Are You Ready for a Fresh Start in the New Year?

It’s New Year’s Eve, 2025, and it’s pretty quiet around here. We always hold out for any opportunities to be with our own kids on New Year’s Eve, but this year we didn’t have the splendid gathering we’ve had in some of our past years.

Every year is super special—but also different and unique.

All our kids have grown up and established homes of their own, making it harder to pack up and come “home” for the holidays.

And—of course— that means two sets of eager parents wanting to spend time with the families.

It’s especially hard for those who are halfway around the world living on different continents!

The more grandchildren, the more joy, but that also means travel and tickets become a huge financial load not practical (or possible) to afford often.

We’ve learned to savor every combination of kids, and when it’s not “our turn” to see them, we spoil each other a little more and spend happy time reminiscing.

And, we’re always happy for the joyful opportunities to share holidays with our dear friends!

One of the ways I like to keep the memories fresh is by covering our refrigerator with pictures of our family doing things together.

While my favorite photos are those taken at home with the kids, I also keep a folder of possibilities for the next set of fridge pictures on my desktop with choice photos the kids have shared from their adventures.

I’m amazed (and pleased) by how often even the youngest children study the photos.

With a little help from their parents, it doesn’t take long before they can pick out and name most of their cousins!

One of the cutest things is seeing the very young ones recognizing themselves or carrying around a photo of a cherished sib or cousin.

I used to tape photos straight onto the fridge, but sometimes they’d get ripped off, smudged, or otherwise damaged.

My photographer daughter-in-law Brianna started using transparent plastic photo holders with magnetic backings for her fridge.

Absolutely brilliant! I invested in some holders immediately, and it’s saved me lots of time and photos!

Now life can go on undisturbed by sticky fingers.

Over the years, we’ve had lots of changeovers of the photos.

I try to change them out at least once a year, and most commonly after the Christmas holidays so I can be sure to have the latest and greatest of any family and friend photos that arrive with Christmas cards.

I take the old photos and put them into photo albums which I store in our living room.

Thankfully, I notice our children and grands looking through them from time to time when they visit, so the memories continue to linger in our hearts through the years.

Of course, when the kids are around, the photos are sheer joy, but when they’re gone, the photos can either be a source of great comfort or make me sad, depending on how I’m feeling.

Well, Christmas is over, and it’s time to start the process of taking down the old and putting up the new.

The older I get, the harder it becomes to let go and begin again!

How about you? Do you also have trouble letting go of the past?

Hard as it is to let go of what we have loved so well (or hated so much!), it’s also good (and necessary) to move forward into the future.

On the eve of the New Year, 2026, may we find the grace and courage to go into the future with a clean slate.

One of my goals for 2026 is to keep from living in the past, and I hope the same for you. May we respect the past and learn from it, but may we live with hope and joy in the present—with eternity’s values in view.

May we let go of everything—happy and sad—so we can start fresh, free from weights, and ready to go forward, growing in grace.

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV).

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Cherishing Christmas Memories, by Jane

Today your age doesn’t matter. This is Christmas week and whether you’re 3 or 103 there is something special about the weeks surrounding the most celebrated holiday. It’s that time of year when memories—both the old ones we treasure and the new ones we’re making right now—are all tied together by the people we love.

I saw a statistic recently that a record-breaking number of Americans planned to travel more than 50 miles to be with loved ones this year. I didn’t manufacture that statistic, but while the exact numbers aren’t known, it’s a fact that a few million people across the world will connect with someone, somewhere, sometime this holiday season. You might celebrate with your family or close friends on Christmas day, but many choose Christmas Eve or a day close to the holiday. Whenever you gather, we all know the “tsunami” of activity that leads up to that moment!

