr.com

I absolutely love Thanksgiving and all of the Thanksgiving dinner recipes!  For as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving has been a family gathering time.  

My mother and I always prepare our traditional Thanksgiving recipes in anticipation of the family members flying, driving or riding in for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We never know exactly what to expect or what will happen when everyone is together, but we know what we will eat.


Preparing for Thanksgiving

The week before Thanksgiving, I go to the grocery store with my list.  The holidays are probably the only time of the year that I really enjoy grocery shopping.  Not because of the food I am buying, but because I know that food will be prepared for the holiday celebration and the people who make it all worthwhile.

My Grandmother & Brother ~ Holidays Past

Sometimes things get hectic and I get a little stressed, but I do try very hard to make the holidays easier by adhering to my own advice offered  in my article, Ten Ways to Make the Holiday Easier.

I want to enjoy the time I get to spend with my whole family and I want to have wonderful memories to reflect on throughout the years.  I also want them to enjoy the holidays in our home and to have fond, pleasant memories of time well spent.


The Main Course

When I was growing up, my grandmother and mother prepared the Thanksgiving meal.   Now, my mother and I cook the dinner.  Occasionally, my sister or one of my sisters-in-law will arrive in town early enough to help.  That is always guaranteed to be amusing and entertaining!

It is my job to prepare and cook the turkey.  I try to beat everyone else out of bed so I can shower and dress for the day.  By the time I am in the kitchen to start washing the turkey, Mom and Dad are usually here to chat with me while I get started.  Once the turkey is in the oven, Mom joins me and we work together for hours of cooking, laughing, cutting up and sometimes just talking.  It is a fabulous day.  I have always maintained that it is my favorite day of the year.  Sure, we get tired, but I wouldn't change a thing.

I share my recipe and tips for How to Bake a Turkey here:  Cooking for the Holidays


What's Next

Now that we have the turkey out of the way, be sure to join us here again next week.  We will be sharing the side dishes and desserts for the Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes Menu on Review This!


Be sure to check out additional Thanksgiving tips on Traveling Food - Holidays and Potlucks

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I'm the Cooking for the Holidays Contributor on Review This!

I am pretty excited about sharing holiday recipes! 

As the Cooking for the Holidays Contributor on Review This, I will not only be seeking and sharing awesome holiday recipes, but I  also plan to share the ways we prepare to serve multiple meals during the holidays, our time saving tips, as well as the sanity saving tips, that we all need when cooking for the holidays.

Websites are brimming with fabulous holiday recipes and special treats.  Many of which, have been handed down for generations.  Other recipes are straight from the pages of our favorite cookbook and they have been tried and proven for years.  

I love new recipes and new cookbooks!  We all want to be ready for the next holiday by having the right cookbooks on hand when needed.  So, I will also be searching for great cookbooks to recommend, as well as reviews to feature.

I would also love it if you would share your holiday preparation articles, time saving ideas, or survival tips for the holidays.  If you have published an article on either of those topics, awesome!  Simply share that link in our guestbook below.



I am waiting to hear from you!

Cookbooks & Recipes Reviewed Here on Review This 

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For More About Sylvestermouse, Visit:  About Me

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Holidays Celebrating Peanut Butter

Reviewing Peanut Butter Holidays

Source: Pixabay

People submit dates on several holiday sites to celebrate something they love or are passionate about. It may be a food, an animal, an event or to give recognition to a cause. Thus, over time, we have ended up with literally hundreds of these fun, interesting, sometimes wacky or weird, holidays to enjoy.

Peanut Butter, a solid staple in most kitchen cupboards, has seemingly produced several holidays. People must really love Peanut Butter!

Let's talk a bit about peanut butter and review these peanut butter celebrations.

What is Peanut Butter?

Source: Pixabay

Peanut butter is a spread made from ground up dry-roasted peanuts, with a bit of salt and sweeteners added. It was invented by Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1848. Today it is a spread used on crackers, bread, toast or celery, and as a tasty ingredient in desserts and other dishes. The most popular sandwich, especially in children's school lunches, is a PB&J.

