Women and Money~ The Financial Struggles are Real! I have always told my girls to create a lifestyle that they can afford…on their own! I’m not saying you can’t be hopeful you will have a life partner who will be responsible and will remain in your life. I’m saying that…
COVID CHRISTMAS~ Celebrate Christmas, Covid-Style
Covid Christmas~ Alone, not Lonely

I’m digging deep right now, with a little bit of reality about our Covid Christmas, then I’ll focus on the future, and give you some tips for how to have a happy Covid Christmas, even if you have made the decision to celebrate your Covid Christmas alone or with only your household members. Christmas is just over two weeks away and we have to make adjustments to our usual Christmas traditions.
DIG DEEP~
I read this in a Today’s Parent article. Ahmed Al-Jaishi, an epidemiologist in London, Ontario, says “In theory, if everyone isolated for the 10-14 day period before gathering, this would be a safe strategy. However, I find it unlikely that everyone will follow a strict isolation period. If one person breaks quarantine during the two week period, everyone involved is at risk.”
On Twitter, Jennifer Kwan, @jkwan_md, family physician in Burlington explains that someone could be exposed to covid-19 in early December, develop very mild symptoms 4-5 days later, and still be infectious 10-20 days after that-meaning they could still infect someone over Christmas, even if they’ve just isolated at home for two weeks.” Keep in mind, “the incubation perios for covid-19 is up to 14 days.”
So whether you decide to socialize in small family or friend “bubbles” or to stick to your own household only, there are ways to keep yourself busy, happy and not suffer from loneliness.
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE~
Suggestions for a Jolly Covid Christmas

If you have young children, this is such a cool thing! Hopefully you can still register as we inch closer to our Covid Christmas. Sign up to enjoy a virtual visit with Santa at Santa’s Club. Santasclub.com is all inclusive, so you can book with a Santa of color if you wish. There is a fee of either $35, $50, or $70, but how cool would that be for your kids to have an online visit with Santa?


Make a 2020 ornament. While it’s not likely you’ll forget 2020, you might as well celebrate with a commemorative handmade ornament.
Friends ornament, Etsy
Have a virtual cocktail, virgin cocktail or hot chocolate party. Dress up like you would if you were meeting in person, and have a great evening, or even just an hour with loved ones.
A virtual dinner may be a wee bit too much to tackle, so what about a Zoom, or Facetime toast, together? Cheers, to persevering, distancing and doing the right thing, so that next year will be better!
If you’ve ever wanted to cook something different for Christmas dinner, but your family wouldn’t hear of it, now is your chance to try something new.
Have some Fun!
Play games. Even if it’s just the two of you. Old fashioned games like Monopoly or Twister are super fun. My family’s new favourite game has become a tradition. It’s called “Bowl of Fun” and OMG is it fun! Even people who aren’t into games, can’t help but laugh so hard their sides hurt. You can do it in age appropriate family friendly ways or as racy as you want.
ARE YOU OVERWHELMED?
OVERWHELMED -completely overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwhelmed. As I started today's blog, I was 7 hours late posting it. I have writing homework due tonight at midnight, and I have to re-do a previous assignment for grading, and, I was concerned about an urgent bathroom leak- made…
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO…
Never stop learning; it's never "too late" For the last 2 years, I have been taking writing courses at U.W.O. I love it! I have been truly challenged and am learning so much. I feel so alive! For many years, I have said to people, "I need to write a…
CLUTTER AND CHAOS
If this isn't the perfect week to write about clutter and chaos, I don't know what is. Originally, I was going to post about communicating with kids, then after some discussion with some very important people, I decided to postpone that subject in order to delve a little deeper…
RED FLAG RELATIONSHIPS~ Are you in one?
Unfortunately, I have more experience in red flag relationships than I care to admit to. At my age, I've acquired a lot of experience from relationships. Some were (or are) great experiences; others became extremely negative. Consider it your obligation to learn what a healthy relationship is, and how to…
DECISION MAKING~ Are you a Straight-Shooter or a Fence-Sitter?
Do you have trouble making decisions? When you have a decision to make, whether it’s big or small, do you dread having to do it? Maybe you’re one of those self-assured decision makers who doesn’t understand why some people can’t “just make a decision!” If you’re a straight-shooter and…
Are You Eating Healthy?~ Misconceptions about “healthy food”
Whole Wheat Breads What's wrong with wheat? Oh, what a loaded question! We think we are eating healthy food, but are we really? Well, for starters, Canadian wheat may (usually does) contain a chemical called glyphosate. https://environmentaldefence.ca/2018/09/09/glyphosate-food-children/. Check it out for yourself. Seriously, this is too much to cover in…
OCTOBER BLUES~
Why you feel blue, & What to do about it Today I feel a bit like a hypocrite, offering advice on how not to be battered and buried by the October blues. I am that person who whines and complains about summer ending. I am a summer girl! For years…
GRATITUDE~ Even During Covid!
Are We Ungrateful? We hear so much about gratitude lately. We should express our gratitude, keep a gratitude journal, write a letter of gratitude to someone...it's easy to express gratitude when you're feeling grateful. But what if you're just not feelin' it? I mean, how are you supposed to feel…