Comfort in the Glow

All this week, as the door closes on Christmas week, the sparkling tinsel reflects the glow of comfort and warmth while the backdrop of music keeps the spirit alive.  I should dismantle the décor but the rooms still draped in red and gold remind me of how the holiday feels, and I can’t bring myself to do it. Why not leave the bright colors, gold trim, and wooden pieces right where they are until the blessings and joy of this season have been absorbed. I’m going to breathe in the memories for awhile. When the time is right everything will go back in the boxes, tucked away under the stairs – the season gone way too soon.

The Real Reason for the Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but not because the retail volumes were up, or gifts were delivered on time, or even because we got fresh snow a few days before Christmas….although it is beautiful. This is the most wonderful time of the year because of the Light. The Light of the World came to dispel the darkness.

Isaiah tells us in chapter 2 of his book, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:2, 6).

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Looking Ahead

To everyone reading this: thank you so much for being here. Kathryn W. Armstrong was kind enough to invite me to contribute to her blog, Summer Setting, and I am giving it a try. Even though we may not know each other in real life, and are friends only through these pages, I hope you find something valuable in what Kathi shares here.

Our hope for 2026 is that we can all pray for one another, live with grateful hearts, and spread a little more love. May the peace and joy of the Savior stay with you long after the decorations are packed away.

As we look toward the New Year and leave 2025 behind, I’d like to leave you with this beautiful blessing:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Hot Citrus Cranberry Sauce

Over the Christmas holidays, I experimented with several types of citrus in making hot, homemade cranberry sauce. I suspect any of a variety of ways can produce an eloquent blend of flavors, but let me share my two favorites:

Hot Citrus Cranberry Sauce
(Makes about 12 (two-ounce) servings)

The basic recipe is always the same:

In a sauce pan, combine:
12 oz. fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

The extra ingredients could be any citrus, like oranges or lemons, but I really like these:
2 tangerines (or other seedless citrus) peeled and diced
2 clementines pulverized (without seeds but with the skins on)

Bring to a boil and then simmer, stirring occasionally (to keep the sauce from burning on the bottom) until most of the berries have popped. This takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir again, turn off the heat, and keep covered until you’re ready to serve it. Serve it warm. It mellows and improves in flavor with a little more time, so it can be made early and kept warm on the stove, or even made ahead and rewarmed the day of. It keeps well for up to a week in the refrigerator. Even kids who don’t think they like cranberry sauce will often like this as a condiment with turkey and chicken dishes.

“Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!”
(Psalm 150:1-2)

President Truman’s Christmas Address on December 25, 1949

“In love alone–the love of God and the love of man–will be found the solution of all the ills which afflict the world today” (—President Truman).

Last year my dear friend Susan Blount shared the following address by President Truman, taken from The American Patriot’s Almanac, compiled by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. I’ve been waiting all year to share it with you, because I think it’s profoundly true.

“In a radio greeting to America [now 76] years ago from his home in Independence, Missouri, President Truman delivered a clarion call for us to find our hope and calling in following the way of Christ. His address still rings as clear and true today as it did then. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas in our hearts and homes, may we consider his words”:

“Let us not on this Christmas, in our enjoyment of the abundance with which Providence has endowed us, forget those who, because of the cruelty of war, have no shelter–those multitudes for whom, in the phrase of historic irony, there is no room in the inn.

“In this blessed season, let not blind passion darken our counsels. We shall not solve a moral question by dodging it. We can scarcely hope to have a full Christmas if we turn a deaf ear to the suffering of even the least of Christ’s little ones.

“Since returning home, I have been reading again in our family Bible some of the passages which foretold this night. It was that grand old seer Isaiah who prophesied in the Old Testament the sublime event which found fulfillment almost 2,000 years ago. Just as Isaiah foresaw the coming of Christ, so another battler for the Lord, St. Paul, summed up the law and the prophets in a glorification of love which he exalts even above both faith and hope.

“We miss the spirit of Christmas if we consider the Incarnation as an indistinct and doubtful, far-off event unrelated to our present problems. We miss the purpose of Christ’s birth if we do not accept it as a living link which joins us together in spirit as children of the ever-living and true God.