Peanut Butter Dates to Celebrate

The whole month of November every year has been designated National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month.

• January 24^th is National Peanut Butter Day
• March 1^st is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
• April 2^nd has been set aside to celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.
• May 18th – I Love Reese’s Day – a day to celebrate those sweet peanut butter candies loved by many.
• June 12^th is a day to bake some peanut butter cookies to celebrate Peanut Butter Cookie Day.
• November 20^th is another 'tasty' day for those with a sweet tooth as we celebrate National Peanut Butter Fudge Day.

Peanut Butter Reviews

Our behind-the-scenes writers love Peanut Butter as seen by the fun and fascinating reviews and recipes written on this blog by several of our ReviewThis! Contributors.

Peanut Butter Bliss Balls
Dawn Rae gives us her recipe for Easy No-Bake Bliss Balls with delicious coconut and peanut butter in the ingredients.

Peanut Butter M&Ms
Dawn Rae reviews the many flavors of M&Ms, including one with peanut butter.

Magic Spoon Cereal
For Keto diet followers, Brite-Ideas reviews Magic Spoon Cereal. These cereals come in four flavors, one of which is peanut butter.

Reeses Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Reeses peanut butter cups have long been a favorite candy. Seasonally, Reeses brings out these peanut butter cups in holiday shapes. Wednesday Elf reviews the Peanut Butter Christmas Trees.

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites
Margaret Schindel reviews Bhu Keto Bites mini protein bars perfect for Keto snacks. They come in a variety of flavors, one of which is Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

So, pick a day from this list of holidays to celebrate this wholesome food we call PEANUT BUTTER! 

Source: Pixabay

*Peanut Butter Holidays written and compiled by Wednesday Elf.

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There are Big Celebrations Coming our Way - Show Your National Pride!

Whether you live in Canada or the USA, July is a month for Celebrating! 

Celebration Products Reviewed!

July 1st is Canada Day followed very closely by July 4th Independence Day in the USA!

Those are two big holidays that just happen to fall in a great place this year.  Thursday July 1st and Sunday July 4th make it quite possible if you live close to the border, to enjoy each other and our holidays together.

After all the close downs, it will be nice to be able to travel even if its just down the road a ways.   I'm looking forward to that as a possibility!

Now whether or not that happens, don't let the holiday pass without getting some enjoyment from it all.

I love putting out my flag a week to two weeks before our holiday and then I leave it in place for the whole month.  Many Americans have their flags waving all year round, so it's a great time to make sure your flag is in tip top condition!  There is nothing sadder to me than seeing a tattered and tired flag.  There is no excuse!  Take a good look at it now and if it needs replacing then do the right thing and replace it!  Everyone will appreciate seeing a new flag flying. 

What I love even more than seeing a flag flying in the breeze during these holidays, is people getting their community spirit up by the wearing of "flag" inspired clothing!  Yes I love seeing the tee shirts and shorts, bathing suits and fitness gear all decked out in colors that represent your favorite place on earth!  After all this is the place you call home.

Cents of Style does a great job with T-shirts that reflect that patriotic notion.  And they do it in a great size range too!  

 T-shirts are a summer standard and everyone knows you can never have too many!  Are you getting the whole family together?  Can you just imagine the photo opportunities with everyone decked out in their finest deeply patriotic T's?

My bet is that everyone will be taking a picture of the whole bunch of you enjoying yourselves to the fullest.  Isn't that what these holidays are all about?

Now I'm sure that there will be food involved in all this celebration with family and friends, but did you know it's real easy to make something spectacular for everyone without breaking the proverbial bank?

Food and Family go together like a hand in a glove.  So be prepared ahead of time by getting some ice cream sandwiches (you know the ones with the chocolate cookies on the outside and vanilla ice cream in between).  Dip the outside edges of the ice cream with red and blue sprinkles to give them that holiday feeling.  Or dip pretzels sticks or ties into white chocolate and sprinkle them with red and blue to give them that Holiday feel!  Easy to do and can be done days ahead of time too.

