This Year, I Was Home for Christmas

Vintage radio

In case you were wondering, my solo Christmas was actually fine. I had Xmas eve dinner with friends. Then I came home and settled in. I had a sweet roll for breakfast, then heated up my chicken dinner around 2. In between, I watched ‘Call the Midwife’ most of the day. I did take a […]

Video circa 1972: Three 70 year old women talk about their childhood Christmas traditions

This is delightful. Recollections on Edwardian era holiday traditions by a trio of older women in 1973. The oldest recalls Christmases from 1902 and 1903. The host is a bit precious and dismissive of modern traditions, but the stories are good. I will say over and over again – we have a lot to learn […]

She’s gonna be alone alone for the holidays

Chirstmas tree

This year, I will celebrate Christmas day alone. Like many other people do. So I’ve been determined to pick quality merry time in with my friends and on my own. I saw the PSO Holiday Pops, visited the Christmas Village and Belsnickel at Old Economy Village, spent time just doing typical lunches and what not. […]

A Silent Christmas Might Be Lonely At First

holiday serving tray

Christmas is coming. Over the weekend, I realized that I am in for a lonely Christmas Day. I’ve had plenty of festive activities with friends, some that I hope will extend through the ‘winter break’ period up to New Years. Still to come is the Holiday Pops Christmas concert, a trip to I Made It! […]

Here’s My Holiday Things to Do in Pittsburgh 2024 Edition

Pittsburgh's Charlie Brown Tree

The Winter Holidays are here along with an array of festive events. Tell us what else we should add! Lights Nov 30- Dec 25, 6:30pm – 9:00pm Free Holiday Light Drive Thru, Alameda Park, Butler County December 1 – January 2 Holiday Lights Drive Thru, North Strabane Park December 7 -January 7 Moon Holiday Lights […]

Donate Your Nativity and Holiday Decorations to Make a Statement

Holiday nativity scene

In 2022, I decided to create a Nativity Scene also known as a créche in front of my home. The objective was to raise awareness of Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities projects. People stopped. Back up a bit to 2019. My friend Sarah gifted me with a large plastic Jesus, Mary, and Joseph outdoor set. She had […]

Ten Holiday Traditions on My List for 2024

I expect the winter holidays will be a little challenging. Not as raw as last year, perhaps more insistent on looking forward. So I made a list of traditions, new and old, and already invited friends to join me. I have no one with whom I’ll exchange gifts. Of course I’ll gift to my nephews, […]

40 Days This Blog Illumined the Advent of the Holiday Season

Memories of Christmas and other holiday events are part of life’s sustenance, good and bad. They remind of what we’ve experienced and also teach us about who we are. Or perhaps who we aspire to be? Since 2005, I’ve written many blog posts about this holiday. Many describe events long before I was born but […]

The Legacy of Fire Truck Santa: West Mifflin

The third weekend in December meant more Advent candles, school winding down, and Fire truck Santa. Those of us who grew up with volunteer fire companies often enjoyed a tradition of someone’s Dad/Uncle/Cousin playing Santa. This while they circled every street, distributing lovely treats. The full sized Clark bar was my favorite. For me this […]

#SantaClawsPgh Update – a Cat Strrreeettchhh Goal

The great news is that 24 donors have invested enough to give each of our cat caretakers TWO gift cards ($25 value each.) Excellent way to redirect gift cards you don’t love to your neighbors! The better news is that we are within striking distance of THREE gift cards each – we need $575 total. […]