December 21, 2025
“Once again we come together.
This is the season to sharpen knives,
test the waters, prepare for weather.
Bitter almond, thyme, sage, cloves:
spices this time of year requires.”
December 21, 2025
Switch off the light to understand how a candle dies — turns inward to disappear. A flicker burns stronger, briefly, stills, then darkens...
December 20, 2025
Eight nights. Flicker: By definition, “natural agents that stimulate sight and make things visible.” $2 twinkle strands around an old washstand. Bright, reddened gold.
December 20, 2025
The scent of pine enveloped her as the tinsel on the tree shimmered in the first light of dawn peeking through the front windows.
December 20, 2025
We try to be grown-ups, but troubles in herds invade our home, which is usually secular, and raise our anxiety to levels molecular. Such was our sad state when a package from Adda showed up on our doormat…
December 19, 2025
Dreidels scattered on the table,
gelt as prizes for wins,
latkes warming in the oven,
but, alas, no dessert.
December 18, 2025
"I need a reason to see you and Dad?"
Another knowing smile. Her head tilted and the right eyebrow went up like always. "Right. When I have to practically send your father in the sleigh after you to drag you up here once a year."
December 18, 2025
The solstice sliced us suddenly,
a raging and lonely cold,
a year not going gentle.
December 18, 2025
This late in December — Not just a bud, A fully blooming rose, Small. But still a full rose…
December 17, 2025
Swanson probably didn’t know she was updating an ancient rite. She simply opened her livestream one day in mid-December and talked about how the holidays were making her blue...
December 16, 2025
Once, I was a soldier, brave and bold,
a guardian of sugar-spun realms,
where candy canes grew like trees
and laughter rang like crystal bells.
December 16, 2025
Respecting my friends’ wishes to remain anonymous, I don’t include their names here, as surely some of you would reach out to them. Who wouldn’t want to befriend someone living in a great place to visit?