                                                                       Linked Photo & Directions on craftcreatecook.com

Can you tell that I'm looking forward to this special time?  I enjoy the holidays, especially after the last couple of years when many festivities needed to be curtailed.  It's time to stretch out our wings and fly with the flags that are waving their hellos to the world.  Won't you come and join in the fun?

To all my friends Canadian and American who are celebrating these wonderful holidays,  May I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart and my hopes that our tomorrows will always be brighter!

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Holidays Reviewed on Review This Reviews!

Treasures from the Archives of Review This Reviews! 

We all enjoy special events, celebrations, and fun holidays. Seems mankind is always seeking something new to celebrate, or a reason to bring a bit of joy into our daily lives. After all, there needs to be a balance to work and responsibilities. 

 

Companies, special project groups, focus groups and campaigns have brought some fun to otherwise normal days by naming days, or even months, for fun things or activities. 

Did you know there is a National Lollipop Day, or a Hot Tea Month?  For those of us who love cookies, there is even a Bake Cookies Day appropriately set a week before Christmas.  

Of course, there are days to celebrate our favorite animals.  Who wouldn't love International Rabbit Day and National Dolphin Day!

We also celebrate relaxing!  So, hang your hammock on National Hammock Day , grab a Paczki or popcorn, a book or headphones, and take the day off.  If you prefer, spend your day off enjoying your hobby.  After all, there is a National Hobby Month, even though a month is not long enough to celebrate our favorite hobby.

Come to think of it, there should be a Review This Reviews Day!  Select the best day for celebrating Review This Reviews, share your ideas in the comments below, and we will take all of the recommendations, choose a specific date, and declare it Review This Reviews Day!  

Our contributors enjoy highlighting these days of celebration.  We hope to bring a little sunshine to your day and give you a reason to smile and have fun.  In addition to the major holidays, we review the fun holidays, explain their origins when known, and encourage our readers to focus on fun and happiness.

Let's find a reason to celebrate!

 

The board below features 30 of our most recent reviews.

Click through to Pinterest to see all of the Fun Holidays that have been Reviewed by Review This Reviews Contributors! 

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Holiday Cookbooks: Perfect for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to pull out your favorite cookbook and plan a special treat for mom.  

If you or your mom love cooking for the holidays, or anytime, a holiday cookbook is also the perfect gift for Mother's Day.  I know I personally have a collection of specialty and holiday cookbooks that I absolutely love and frequently grab for reference.  I enjoy "pouring over a cookbook", as my own mother would say, reading recipes, making a grocery list and planning to try a new recipe.


The Pioneer Woman Cooks A Year of Holidays

Our very own pioneer woman, RenaissanceWoman2010, reviewed a fabulous cookbook for all of us recently in her article entitled, I'm Spending the Holidays with Ree.  I was so impressed by her review, that I simply had to purchase my own copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks A Year of Holidays.

I have my own grandmother's Pecan Pie recipe that I use, but the recipe and featured photo were all I needed to see to know I had to have the cookbook!

The Pioneer Woman's Holiday cookbook is chock full of some great recipes and while I don't know Ree personally, I do know she will now be a part of my holidays too.

May You All Have a 

Happy Mother's Day!

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A Review of Sock Days

Source: Pixabay

There are seven major holidays celebrated in the U.S. every year and many others celebrated around the world. Then there are innumerable just-about-daily holidays that are obscure, bizarre, weird, wacky, and downright funny. 

The majority of these are UN-official holidays, dreamed up by people to celebrate a favorite activity, craft or food. Many of these holidays have no known origin, but are fun to celebrate. Some are serious 'special days' to bring awareness to - and help for – animals facing extinction or medical conditions.

Today we are going to look at a group of funny sock holidays, including National Sock Day (December 4), Silly Sock Day (April 3), No Sock Day (May 8) and probably the funniest one ~ Lost Sock Memorial Day celebrated on May 9.

National Sock Day 

National Sock Day is an annual celebration observed every year on December 4th.  It began as a company promotion by Pair of Thieves, an American basics apparel company which makes socks, underwear, and shirts. Founder Cash Warren gave a simple explanation for the company name, which exemplifies the team's witty, mischievous spirit. “Who steals the sock that goes missing after doing laundry?” he said. “Pair of thieves.” 

The company had a celebration on December 4, 2016 where they walked through offices at Honest, Facebook, and Red Bull  with a band and Santa Claus, to spread cheer, and socks. Check it out here. 

Silly Sock Day

Source:  Pixabay

Despite it's funny name, Silly Sock Day is actually an annual awareness raising day held  on April 3rd  during Autism Awareness Week to help support autistic individuals by raising funds and awareness.  It was begun to bring awareness to autism in East Midlands, England. It is easy to celebrate – just don your most ridiculous socks and share them on Social Media with the tag #SillySockDays.

No Sock Day

We celebrate National No Sock Day on May 8th.  It's a day to free your toes from socks, and give your feet a breath of some fresh air.  The holiday was created by Ruth & Thomas Roy of Wellcat.com. 

Lost Sock Memorial Day

Lost Sock. Source: Pixabay

This is the day (May 9) we commemorate lost socks.  This unofficial holiday was invented to encourage people to finally let go of all those single socks they keep in a 'lost sock drawer' hoping to find their partners one day. Believe me, it's not going to happen. 

My mother kept a whole drawer just for those lost socks and over the years the drawer was stuffed full of single socks from a family of six. Us kids used to be given the job on laundry days of trying to match up the latest single socks with one in the sock drawer –  and we never once found a match. We used to kid that the washer or dryer 'ate' the socks.  True story!  

So, unless you like wearing unmatched socks, give it up and use May 9th Lost Sock Day as the time to get rid of those single socks without a partner. Or, alternatively, recycle those single socks as cleaning cloths. Or make sock monkeys or sock puppets out of them for the kids.

FAQs about Socks

Source: Pixabay

Q: How long should a pair of socks last?
A: If worn once a week, a pair of socks should last about a year. 

Q: What is the origin of the word SOCK?
A: The word sock comes from the Old English word “socc”, which means 'light slipper'. 

Q: What  is the Sock Capital of the World?
A: The Datang district in eastern China is the top producer of socks  in the world. It has become known as “Sock City” because about 40% of  the world's socks are produced there. It is estimated that in one year they make enough socks to supply two pairs for every person in the world.

Q: What are Baby Socks called?
A: Booties!

Baby Booties

That last Q&A above I just made up...  LOL. There actually ARE socks for babies, but booties are a nice alternative to baby socks and often come as a match to infant outfits. I mention booties here as a way to show off my handmade baby booties on Etsy.

Baby Booties in Crochet

Handmade Baby Booties on Etsy

A pretty pair of baby booties hand-crocheted in a pastel ombre yarn in white, pink green, yellow and blue acrylic yarn.

These pastel booties are sized for a 3-6 month old baby measuring 4 inches from heel to toe. They have a folded down top (roll over ankle) and white ribbon ties.

Darling handmade yarn booties to keep your baby's toes warm. Also perfect for a new baby gift or a baby shower gift.

These pastel baby booties are available in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts. *Note: these booties have sold, but another pair can be created upon request. Please just visit the Etsy Shop listed here.

Sock Reviews by ReviewThisReviews.com Contributors

Source: Pixabay

Sock Daddy Socks – Review by Wednesday Elf

Crocheted Slipper Socks - Review by Dawn Rae

World's Softest Socks – Review by BarbRad

Carhart Socks for Women – Review by Dawn Rae

Sherpa Theme Slipper Socks - Review by Wednesday Elf


Sock Days Review written by (c) Wednesday Elf – 5/9/2020

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Embracing the Magic of the Season with Compassion

As winter's chill wraps the world in a cozy embrace, some hearts are filled with warmth and joy as we gather to celebrate the most magical time of the year. Let's remember all aspects of this time of year: the good, the happy, the sad, and the lost.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas

The air is filled with the sweet melodies of carols, and the streets are adorned with twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere that warms even the coldest of nights. It's a season of love, laughter, and the simple pleasures that can make life truly special.

