HOLIDAY ANXIETY

" . . . the holidays are not always easy, & this year we will have unique challenges as we navigate a COVID-19, socially-distanced holiday season. Many of us have or are currently making hard decisions about being with our family this year. Many of us are already feeling the grief that is bubbling up inside as we approach the holiday season. Below are a few offerings to consider this year:

* "Cry:  Grief is often followed by crying & is a healthy outlet . . . Crying has also been shown to complete stress cycles. So grab some tissue, & allow yourself the gift of release.

* "Allow:  Invite grieving, joy & all the feelings in between to the kitchen table this year. When discomfort joins you, place a hand over your heart & allow the sensations to arise, & just notice as they come & go.

* "Boundaries:  Get clear on your goals this holiday season pertaining to getting together or not, & what this looks like for you. Communicate this with those who may be impacted & ask that your wishes be honored.

* "Creativity:  Can't or don't want to meet in person? Zoom, or talk on the phone! [NOTE:  We've been zooming with Lois' siblings every Sunday afternoon for some time now. And we've been Facetiming fairly often with our son Nathan & his family.]  Drop off goods to a loved one's home. Never liked cooking to begin with? Cater food in. Feeling comfortable sitting outside? Offer options that make you feel safe & comfortable, even if it's outside the box! [NOTE:  Sitting outside this time of year isn't really an option where we live.]

* "Self-Care:  Care for yourself. Tend to your inner wellness by cultivating nourishing self-care options that soothe & rejuvenate your spirit. Remember, self-care is more than just a spa day; it is learning the ways you can self-soothe & nourish during life experiences."  Omaha World Herald, 12/13

CRIMINAL MINDS

"Sheriff officials say they've busted an illegal winery that was operating at a municipal sewarge plant in a small north Alabama town."  OWM, 12/19

OLYMPICS

"Breakdancing became an official Olympic sport on MON. The International Olympic Committee's pursuit of urban events to lure a younger audience saw street dance battles officially added to the medal events program at the 2024 Paris Games."  OWH, 12/13

VIRGIN RIVER

"Q: Do you know if or when 'Virgin River' will resume? The end of Season 2 left us hanging--literally--in the wind. This was a wonderful show, & I cannot be the only one who loved watching it. A: At this writing (Dec. 17), there is no official word about a third season for the drama based on the series of noels by Robyn Carr. But considering how successful it has been for Netflix, & how much the show's principals have been talking about plans for another season, AND how willing the show was the load the Season 2 finale with cliffhangers, I'd expect it to come back next year. Since Carr has published 21 novels in the series so far, there appears to be plenty of story to tell."  TV Q&A by Rich Heldenfels, OWH, 12/20

PANDEMIC

"Remote learning pitfalls emerge. Many Nebraska teachers report 'little student success' as kids struggle. The pitfalls of remote learning are glaring like Clark Griwwold's Christmas light display. While some Nebraska kids managed to keep pace academically from home the first semester, other remote students fell so far behind that they're failing or at risk of it, according to teachers & school leaders. Generally, the students who struggled most were those who also struggled in the classroom before the pandemic, particularly those without parental support & encouragement, they said. But teachers said that even some normally successful students have found remote learning difficult as well."  OWH, 12/20

"A big question:  Can kids get the vaccine before next school year? Children won't get the COVID-19 vaccines until there's enough data from studies in different age groups. The studies will stretch into next year."  OWH, 12/20

HUSKER NATION

Even though Nebraska came from behind to beat Nebraska last Friday, there's only so much comfort one can derive from another 3-5 season. And it's been announced that although the Cornhuskers are eligible to accept a bowl invitation, players have voted to stay home. They're worn down, & many of them haven't seen family for months. I don't blame them.

PLANS

We plan to take Bentley, our 7-old grandson [He belongs to Derek & Rachel in Norfolk.] to see the "Christmas Star" tonight, & to take in some of the Christmas decorations around town. Tomorrow we're heading for Lincoln. We'll visit Sarah & the girls--Craig is in TX--& also get to visit with John, Lois' little brother, & his wife Lori. They're from North Carolina & are visiting Lori's family. We plan to attend Christmas Eve worship on Christmas Eve & hope the Broders will join us. We're having Christmas dinner with the Broders on Christmas Day [ham, cheesy potatoes, et al.]

ROAD TRIPS

I've added these trips to our bucket list:

> Paul's missionary journey tour

> Europe river trip

We now have enough road trips on our list to take us into our 90s.