This is a short post because, it sort of feels like ’tis season to fall-alalala-alll behind.

That said, at least it’s for good reasons.

In addition to bottling last year’s Limoncello and the 2023 vanilla extract that I’ve had stewing, sending out holiday greetings, getting together with friends and family, and planning out my appearances and workload for 2026, I was also able to take part in a local holiday event called Lights of Love.

This is an event put on by AMR (American Medical Response) and entails lining up about a dozen emergency vehicles and gathering community members to wear flashing light-up accessories and wave bright-colored light sticks outside Banner Children’s Hospital. Then, after a countdown, all of the emergency vehicles turn on their flashing lights, and we wave our lights in the air. The children currently staying in the hospital gather at the windows and wave back with their own light sticks.

It’s a way of connecting and including kids too ill to join in holiday festivities, a celebration of kindness and caring.

It made me both sad and happy. Sad for those kiddos, but happy that we could maybe help them feel a little less alone and give them some joy.

Happy holidays, friends.

Here’s to finding ways to put more joy in the world and help one another feel less alone, not only this holiday season but throughout the year.