“In love alone–the love of God and the love of man–will be found the solution of all the ills which afflict the world today. Slowly, sometimes painfully, but always with increasing purpose, emerges the great message of Christianity: only with wisdom comes joy, and with greatness comes love.

“In the spirit of the Christ Child–as little children with joy in our hearts and peace in our souls–let us, as a nation, dedicate ourselves anew to the love of our fellowmen. In such a dedication we shall find the message of the Child of Bethlehem, the real meaning of Christmas.”

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Truman’s Address at the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree in 1945

Eighty years ago, on the Christmas Eve following the end of World War 2, then-President Harry Truman gave a fabulous speech to encourage Americans which I think is still perfect for today:

Ladies and gentlemen, and listeners of the radio audience:

This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years. With peace come joy and gladness. The gloom of the war years fades as once more we light the National Community Christmas Tree. We meet in the spirit of the first Christmas, when the midnight choir sang the hymn of joy: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Let us not forget that the coming of the Saviour brought a time of long peace to the Roman World. It is, therefore, fitting for us to remember that the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of peace, of love, of charity to all men. From the manger of Bethlehem came a new appeal to the minds and hearts of men: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.”

In love, which is the very essence of the message of the Prince of Peace, the world would find a solution for all its ills. I do not believe there is one problem in this country or in the world today which could not be settled if approached through the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount. The poets’ dream, the lesson of priest and patriarch and the prophets’ vision of a new heaven and a new earth, all are summed up in the message delivered in the Judean hills beside the Sea of Galilee. Would that the world would accept that message in this time of its greatest need!

This is a solemn hour. In the stillness of the Eve of the Nativity when the hopes of mankind hang on the peace that was offered to the world nineteen centuries ago, it is but natural, while we survey our destiny, that we give thought also to our past–to some of the things which have gone into the making of our Nation.

You will remember that Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, and his companions, suffering shipwreck, “cast four anchors out of the stern and wished for the day.” Happily for us, whenever the American Ship of State has been storm-tossed we have always had an anchor to the windward.

We are met on the South Lawn of the White House. The setting is a reminder of Saint Paul’s four anchors. To one side is the massive pile of the Washington Monument–fit symbol of our first anchor. On the opposite end of Potomac Park is the memorial to another of the anchors which we see when we look astern of the Ship of State–Abraham Lincoln, who preserved the Union that Washington wrought.

Between them is the memorial to Thomas Jefferson, the anchor of democracy. On the other side of the White House, in bronze, rides Andrew Jackson–fourth of our anchors–the pedestal of his monument bearing his immortal words: “Our Federal Union–it must be preserved.”

It is well in this solemn hour that we bow to Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, and Lincoln as we face our destiny with its hopes and fears-its burdens and its responsibilities. Out of the past we shall gather wisdom and inspiration to chart our future course.

With our enemies vanquished we must gird ourselves for the work that lies ahead. Peace has its victories no less hard won than success at arms. We must not fail or falter. We must strive without ceasing to make real the prophecy of Isaiah: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

In this day, whether it be far or near, the Kingdoms of this world shall become indeed the Kingdom of God and He will reign forever and ever, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. With that message I wish my countrymen a Merry Christmas and joyous days in the New Year.

And in agreement with this message, Alan and I also wish for all a Merry Christmas and joyous days in the New Year!

“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 40:1-5).

For the Love of Music, by Jane

Oh music, how I love thee. Let me count the genres. Contemporary Christian, Hymns, Southern Gospel, Country, Pop, Blue Grass, Classical.

The individual notes, patterned and arranged in such a way up and down the scale, treble and bass clefs, in volumes loud and soft, notes played in staccato or vibrato – together making music.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music” Psalm 98:4.

