Category: holidays

The Perfect Month

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

Can we just agree that some of these daily writing prompts are odd? I can truly say I have never thought about what my favorite month of the year is. Favorite holiday? Sure. Favorite season? Okay. (Spoiler, all four have their perks.) Favorite month? All I can think of is that clip from Miss Congeniality where the girl says the perfect date is April 25. So instead of a favorite month, how about a pros and cons list? My followers know how much I love a good list!!!!

Pros

  • January – Snow is likely! This means hot chocolate, snuggles, and “lazy” days.
  • February – important family celebrations and snow
  • March – NCAA Tournament (the only time I make a point of watching Sportsball) and Spring! Also, sometimes snow!
  • April – Gardening and outside time weather begins!
  • May – lots of fun celebrations!!!
  • June – summer camps
  • July – important celebrations
  • August – important birthday and State Fair
  • September – Fall starts! That means all the fun fall activities begin!
  • October – fall activities and Halloween
  • November – Christmas prep! Celebrations! Sometimes it snows!!!
  • December – Christmas palooza! Winter time!!! Family celebrations!

Cons

  • Each month has some sort of con associated with it because of something that has happened or because there is a holiday you don’t agree with celebrating. However, it’s not enough to ruin a month.

Do you have a favorite month, or do they all have their merits?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

Thanksgiving – Open for Business

A couple of days ago, I saw a sponsored ad on Facebook for Big Lots Thanksgiving sales. I don’t have feelings one way or the other about a sale at Big Lots, but I was curious to see the comments. They seemed to be equally balanced between “How dare you be open on a holiday?” and “Great! I might come shopping!” I can be understanding of both perspectives. On one hand, it is wonderful when families get together for the holidays on the holiday. On the other hand, some workers rely on the extra holiday pay, some people don’t celebrate holidays, and some people spend time with family while shopping. Aside from both sides of the Big Lots argument, I started thinking about if people were just applying these arguments to retail stores, or does it bother them that other establishments are open on holidays?

My first thought to this question was that I am glad essential care places are open on holidays. Twice in my life, we have been thankful for emergency health services being open on the holidays. The first was when I was ten. We had family visiting from Kansas for Christmas, and my cousin got really sick. Luckily, the hospital emergency room and a pharmacy were both open for the holiday. The second instance didn’t impact me directly, but the memory is crazy vivid. We were in Oklahoma having Thanksgiving with family, and my uncle’s neighbor accidentally got run over by the car he was repairing. Literally ran over! Guess how glad we all were that medical professionals were working that holiday? Seriously, the neighbor may not have lived otherwise. We were thankful for all of those working that played a part in those instances!!!

I understand that medical facilities are a far stretch from Big Lots, but gas stations aren’t that far of a stretch from Big Lots. I’ve been very thankful that gas stations are open for holidays. We’ve almost always traveled for holidays be it for 20 minutes or 12 hours. Guess what is necessary for travel? Gas! I can also say that never were we the only customers at gas stations on holidays. There were always other people getting gas, using restrooms, and getting travel snacks.

Speaking of travel, on holidays we have also been very appreciative of hotels and restaurants being open for breakfast. Yes, a big part of Thanksgiving is eating, but those meals are usually later in the day. I still remember a delicious diner on Thanksgiving morning in Oklahoma. It was close to the hotel where we were staying, and they had the best waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on top! Seriously, I remember them almost 30 years later! Likewise, we’ve also been appreciative of restaurants open on holidays when we’ve had relatives in the hospital. When a close relative’s life is in the balance, the last thing you want to do on a holiday is cook a big meal at home. Also, and I say this from experience, there are only so many hospital cafeteria meals you can eat. Even if the food is decent, it is unsettling hearing “code blues” announced on speakers when your relative is in ICU/CCU. Sometimes to keep your sanity, you need a non-hospital cafeteria meal on a holiday!

Another essential to keeping sanity is having entertainment. How many people watch football on Thanksgiving and Christmas? I’d almost wager that some of the people acting like Big Lots is the evil incarnate for being open on Thanksgiving are watching the NFL today. In my head, I hear them arguing “Those players get paid millions! They know what they signed up for! Their families can have Thanksgiving another day!” What about the officials, the parking attendants, the concession stand employees, and the stadium maintenance staff? When you’re watching at home, there still has to be people working on site that make the game experience possible. Likewise, how many people have been to the movies on Thanksgiving or Christmas? I have! Growing up, we would go as a family. It was always fun after a meal early in the day. Also fun on a holiday? Watching parades! I’ve never seen a single person complain about all the people who have to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas to make parades happen. I’m sure thousands of people have to work to make these parades happen!

So if we are thankful for medical services, travel services, and entertainment being open on holidays, why do people get so bent out of shape about stores being open? Is it because people like saying “greedy retail establishments”? That doesn’t make complete sense given travel services and entertainment also generate income on holidays. Is the root of it because people like to complain about things they don’t understand? Whatever the argument is, I hope that everyone who reads this has a blessed holiday season!

