We just started a new year, 2026. Many people try to make New Year’s Resolutions for the year to come. They might hope to exercise more, to eat better, to be a nicer person. Most people will not keep them. They give up too soon. Changes take time and practice. It usually won’t happen overnight.

Still, it can be a great time to begin again or start something new. What it will take is consistency. If you practice whatever your trying to change every day, it will get easier as the year progresses. Here are some ideas for change in this new near. Choose one (or two) and stick with it!

• ·       Practice cleaning your room once a week. Choose a day to clean and stick with it. Soon it will become a habit. You might even find yourself picking up every day just to help things along.
• ·       Pledge to say kind things instead of hurtful things.
• ·       Greet everyone you meet with a smile.
• ·       Practice saying “Thank You” when someone does a kind deed for you.
• ·       Practice saying “Yes mom” or “Yes dad” when your parents give you instructions.
• ·       Read some verses in your Bible every day. Be sure to try to live them out too!  
• ·       Practice “being second” – Let someone else go first or in front of you. Open doors for others and let them go in first.
• ·       Learn a new hobby or skill. It’s even more fun if you share it with someone else.

These are just a few things you can do to start the New Year great. The key is to stick with it and practice your new skill every day. It will help you to grow and help others also.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

I hope you have a great and exciting year this year!

Love Papaw

Wassail

 Wassail:

1. A salutation or toast given in drinking someone's health or as an expression of goodwill at a festivity.

2. The drink used in such toasting, commonly ale or wine spiced with roasted apples and sugar. (https://www.thefreedictionary.com/wassail)

Wassail refers to a traditional English toast meaning "good health," and it can also describe a festive drink made from hot mulled cider, ale, or wine, often enjoyed during winter celebrations. Additionally, it is associated with the custom of singing and drinking to promote health and prosperity, especially in orchards.

Have you ever tasted wassail at a Christmas party? Have your family ever made wassail? It is very tasty and easy to make. There’s even a song you can sing after you make it.

 Ingredients:

You'll need just four ingredients to make this top-rated wassail recipe:

Apple cider: This wassail starts with store-bought apple cider, homemade apple cider, or hard apple cider.

Fruit juices: You'll need orange juice, lemon juice, and pineapple juice.

Sugar: A cup of white sugar sweetens things up.

Spices: This cozy wassail recipe is spiced with a cinnamon stick and whole cloves.

 

How to Make Wassail:

1. Stir the apple cider, juices, and sugar in a pot over medium-low heat.

2. Place the spices in a tea ball and add it to the apple cider mixture.

3. Simmer until warm.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/230045/grandmas-wassail/

Wassail Song

Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green,

Here we come a-wandering, so fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail, too,

And God bless you, and send you a happy new year,

And God send you a happy new year.

 https://hymnary.org/hymn/CYBER/10358

 

Happy New Year! I hope you have a great time with your family this season. We may not be there, but we are thinking of you all!

Love Papaw

 

Birthday Party for Jesus

 

One of our Christmas traditions while our children were growing up was a Birthday Party for Jesus. We usually did it on Christmas Eve. Mema would make a birthday cake for the party. Sometimes we would decorate. You can make the party happen anyway you want. Here’s what we did.

 

1. Read the Christmas Story: Focus on the biblical account from Luke or Matthew.

The Birth of Jesus  (Luke 2)

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

2. Make Birthday Cards for Jesus: Make cards or write down gifts/promises to Jesus. Put them out for everyone to see.

3. Give Gifts to Jesus: Have family members share what they want to give Jesus (e.g., kindness, prayer).

4. Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus: Blow out the candles and sing Happy Birthday.

5. Eat Some Cake: Be sure to share!

6. Open 1 Gift: We let each child open 1 small present from their stocking or from under the tree. (Don’t get carried away. Save the big ones for Christmas Day!

 

We hope you all have a belled Holiday season at Christmas & New Year’s Day.

Merry Christmas from Mema & Papaw!

Where Did the Tradition of the Christmas Tree Come From?

Although decorating trees during the winter solstice goes back to ancient times, the modern, decorated tree comes from 16th-century Germany, where Christians used fir trees decorated with apples (representing the biblical "Paradise Tree") and candles, with Martin Luther possibly adding lights. (Google AI) Many Christian families have trees at Christmas, some do not. It is not a symbol to be worshipped. In our house it is a symbol of the season, a decoration, and a place to put presents underneath.

Christmas trees come in many varieties. The most commonly used tree is probably the Douglas Fir. Then there are Noble Firs, Grand Firs, and Scotch Pine. They can be green, flocked (covered in white powder) or even painted colors. There are artificial trees that can green, silver, or even golden.

Originally, lights were added to the trees in the form of candles, a very dangerous way to do it! Now we use safety lights. Some lights look like icicles. Others look like tiny candles. There are eve twinkle lights of all colors. You can also add colored balls, figurines, even popcorn on a string. We have ornaments that the kids made in school. Memaw even has one from when she was a little girl. On the top of the tree is a tree topper. It usually is a star, but I have even seen a Santa Claus on one tree.

