The Entire Christmas Season

Many years ago, we started celebrating our family Christmas on January 7.

But that doesn't meant we don't celebrate Christmas on December 25.

When I was first married in 1981, my in-laws gathered on December 24 and my side of the family gathered on December 25.

As my family grew, I wanted Christmas traditions that were ours - and wouldn't interfere with THEIR in-laws traditions when the time came.

We also had a few friends who celebrated Christmas on January 7. And that's how we birthed the idea.

However, that doesn't mean we celebrate two (or more) Christmases. We celebrate one Christmas, with multiple celebrations.

We're Eastern Orthodox Christians, which means our Advent begins November 15. So that gives us an extra two weeks to thoroughly prepare ourselves to celebrate Jesus' birth (and we still never feel ready).

We honor Christmas Eve is December 24, like most everyone else does.

Christmas Day is December 25, which begins the Christmas season.

We honor all twelve days of Christmas and celebrate the Magi on January 6.

We conclude the festivities with our family Christmas on January 7.

However, the Christmas season continues until Candlemas or the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple on February 2, which is when we typically start putting away Christmas decorations.

A short time later, we celebrate creativity, generosity, and laugher with Calkins Day on February 12, and then we celebrate love with Valentine's Day on February 14.

By now, we might have started (or are close to starting) the pre-Lenten period - and then we move into Lent.

After Lent comes Easter.

And look at that, winter is gone and spring has arrived!

The liturgical year, of course, continues, with two more minor fasting/abstinence periods, days of rejoicing, and days of solemnity.

The best part about living life with the liturgical year is that living that life is not dependent on "things" going well for us.

Whether we're struggling or smooth sailing, stumbling or running the race to its fullest, we're still enveloped in that mystery that is God manifested in our lives.

It's an incredibly satisfying way to live.

Happy Monday!

Scrooge The Morning After The Ghosts famous scene from the classic movie A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol - Scrooge - Versions through the years.

Hey Santa - Carnie and Wendy Wilson | Piano Cover by Julian Zeger

What Child Is This?

Do You Hear What I Hear (Remastered)

Sues Diner: Easy Santa Cookies

This week's recipe is perfect for last minute Christmas gifts, treats for holiday gatherings, or an all-age activity, since they are simple enough to prepare that even the youngest child can help.

This recipe isn't featured any BryonySeries cookbook. But we have made this recipe almost every year since my own children were young. In fact. my young grandchildren made the cookies in this photo.

Just so you know, the cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

The cookbook makes a great gift for people of all ages who like to cook, love history, or are simply curious as to the foods people once liked to eat.

Two other fun cookbooks with recipes easy enough for children to make (with the help of an adult), have mouse and cheese-themed recipes and werewolf-themed recipes. 

You can try the recipe Easy Santa Cookies on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Entire LP) Walter Schuman 1965

Free Gifts You Can Give This Holiday Season

For many of us, 2025 has been a tough financial year - and for those of us who like to Christmas shop, we've either trimmed that list in terms of people and/or things.

But the best gifts very often cost nothing than our time - and sometimes even very little of our time.

Here's an opportunity for you for you to give thirty-one unique gifts this month.

Simply visit the BryonySeries calendar, pick a date (any date or the current date), read the giving prompt, and follow the instructions.

Yes, each activity does link back to a BryonySeries book. But that's only for context. You don't need to click the link at all (unless you're curious).

Even one of these activities is a priceless gift you can give to the right person on your Chirstmas gift-giving list.

And these gifts are the types of gifts that really underscore the adage, "It's more blessed to give than to receive."

If you've had recent challenges - or are experiencing challenges (I certainly have) - the reflections are a wonderful way to remind you of the blessings you've experienced - now and in thet past - and give hope of the blessings that await you in the future.

Now, if you do have a few dollars to spend, and if you'd like to give a gift of lasting value, here's a way to give children the gift of reading this year.

Happy Tuesday!

An "Old World" Christmas Gift

A few Christmases ago, my oldest son Christopher surprised me with this ornament of an "Old World" themed Father Christmas/St. Nicholas-ish/Santa Claus ornament.

I say "Old World" because of its theme, design, colors, mood - and because it reminds me of my "Old World," when I was a young mother teaching my year-old son about the spirit of giving, especially during Advent and the Christmas season.

I'd been reading "The Year and Our Children" by Mary Reed Newland, which became the foundation for teaching my children through many experiences how to develop a relationship with God and live the liturgical year.

For Christopher's second Christmas (1983), we moved hanging up stockings from December 24 to December 5, and that tradition has continued to that day.

Sometimes people as parents, "Do you ever wish your children were young again?" For me, the answser is always, "No."

For the sweet reward of the fruit of my parenting labors in the "Old World" is witnessing the adults they've become and the values they embody in this "New World," a world that is is always new every morning  even as we are still growing and becoming.