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

#blessed

Wow! Today marks another trip around the sun, and I am humbled by how #blessed I am! For the last three days, I’ve celebrated turning 39 with Mr Kisby, LilKsby, and other family members. As a bonus, I’ve received several messages wishing me a happy birthday. All of these have been remarkable reminders of how lucky I am to know so many wonderful people who know how to make a gal feel loved!

After two years of pandemic birthdays, feeling loved was the best treat! If the past two years have taught us anything, they’ve taught us how when we’re stressed by unprecedented pandemics, work, not enough time, not enough money, etc, we can forget to show others how much we love them. It’s not an intentional neglect, but more of an accident due to circumstances. I’m guilty, and I’m sure others are guilty too. Luckily, we can always change our ways and find our way back to showing others how much we love them!

As I enter my final year of my 30s, I must say that I’m super excited! This decade has been the best yet for me, and I’m sure that the next decade will be even better! Bonus, I feel like there are a lot of exciting things just on the horizon! For now, I’m going to concentrate on showing others the love that has been shown me!

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

Hallmark Happiness

We’ve all seen the memes about how all Hallmark Christmas movies have the same basic plot and all end the same way with a kiss. Whether it’s a big city girl who has to choose a “dream job” over love or a sweet yet sassy small town gal who doesn’t even know she’s looking for love, you know there is going to be a happy ending where everything magically works out phenomenally. These movies are highly unrealistic, but they have a way of making you feel good. Seriously, my heart melts so much while watching Hallmark movies! I really hadn’t watched any until last year, and now I’ve watched/listened to 52 of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas movies (typically I do other things while they are playing, but I’m always able to get this gist). That said, if you want to dip your toes in the Hallmark Christmas Countdown pond in 2022, these are the ten I recommend (keep in mind there will probably be like 25 more new ones in 2022) for some Hallmark Happiness:

10. The Santa Stakeout (2021) – First things first, Tamera Mowry-Housley has been a favorite actress of mine since her Sister, Sister days! She does an amazing job of bringing to life characters who have a serious side and a comedic side. This movie capitalized on that with some LOL comedy while throwing in a good old art heist plot!

9. A Shoe Addict’s Christmas (2018) – Candace Cameron Bure (yet another longtime favorite of mine because I’m a 90s kid) stars in this rom com featuring a lot of designer shoes that I’ll never be able to afford. The storyline is fun if you’re into the guardian angel helps a lost soul find their way plot. What puts this movie in the top ten is who plays the guardian angel: Jean Smart. Her comedic timing is genius! Don’t believe me? Watch any of her comedies!

8. Let It Snow (2013) – One of Candace’s most underrated Christmas movies is one of the best. The setting for this movie – a family owned resort – is absolutely breathtaking! I love all the traditional activities for Christmas that happen at the resort, and this movie makes outdoor snow activities look super fun! I can’t put my finger on it fully, but there was something delightfully heartwarming about this movie!

7. Merry and Bright (2019) – yet another 90s child star is the main actress in this film: Jodie Sweetin! I feel like a lot of people don’t give Jodie the credit she deserves because they get caught up on how she had substance abuse problems in the past. To those people, I must say that you need to make like Frozen and let it go. She’s got great comedic acting skills, and she’s got a beautiful smile that radiates joy! Plus you cannot judge someone’s present life by their past (also a common Hallmark movie moral). Bonus, this movie revolves around a candy factory. Who doesn’t get excited about food at Christmas?

6. Finding Santa (2017) – Another Jodie film! This one is super cute as she goes on a crusade to find the son of the town Santa and convince him to play Santa. The actors who play Santa and the son do a great job, and the hijinks that all of the characters get into will make you LOL. Also, this movie includes Santa School which looks super fun!

5. Switched for Christmas (2017) – I’ve always loved stories involving twins ever since I was an avid Sweet Valley reader back in the day. I legit followed the Wakefield twins all the way from Sweet Valley Kids to Sweet Valley Confidential! Not to mention the previously mentioned love of Sister, Sister! Before I even watched this movie, I knew I’d love it because it involved twins. Throw in a story line where the twins switch places, and you’ve got me hook, line, and sinker! I love the mischievous mayhem of twin swaps! Bonus, the twins are played by Candace!

4. Christmas Comes Twice (2020) – Tamera is the star of this film about a magic carousel that takes her back in time to change the trajectory of her life. First of all, the idea of a Christmas carnival with a magic carousel is just fun. Time travel? That’s an even better story element! Combine the two, and you know it is going to be a good time!

3. Christmas Town (2019) – the last Candace movie on my list that I just rewatched/relistened to this evening! This is the sweetest story about a small town known for its hospitality and Christmas festival!!! It involves communities helping one another, foster care and adoption, and the most welcoming people! For all of you Sabrina the Teenage Witch fans, Beth Broderick plays a key supporting character in this one!

2. Christmas At the Plaza (2019) – This movie is set at the Plaza Hotel, and it involves a super charming story about a lady who is hired to dig into the hotel’s holiday history. The historical element is a lot of fun, and the historical Christmas ornaments are beautiful. However, what really makes this movie a must see is Ryan Paevey. In my opinion he is to Hallmark movies what many saw Rege-Jean Page being to Bridgerton. Before becoming a Hallmark regular, he was a model and soap opera actor.