I still like the presents under the tree best! What kind of tree do you have? Did you help decorate your house?

Even though trees, decorations, and presents are fun, it is important that you don’t forget the real reason for Christmas. It is about the birth of the Messiah, Jesus, the Savior of the world. Don’t forget to honor Him to.

I hope you have a great Christmas this year!

Love Papaw. 

Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus, hippo for short, is a truly amazing animal. They have also been called “river horses”. They live in rivers in parts of Africa. They can weigh between 3000 and 4000 lbs. and eat up to 80 lbs. of grass every day. They have a barrel-shaped body and short thick legs. Their purplish-grey skin is almost 2 ½ inches thick. They have a huge mouth with molars for grinding and 2 tusk like teeth that can reach 20 inches long. They can open their mouths very wide. It looks like a super yawn! You don’t want to make a hippo mad. A hippo can crush you with his jaws and even turn over small boats. Because of their size and those menacing teeth, they are more fear in the rivers than crocodiles. 

Even though they spend most of their time in the rivers, they are poor swimmers. In fact they don’t swim; they usually walk on the bottom of the river. On land they can reach speeds of almost 19 miles an hour. Adult hippos can hold their breath under water for 5-6 minutes.

Did you know hippos can secret their own sunscreen? It looks like red sweat. I think that would come in handy in the hot African sun.

Scientists estimate that there are between 100-130,000 hippos in Africa. They have been killed in some states because there are wars happening there.

Here’s a couple fun hippopotamus videos for you.

 

    

I hope you liked our hippo talk!

Love Papaw.    

Advent - the 4 Weeks Before Christmas

Advent means “coming”. It refers to Jesus’ birth, God’s gift to the world. At Christmas time many people celebrate Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) by having an Advent calendar. There are many kinds of Advent calendars. There are online versions using apps, there are build-your-own calendars, there are printable calendars, and even ones with a new candy or chocolate each day. The idea is that each day you reflect on some part of the meaning of Christmas. It could be God’s love, family, helping others, you name it. If you make your own, then you get to choose.

Advent usually happens in four themes, hope, peace, joy, and love. Each one is a part of the Christmas Story.

Hope - Mary was told in Luke 1:26-33: "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus... He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High". He was the Hope of the world.

Peace- In Luke 2:14, The angels tell the shepherds, "glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men".  

Joy - Luke 2:10: The angel says, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people".

Love - John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life"

Here are some possible ways to celebrate Advent. Note: I have not done all of these so as always, use caution while going online.)

 Online Advent Calendars

1. https://www.jacquielawson.com/advent/christmas-village The Online Christmas Village (Best on a phone. iPad, or tablet App)

2. https://kidscraftroom.com/printable-christmas-advent-calendars/

3. https://www.myadvent.net/en/

Free Printable Advent Calendars for Kids (ask your parents first!)

1. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252975704053248076/

2. http://littlemisstlc.com/free-printable-advent-calendar-kids-families/

3. https://ahundredaffections.com/free-advent-calendar-numbers-printable-activity-cards/#advent-calendars-a-meaningful-family-tradition

4. https://treehouseschoolhouse.com/blog/advent-calendar-activity-ideas-bible-reading-plan?srsltid=AfmBOoqPhPrChGlg6uA8xHN307IedfMsiL1c9Cj-d5PM36a3FV3Uo3Wa

 

Make Your Own Advent Calendars with Treats (YouTube Videos)

  

Advent Calendars on Amazon  (You may want to look in your local stores for calendars also.)

$19.95 Calendar    Set of 10 Calendars – make great gifts $59.95   $7.99 Snowman 

 I hope you have fun celebrating Christmas this year. Remember: Jesus is the reason for the season!

 Love Papaw.    

 

 

 

Thanksgiving

 

Thanksgiving is the national holiday were we stop and take time to be thankful for all we have. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Canada has a similar holiday, but they celebrate it on the second Monday of October. It originally started as a harvest festival. It has its beginnings in 1621 when newly arrived English colonists shared with the indigenous people called the Wampanoag tribe. Squanto, a member of the tribe, was instrumental in helping the colonists plant crops in the new world. Without his help they probably wouldn’t have survive. The both brought food to share, crops like corn and squash, and wild game like deer and water fowl.  It is said the feast lasted 3 days.

Thanksgiving didn’t become an official American holiday until 1863 while Abraham Lincoln was president. Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, & pumpkin pie are a few of the official staples at a modern Thanksgiving celebration. Others may have ham, brisket, and even tamales. Oh, and don’t forget the cranberry sauce!

Although I love the green bean casserole and the stuffing,  and I think my favorite food at Thanksgiving is Mema’s homemade pumpkin pie. It is the perfect finish to a hearty meal. It also has to have a topping of whipped cream. Yum!

What do you like about Thanksgiving? Do you go to a parade or watch football? Do you make a special meal? Do you get together with just your family or a whole houseful of relatives? Whatever you do, I hope it’s fun. Just don’t forget to thank your parents for all they do. Be sure to tell God thank you for your life and his wonderful creation.

Here are some Thanksgiving coloring pages for you.

Love Papaw.