During this enchanting time, families come together, creating cherished memories that will be fondly remembered for years. 

Whether it's sharing a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, decorating the tree with ornaments collected over the years, or simply relishing in the company of loved ones, the holidays remind us of the importance of connection and the joy of togetherness. 

Let's take a moment to appreciate the love surrounding us and express gratitude for the bonds that make life meaningful.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, let's remember the spirit of giving and generosity. The joy derived from sharing our blessings with others is immeasurable. 

Whether donating to a local charity, volunteering at a community event, or simply extending a helping hand to those in need, the true magic of the season lies in spreading kindness and goodwill.

 May this season inspire us to be more compassionate, and may the ripple effect of our actions create a wave of positivity that extends far beyond the holidays.

The Holiday Season can be a Challenging Time for Some

Yet, amid the merriment, let us pause to acknowledge that the holidays can be challenging for some. While many of us are surrounded by the love of family and friends, some may be grappling with loss, loneliness, or difficult circumstances. 

Let us extend our hearts and minds to those who find this season a poignant reminder of their struggles. 

Amid our celebrations, let's remember to reach out with empathy and kindness to uplift those experiencing a difficult time. This can be done by sharing time, prayers, money, gifts, or a helping hand.

Farewell to Another Trip Around the Sun

As we bid farewell to another year and welcome the promise of new beginnings, let's carry the warmth and goodwill of the holiday season into the days ahead. 

May the coming year be filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities. 

May the season's spirit linger in our hearts, guiding us to a future filled with joy, prosperity, and the magic that makes life truly extraordinary. 

Cheers to a season of love, laughter, and the joyous celebration of life's beautiful moments, mindful of those needing an extra dose of kindness during this time.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to You 💗

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Six Easy Christmas Tree Alternatives

Alternatives to Standard Christmas Trees

There are alternatives to putting up a fully decorated Christmas Tree. When time, health or motivation gets in the way of decorating the way you used to, check out these options:

1. Christmas Tree Art Drapes

You have to check these out; they're gorgeous. These drapes are full floor to ceiling curtains featuring 3D holiday scenes. The entire drapes are an art canvas, except instead of being on canvas, the art is on cloth. If you have a large window or sliding patio door, remove your existing drapes and put these up for the holidays. 

2. A Tabletop Christmas Tree

A tabletop tree is the easiest way to bring a little cheer into your home during the holidays. One of ReviewThisReviews writers, Dawn Rae, provides several creative suggestions here. Of course, tabletop trees can also be used to accessorize a fully decorated home. They also make an excellent hostess gift.

3. Freestanding Cardboard Christmas Trees

When you need a simpler

decorating plan

Of course, this particular choice is better utilized as party decor. However, there are several ways to incorporate cardboard trees into the home. For those who like to feature multiple trees but don't have the energy to go all out, these fun designs are an alternative. Also, you can use them as a way to add a safe festive feel to a child's room or playroom. 

4.  Christmas Tree Wall Decals

If you have a little more energy and enjoy decorating the walls, then you'll love this idea. Wall decal Christmas Trees are a fun way to add festive art to a room. When the holidays are over, simply remove them. Since they have more of an artsy animated look to them, they're ideal in a room where the kids tend to gather, even their bedroom. How nice would it be to read holiday bedtime stories with a fun Christmas Tree decal front and center in the little one's bedroom?

5. Pull Up Christmas Trees

These are an absolute must for people who don't have time for anything elaborate during the holidays! They fold completely flat into a storage bag. You may have to buy the storage bag separately. When the holiday season rolls around, unzip the bag and pull up the pre-lit, even pre-decorated Christmas Tree. That's right, most of them come fully decorated. A couple of these trees will eliminate a ton of work yet still give your home or office that lovely holiday feel.

6. Christmas Trees or Decor Featured on a Rug

If the wall, a tabletop, or draperies are out of the question, how about a bit of the holiday spirit on the floor? These holiday-themed area rugs feature various scenes that you can easily incorporate into your home. The nice thing about a carpet is the ease of taking it out and putting it away. Feature a festive rug in your foyer, one in the kitchen or living area, and add a small table-top tree or Christmas tree ornament, and your decorating is finished. You've decorated without a lot of effort. With a rug, there are no boxes to unpack or carry; store it in a closet or under a bed until the season is upon us.