1. A Timeless Christmas (2020) – Another Ryan Paevey movie! This is hands down my favorite Hallmark Christmas movie! It combines time travel, mystery, and romance! Plus the majority of the film is set in a historical mansion in which the employees reenact the past via living history tours. The early 1900s costumes are stunning, and the period decor is charming! These kinds of tours are something I’ve always enjoyed in real life, so turning one into a Christmas movie makes it even better!

So there you have it…my top Hallmark Christmas movies! What are your favorites?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

Thanksgiving Night Thinking

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

The day’s festivities have come to a close, and I find myself in that weird post holiday celebration mode of “What am I supposed to be doing?” You don’t want to just go to bed because it is still super early, but at the same time you don’t want to do anything mentally taxing because it has been a relaxing day. Anyone else in this mode?

Before the pandemic, I would have been trying to go to bed by 10, so that getting up at 4 to go shopping still meant getting 6 hours of asleep! I never would be in bed that early because I’d be too busy picking out the best deals and strategizing what to get. This year even though we occasionally take LilKsby out to non-crowded places, we’re still not taking him out like pre-pandemic because toddlers can’t get vaccinated, and he only keeps his mask on for like three minutes. That said, it really surprised me how much I miss this part of Thanksgiving night! I’ve been lamenting it so much that this evening that Mr Kisby even asked me if I want to go shopping tomorrow. I told him no because I don’t really want to go in stores; I just like the idea of it.

Truth be told, I hadn’t even thought about actually going shopping until this week. The catalyst for change? I went to a funeral visitation for one of my professional mentors. They weren’t very old, and they were a big reason I am where I am today professionally. Their passing has been a reminder of just how precious life is, and how important it is to spend your time doing the things you enjoy with those you love. Even though what you enjoy may seem trivial to others, take time to do it!

I know that I am not the only person coping with loss this week. My hope is that as all of those who are healing from loss find comfort and know that while their hearts will always ache, it will become easier. (I know first hand that holidays after loss can be hard, but they do get easier with time.) I hope that everyone will find a way to do something that brings them joy if not today or tomorrow then one day soon. If this means going shopping, then I hope you shop! If this means singing in the shower so loudly that your throat hurts, I hope you sing your heart out! If this means walking alone in the woods to clear your mind, I hope you walk!

I know that this is some deep thinking for a day usually spent pondering family, food, naps, and TV, but sometimes we just have to get our thoughts out! What things are you thinking about on Thanksgiving night?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

More Than Food

Thanksgiving is only two days from today, and I want to make a bold and probably unpopular statement: Thanksgiving is about more than food.

People who know me will probably be quick to think my statement is because I don’t like Thanksgiving food. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of whole turkeys; I don’t like real mashed potatoes; stuffing that has been inside the bird disgusts me; I find pumpkin pie to have too much pumpkin flavor. Oh, and I’m allergic to sweet potatoes. Additionally, as not the biggest fan of cooking, I struggle with the concept of a meal that takes days to cook and minutes to eat. However, this is not why I believe Thanksgiving is more than food.

In my years – 38 of them – I remember a lot of Thanksgivings. I vaguely remember sitting around tables, but I can’t tell you what all was part of the spread. Do you know what I remember about the table portion? Being allowed sips of wine from Grandma’s special goblets as a teenager. That’s about it.

For me, Thanksgiving was always about doing things with my family. Some years this meant Thanksgiving was about lottery tickets. After eating, we would sit in my grandma’s living room and play scratch offs (we liked scratch offs the way some people like watching football). We would start with like $30 worth. Once they were scratched, we’d walk over to the gas station and buy more with the winnings plus a little extra if needed to get the number of tickets divisible by six (the number of people in the family). We’d continue the cycle until there were either no winnings left or the winnings were so big that the winner didn’t want to share.

If we traveled to see my mom’s family, there weren’t lottery tickets. There also wasn’t wine for that matter. However, there was playing with cousins during a time that wasn’t summer and listening to my grandpa sing Christmas carols as my aunt played piano. There was also the time my uncle’s neighbor accidentally ran over himself while fixing his car. I missed the action because I was in the bathroom, but I’m pleased to report the guy was okay!

Traditionally in our house Thanksgiving has also been about planning our Black Friday shopping. Black Friday is the only day of the year I enjoy shopping because I like deals and the competitive treasure hunt aspect of Black Friday shopping. Back in the days before Covid, we’d spend hours looking at the ads and making a game plan. I was great at organizing who had the best sales at what times and creating a shopping agenda. I’m also phenomenal at the online follow up for things we couldn’t find in the stores! Covid has obviously changed our Black Friday shopping, but there’s always online!!!

For me, Thanksgiving is about more than food. For me, Thanksgiving is about time with family and enjoying that time together. Time is more precious than turkey ever will be! No matter the opinions of others on the matter, my mind is made up.

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby