Author Archives: joyocala

I love Christmas trees. I love the lights and decorations. I love the trees themselves. I suspect that most people feel the same way that I do. Since they are not mentioned in the Bible, are they really Christian? In … Continue reading →

Don’t you just love those multiple-meaning English words? Is it any wonder, in this wondering season, that those learning our language have such a difficult time? The blessing, I suppose, is that most of those can get by in everyday … Continue reading →

Campfires and singing just always went together. As a camper, one of my favorites was “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” Maybe you remember it too. We went on with gusto to the second verse, … Continue reading →

The Latin version of this word literally means, “the coming.” There have probably been many advent occasions in your own life. Do you have children? Pregnancy is the advent of the coming event of birth. Did you work in a … Continue reading →

Does Christmas have a sound? Jingle bells, Christmas Carols, the electric mixer whirring cookie batter . . . Does Christmas have a taste? Rich hot chocolate, sweet, crunchy cookies, peppermint candy canes . . . Does Christmas have a smell? … Continue reading →

Here’s another Advent tradition practiced by the Von Trapp Family: Choosing Saints. The family gathered together to light the Advent candle and sing the first Advent hymn. Then they each chose a saint’s name to “invoke” each day and to … Continue reading →

Today is St. Lucy’s (or Lucia’s) Day. It passes without much notice unless you’re of Swedish heritage in which case it’s a big deal. A girl chosen to portray Lucia dresses in a white gown with red sash and wears … Continue reading →

I love morel mushrooms; their robust flavor is the best of any mushroom. Regretfully, it has been many years since I’ve had one, since they are not available fresh in Florida nor in North Carolina, where we lived for 42 … Continue reading →

I don’t wait well.  I suppose I do okay if I know how long the wait is, or if I have something to occupy the time.  If I am alone, there’s the phone, with ready access to an endless scroll … Continue reading →

I remember the storm. The power was out. The rain was beating against the windows. Gusts of wind howled fiercely. As darkness fell, we huddled together under blankets for warmth. One little candle flickered bravely on the table. It was … Continue reading →