I love music when I’m driving, cleaning, out walking, doing nothing. In other words: All. The. Time. Music is good for you physically and mentally. Just one study I researched indicated that physical markers of aging improved and people felt younger when the participants listened to music that was popular in their teenage years. There was more to the study conducted by Dr. Ellen Langer at Harvard University, but music was part of the experiment. If you want to look it up, it is called the “Counterclockwise Study” (1979).

Even though I love their music, I might not remember the musicians, or the band names, or vocalists, but songs cascade through my mind and I realize the words don’t come back, precisely, but layer upon layer, years of music goes straight to a memory or an emotion.

A few days ago, I caught the beginning of a Hallmark movie. (I hear you groan – but this is not about the movie.) The theme song playing at the very beginning took me back 25 years to the best Christmas memories I have, also the year I bought that specific album.

Immediately, I felt calm. That period in my life felt settled, comfortable, and I remembered a sense of confidence with everything going well. I was back in the family room, the blanket draped chairs, book laden shelves, candles in the window that came on at dusk and turned off at sunrise. I rarely hear My Grown-Up Christmas List played over the airwaves anymore but, it triggers joy and a deep sense of peace at the first music strains.

I love music. Period. And yes! I am thrilled to go to a store the day after Halloween and hear Christmas music. It is MUSIC, my friends. If you aren’t “one of those” well, I’m sorry. But OK. I understand Christmas music, early in the season, or at all might not be your favorite, but I think I’ve figured out why I love it. It lets me live in a season of long ago happy memories.

Can we agree that music is magic in audible form? Music is what emotions feel like. If you don’t like Christmas music, that’s OK. Find something else – and immerse yourself in beauty that nothing else is capable of mirroring.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

I Heard the Bells

If you’re looking for an uplifting true story to watch this holiday season, please consider I Heard the Bells (PG, 2022, 1h 50 m, 6.6 IMDb). It follows the life of America’s most famous poet (at the time), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and gives the background behind his writing the beloved Christmas carol, “I Heard the Bells.”

Longfellow’s life was both breathtaking and heartbreaking. He was the first American poet to become famous and wealthy during his lifetime.

He had a blissful life at times, but he also suffered terrible tragedies.

I Heard the Bells recounts what was going on in his family’s life from 1860-1863 as the Civil War was brewing and burning.

It’s a beautiful story of faith tried by tribulation past the point of endurance.

It’s a story of finding new hope after it seems all hope has been lost.

It is an unforgettable story of faith, hope, and love. Just perfect for Christmas!

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-15).

Turkey and Stuffing Croquettes

What do you serve for Christmas dinner? We alternate, depending on who’s home and whether or not they’ve already had lots of turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving. One of our kids was involved and 3 consecutive Thanksgiving dinners, but none of them served turkey and stuffing (which he dearly loves)! 😦

Whatever the state of your household, if you’ve had turkey and dressing, invariably some of the wonderful leftovers disappear before the rest. I was left with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving this year, and I’m guessing something like this might happen again after the Christmas week. Here’s one idea for a lovely lunch with leftovers:

Turkey and Stuffing Croquettes
(Makes 4)

In a mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup turkey stuffing (if you don’t have a recipe you like, here’s mine: (https://kathrynwarmstrong.wordpress.com/2017/04/22/gourmet-dressing-and-stuffed-portobello-mushrooms/)
1/2 cup cooked, chopped turkey meat
1/4 cup gravy (if you have any; can do without, but it helps hold everything together; if you’re lucky enough to have mashed potatoes leftover, add them too, although then you end up with something more akin to savory “Turkey and Stuffing Pancakes”)
1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin and diced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs
2 tablespoons butter

Mix everything together thoroughly in a bowl.

Melt the butter in a skillet.

Make four large, rounded balls of mixture and fry in the butter on low heat for 2-3 minutes or until starting to turn a bit crusty and brown. Flip over and fry another 2-3 minutes on the other side.

Serve immediately. We love cranberry sauce, and it makes a perfect complement if you have any left!