When I hang this ornament on my little tree in my bedroom, my mind goes back in years to the toddler in sleeper pajamas, to the time our family's faith traditions began, and then wanders through the decades as God sent more children, until I step back and admire this cherished ornament in present time.

Years ago during my homeschooling years, my addition flashcards somehow disappeared. And Christopher, not quite nine years old at the time, gifted me with a new set for Christmas, scarcely containing his excitement as I opened him; he was that thrilled at giving me something he was certain I wanted more than anything in the world.

Decades later, Christopher still selects his gifts that way, as do all my children. And it's always a joy to receive them, especially since, many times, the true meaning and value is known to only the giver and the receiver.

Yes, that's a lot to pack into one ornament. But that's good.

As we plan our Christmas giving this holiday season, let's do more than put ourselves into debt.

Let's choose our gifts with thoughtfulness and care, remembering that the actual gift goes beyond the actual item and the actual cost in dollars and cents.

Happy Monday!

Silent Night (Piano arrangement)

It Took 55ish Years for "Little Dog Lost" to Finally Come Home

When I was a little girl, my parents signed me up for the now defunct Weekly Reader Children's Book Club, where (for years) I received one free book each month in the mail.

I read many, many good books through that program, books my children enjoyed after me.

On book was called "Little Dog Lost" by Rene Guillot.  My copy looked like this used copy for sale on Amazon.

I was probably about eight years old when I received that book in the mail. I fell in love with the story and the beautiful pen and ink illustrations of a little Pembroke Welsh corgi who lives a dual life (part fox and part dog split between two owners, with none of his families knowing about his double - and then triple - life when Tiny meets another family and spends part of his time with them, too).

I used to dream that a little Pembroke Welsh corgi would be waiting crouched for me outside the door when I came home from school, just like Tiny did for Frances (the little girl who received him for a gift on Christmas Day) one day when he returned to her.

But it never happened, no matter how hard I wished for it.

Furthermore, my copy of "Little Dog Lost" also disappeared at some point, most likely one of those items that vanished during our multiple moves when Ron got dementia and we lost our home.

No matter how many hints  - and links sent - to my family, I never did get a copy of "Little Dog Lost."

And then last Monday night, Daniel walked into the house and said, "Merry Christmas!"

If you think that blue bow was wrapped on a copy of the book, you are very, very, very wrong (scroll for the right answer).

Daniel said, "Meet Tiny."

Yes, I now own a little Pembroke Welsh corgi named Tiny.

The kids looked far and wide to find a Pembroke Welsh corgi puppy that resembled the one in "Little Dog Lost."

And he came to me with a blue bow - and plenty of items that all eight week puppies need to have.

Isn't he sweet?????

P.S. We still haven't brought the Christmas tree out of the garage. We haven't put up one decoration, celebrated St. Nicholas, or bought one present.

But somehow, we are celebrating Christmas just the same.

And the best gift is taking pride that I helped to raise some really amazing human beings.

Happy Thursday!

O come, O come, Emmanuel - (Piano/Cello) - The Piano Guys

Sues Diner: Easy Santa Cookies

 This week's recipe is perfect for last minute Christmas gifts, treat for holiday gatherings, or an all-age activity, since they are simple enough to prepare that even the youngest child can help.

This recipe isn't featured any BryonySeries cookbook. But we have made this recipe almost every year since my own children were young. In fact. my young grandchildren made the cookies in this photo.

Just so you know, the cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

The cookbook makes a great gift for people of all ages who like to cook, love history, or are simply curious as to the foods people once liked to eat.

Two other fun cookbooks with recipes easy enough for children to make (with the help of an adult), have mouse and cheese-themed recipes and werewolf-themed recipes. 

You can try the recipe Easy Santa Cookies on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Special BryonySeries Gifts With Select Purchases TODAY at The Book Market

If you're out and about the Crest Hill area today (Dec. 17), be sure to pop into The Book Market between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

You can check out our BryonySeries Christmas display of eleven curated BryonySeries books, Cindy's backpack bear Ribbit-Ribbits, free purple music roses with select purchases, three Christmas mice that still need adopting, and beautiful mystery gift boxes from Cindy (all free with select purchases while supplies last). 

Even the boxes themselves are gorgeous and sturdy enough for keeping other treasures inside them.

And who can turn their backs on these sweet little crocheted homeless mice?

Rebekah and I will be hanging out with the rest of the books in the series, too. We'll be able to answer your questions about the series and maybe read an excerpt (or two) of your choice.

The Book Market owner Janet Staley is super-friendly, too, and always ready and willing to help you find the perfect book in this family-owned bookstore of new, used, and rare books.

Maybe we will see you there.

Happy Tuesday!