As we get older, decorating the way we used to can become challenging. Our hearts may want to go all out, but our bodies won't let us. So don't hesitate to seek out something easier that works for you and your life. These days, there's something beautiful about going 'small.' It's like getting back to the basics and focusing on what Christmas is really about; love.

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I Miss You Most at Christmas Time - Music Review & Personal Narrative

I Miss You!

It is the week before Christmas and I am already surrounded by my family, but there is someone missing.

9 years ago my brother died.  During the holidays, when he should be here with us, the grief washes over me and I, once again, mourn the death of my beloved brother.

The holidays should be joyous and for the most part they really are festive.  There is a lot of family togetherness and laughter. Ironically, it is when we are all laughing that I hear the voice in my mind of one that is no longer laughing with us.  If ever there was anyone who loved to laugh, loved life, loved family, and loved Christmas, it would be my brother.

I wonder if there will ever be a Christmas that I don't remember and grieve his absence.

The photo above is from my own personal photo album.  It was taken on Christmas day, several years ago and is an actual photo of my brother and grandmother together.

I Miss You Most at Christmas Time by Mariah Carey

Several years ago, at Christmas, I heard "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)" by Mariah Carey. My tenderhearted brother was with me then and we joined together as we cried and grieved the death and separation from our grandmother.

It never occurred to me that his would be the next family death and that when I heard the song again, it would be him that I would be missing.

Separation is for Just for a Season

St Peter's Basilica Dove Stained Glass Window

After my tears are spent, I recall the promise made by our Savior, Jesus Christ, thousands of years ago and I regain the strength to step into the next moment of my life.

John 6:38-40

"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent me. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that of all that He has given me, I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."

Comfort

My Brother's Monument

I find great comfort in that scripture passage and in His promise.  I am not wishing my life away, for there is work yet for me to do, but I know that one day I will be reunited with my brother and all who have gone before me.

My Brother's Monument

About the Dove in the Photo & the Monument

The photo of the dove is of a stained glass window in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  I shall never forget the first time I ever saw that window.  It was brilliant!  I loved that window and took lots of photos before we left.  I can't adequately describe the magnificence and awe of seeing that window in person or the sense of longing and adoration it evokes.   The image of the sun lite stained glass dove stayed in my mind's eye long after we left Rome. 

When we were designing my brother's monument, that was the image that came to mind.  As you can see, the monument artist was able to replicate the image on the monument from the photo.

The inscription is a quote from the sonnet "Death, be Not Proud", written by John Donne.  I truly believe that it is death that dies when we wake eternally.   

I wrote this article about myself and my own personal thoughts, but I also recognize that there are many among us who are grieving during the holidays.  It is my sincere desire that these words may also comfort others who are grieving.

May the One who bottles your tears, comfort you now!

Scripture reference: Psalms 56:8

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How to Put Fun into Your Holidays

Wouldn't we all love to put some fun back into our holiday preparations? Here are tips to help you do just that. Remember those days as a kid when the holidays were all about excitement, anticipation and just plain fun. It's time us grown-ups got to enjoy that as well.

Shop Online for Some Fun

Skip the crowds, the traffic, the lines and the surly salespeople. Shop online for just about everything you need from holiday decorations to gifts. The contributing writers for Review This put together a great holiday gift guide just to help you do that very thing. 

You can get in the mood for some fun Christmas time while still

curled up in your pj's and fuzzy bunny slippers. Just do it online. Christmas Time Treasures has lots of those great pages to help you with holiday decorations for your home, like pre-lit Christmas trees, festive kitchen towels, even holiday cats on decorative pillows (www.web-surfing-with-susan.com/christmas-cat-throw-pillows). 

Get your Christmas tree decorated with personalized ornaments or something even more fun like Eiffel Tower ornaments (www.web-surfing-with-susan.com/eiffel-tower-christmas-ornaments). Holidays are definitely easier and much more fun when you shop online from the comfort of your own home. 