One of the things that often surprises me about cooking is how flexible recipes really are. You could use just about any proportion of leftover meat, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and even sweet potatoes (if not too sweet). I think the critical part is making sure you have enough egg to hold everything together. You need about one large egg per croquette, and if you have more ingredients or more of any one ingredient, then you’ll end up making more croquettes. Finally, if you have leftover gravy to spare, you could make a truly gourmet meal by frying smaller croquettes topped with gravy and adorned with fresh parsley!

A friend posted the scripture listed below after Thanksgiving, and I thought it was a perfect (but very sober) reminder for all of us to keep the Lord first in our hearts and homes, remembering to be grateful to Him as the giver of all good gifts, including the ability to provide food for our families!

“Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the Lord makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11-20, ESV).

Christmas Cards and Messages

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

No Money for Gifts? What About Giving the Gift of Adventures?

Are you sweating how to come up with some money for Christmas gifts this year?

For many people in America and around the world, it’s been a horrendous year financially. If you don’t have money for gifts this year, don’t despair. Kids don’t need “stuff,” they need your love and attention.

“Your kids will remember the adventures you went on, not the stuff you bought them. Kids outgrow stuff, but they never outgrow adventures” (Author Unknown). Why not give them coupons for some upcoming adventures?

That’s the heritage I want to pass on to my children and their children. The wonder and beauty of exploring God’s beautiful earth together.

The excitement of unexpected discoveries. Sharing life. Learning together.

This fall, we’ve been heading outside whenever we can catch the kids for a little nature hike, and I think it’s one of the best ever ways to bond as a family. I’m hoping for lots more adventures together in 2026.

A short hike at a local park makes a great outing for everybody. It costs practically nothing but time. It provides unending possibilities for play, exercise, and friendship.

Very special occasions call for special treats if you can, but they’re really not necessary. We took a trip to Great Wolf Lodge to play at their indoor waterpark and celebrate three November birthdays.

“I’m not quite sure how to do this” I confided to the attendant at the top of the biggest flume. “As a 75-year-old grandma, I’m not sure the safest way to load our raft.”

I looked down at my young grand daughter, who was braving the morning as my playmate. “That’s awesome!” the guy grinned and gave me a fist bump. “Not many 75-year-old grandmas come up here!”

He helped us load our double raft, and away we flew, into a swirl of vibrant green tubing illuminated by daylight. We zipped down the flume in and out of the building and back to land in the warm pool inside. High adventure together we’ll both remember for a long time!

Over the years, we’ve had all sorts of adventures with our kids, mostly sunshiny and happy, but some a bit on the scary side.

Thankfully, nothing is too scary when you’re holding tight to your daddy’s hand!

Activities don’t have to cost a lot! One of the most fun adventures was the night we held a wedding in our old maple tree! Don’t count the cost, count the joy. It’s the joy that counts.

Even if your budget is busted, you still have one free gift you can offer your family: the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. That’s an adventure you can go on with them that will last forever, and it’s what Christmas is really all about!

Do you know the truth about Christmas? God gave his only Son, Jesus, to all people on Earth as a gift. Although we don’t know the exact day he was born, Christians celebrate his birth on December 25th, “Christmas.” Jesus came to live a sinless life—something none of us can do—and died in our place to pay the penalty for our sins: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). How do we become Christians?

1. Acknowledge our sins and repent. (Admit that we’ve been running our own lives and decide instead to obey God and submit to his loving guidance). “Except you repent, you shall all perish” (Luke 13:3).
2. Believe in the death of Jesus Christ as the complete payment for our sins before God. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (I John 4:10).
3. Confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, accepting his gift of life and giving him our lives. “If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

If you believe this yourself and can share this with your children and grandchildren, you will have given them the greatest gift on earth . . . greater than anything that can be bought with money! And, you will begin with them the greatest adventure in life!

“Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Merry Christmas!