What Child Is This (Piano & Electric Cello) The Piano Guys

BryonySeries at the North Pole Christmas Market

So my "wish list" event for many years was participating in the North Pole Christmas Market at Joliet's annual "Light Up the Holidays" event, which is held every year in several downtown locations the day after Thanksgiving.

The Joliet City Center Partnership hosts a wonderful event with live entertainment, ice skating, horse-drawn carriages, visits with Santa, ice sculpture demos, children's Ferris wheel, slide, tree lighting (canceled this year due to construction downtown), and a large parade towards evening.

Usually by the time I had my family holiday schedule (who was doing what, when, and where), I'd run out of time to apply.

This year I was smart (it happens sometimes), and I applied early. And I was accepted!

So needless to say...

Bertrand and Uncle Barty are super excited to attend, especially since I was asked to also be part of the entertainment and read some Christmas stories to the children (with a special giveaway, details on Monday).

And we also have some special "extras" planned at my booth.

The main one is a BryonySeries miniature backpack, which is doubling as a swag bag for the event. I'll be giving twenty of these bags away from my booth during the event. I'll share the details of that bag on Tuesday.

But we also have two more giveaways.

For any book purchase in the $15 dollar-ish range, you may take home one of these purple music roses (while supplies last), created by Joliet Public Library Youth Services Clerk Jan Stack.

And we also have crocheted mice for adoption for adoption for those who purchase three Bertrand books for $15, which is discounted from $7 for each book, one mouse per three books (while mice are available).

Bertrand knows each and every one of them, and he can assure you they will make lovely companions, all of which will be very thankful to have a new home for the holidays.

Happy Thursday!

Relaxing Christmas Music | 3 Hours | Calm, Relax | Instrumental Music

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 23 to Dec. 29

Good morning!

Today I am sharing ten news and feature stories. But more will be posted over weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I worked last weekend and through Christmas Day. So I've been off work, wrapping up some end-of-year projects, writing some recap blogs still hanging in draft mode, and getting ready for our family Christmas on January 7.

I'm also finishing the editing on "The Fifth," the second novel by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. Other than that, I have no further BryonySeries updates to report. For a list of projects in progress, check out last week's story roundup.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Silver Cross NICU baby finally home for the holidays: Krystal Acred, mother: ‘We got him right before Thanksgiving’

Lockport’s Springview Sweets owner giving back while in Greatest Baker contest: If she wins, owner Megan DiCaro plans to donate part ofprize to brain cancer research

Joliet dance team fundraising for nationals competition: Maddy Smietanski, USF head dance team coach: ‘Anything that we can get helps for sure’

Grundy County residents experiencing greater food insecurity: Inflation, reduced SNAP benefits are contributing factors

Cancer patients focus on family, hope at Christmas

Joliet West’s Jeremy Fears Jr. reported shot early Saturday: Michigan State University freshman ‘resting comfortably’after surgery

Joliet’s Hufford student orchestra takes holiday music intothe community: This was the 14th year for the holiday tour

RE/MAX throws pizza party for Joliet Boys and Girls Club: Ryan Behrens of RE/MAX also donated $10,000 to the club in2023

$1 million lottery ticket sold in Lockport

The Local Scene: Tour Joliet’s houses decorated for theholidays: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Merry and Bright Indeed

On December 14, I received a lovely surprise gift from Angie Aegerter, owner of the Fit Foundation in Crest Hill.

In 2023, Angie purchased 30 copies of  the WriteOn Joliet 2022 anthology and gifted them to The Timbers of Shorewood book club.

I invited Angie to WriteOn's annual holiday gathering at Cemeno's so she could meet some of the writers. She was unable to attend - but popped in to give me a gift bag with this lovely card you see below.

Yes, let that sink in. She bought books from us and then brought me a bag full of gifts. The card itself is so pretty, I've left it propped against my computer monitor these last two weeks, just so I can keep looking at it.

And here's what was in that bag.

But first, the fun bag, just so you can get an idea of her generosity.

The first item was this towel with a pickup truck. I regifted it to Timothy, who has Christmas decor in his house with red pickup truck themes. That's not because I didn't like or wouldn't enjoy it, but because I knew he appreciated it more.

Also, Timothy lives next door. So it's not like I wouldn't see or use the towel.

Next, I received this bag of chocolate. How did she know I love these?

Angie also gave me this Christmas candle with three amazing scents. I am a very sensual person in that I love items that please the different senses. 

Writers sometimes refer to "smell" as the forgotten scent. But good smells can do much to lift spirit and evoke and happy memories. I love the right scented candles and the right incense.

At any rate, I am enjoying this candle.

Here is the same candle from behind, so you can see how pretty it is.

But the very best part of this gift is...

...is the new friend I've made through our love for serving the community through using our respective talents. 

Happy Thursday!