Take Some Time to Relax

Since you won't need to spend many extra hours fighting the malls and the traffic, use that time to relax and do something you love. For me, it's a long hot bubble bath with festive scented soaps (www.the-bubble-bath.com/get-in-the-holiday-spirit-with-a-festive-bubble-bath) and reading a great Christmas mystery book (www.mysterybookworldlive.com/holiday-mysteries/christmas-mysteries).  Now, we're talking relaxing. 

Whatever you like to do to relax, do it. Your own holidays will be more fun. More like those days when you were a kid and the whole month of December was all about the excitement, anticipation and fun.

Posted by: BuckHawk

About This Contributor

BuckHawk decribes herself as "Basically a lazy person who prefers the easy things in life." So that's what she writes about. Easy home decorating, easy recipes, easy entertaining. But, she is also a lover of animals, gardening and crafting. You'll find her writing all over the Web, but with Review This Reviews! she has the opportunity to write about all of her loves.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Snowglobes are Great Gifts and Seasonal Decor

Holiday snowglobes on Review This!

There is something magical about snowglobes. It doesn't seem logical. After all, Snowglobes are simply water-filled globes of glass (or plastic) encasing some sort of item or scene. Shake the globe and the little flakes begin to "snow". But there is something special about that frozen moment in time surrounded by the movement of falling snow.

At this time of year, snowglobes always come to my mind. They are a wonderful part of holiday decorations. Because holiday snowglobes are offered in such a wide variety of styles they can also be very thoughtful gifts. Each one individualized to reflect special interests of the giver or the receiver. Snowglobes range from the tiny plastic trinkets that you can find at just about any souvenir gift shop to high-quality pieces of seasonal art that can be enjoyed and passed down for generations. 

Santa Claus Snowglobes

This review came to mind after recently purchasing a beautiful snowglobe depicting Santa's workshop. There was a piece of synchronicity that led me to thoughts of how special snowglobes can be. 

Scenes with Santa are my favorite snowglobes. And there are MANY Santa scenes to choose from:

• Seated in his workshop with the elves, making toys. 
• Flying in his sleigh through the snowy sky. 
• Dressed in his suit with the huge bag of toys slung over his shoulder. 
• Seated with a child seated on his knee

Santa's Workshop - musical snowglobe

Musical Snowglobes

Some snowglobes come with a music box option. Typically, the music box key is under the base of the snow globe. Simply turn the globe over, turn the key a few times, then place the snowglobe on the table to watch the snow and listen to the tune.

Tunes that are as familiar as Jingle Bells and as traditional as Oh Holy Night can be found with some snowglobes.

plays Silver Bells

Religious Snowglobes

A variety of religious scenes are depicted in snowglobes. From angels to the nativity scenes (simple and ornate) a snowglobe reminding us of the "reason for the season" can be found.

Nativity - musical snowglobe

Snowglobes and Nature Scenes

In the areas of the world that have four seasons and the possibility of snow during the holidays, snowy naturescapes are reminiscent of Christmas. Trees drop their leaves and make unique silhouettes against the sky. Native backyard birds are easier to see against the white background of snow. Polar bears, penguins, and white hares are wildlife that are often associated with a winter wonderland. 

Penguin snowglobe - plays "Let It Snow"

Snowglobes with Favorite Movies, Places, Things

Perhaps your family has made a tradition of watching the Nutcracker during the holidays. Or watching the Wizard of Oz has become an annual event as the holidays approach. 

Maybe you've traveled during the holidays and want a reminder of those special places.


Whatever your holiday traditions include, chances are good that there is a snowglobe that gives a shout out to those special memories.

design courtesy of pixabay.com

Whether you are looking for long-lasting holiday decorations or a special gift for that special someone, snowglobes are a great choice. 

My love of snowglobes was recently renewed during an incident of coincidence. Or maybe it wasn't coincidence at all. I'm not completely sure. If you would like to read about how I came to own my most recent Santa Claus snowglobe you can read about it on my personal blog. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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