December brings hope as welcome and bright as snow during the Christmas season. The air turns crisp and cold, promising a fresh start with each forecast of snow. New roads wait to be taken, paths to be explored.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also think about holidays past. We tend to love and grieve strongly with a fierceness not present at other holidays or times of the year. It reminds us to hold close to family and pray for His light to shine in the trials around us and those we love. We may dwell on the happy times, but for some, it is the sad ones that are most present during this season. Not pretending but acknowledging each moment as best they can. No right or wrong, timing, or process will take grief away. May we give and receive grace, whatever this season brings.
1“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (King James Version, Luke 2:10-11).
This section brings nothing new, but a look at the obvious and not
December brings a familiar to-do list of baking, shopping, and planning. As writers, we may think about this past year and realign for the upcoming year. Not if the seeds took root, but did we plant seeds well? It isn’t by our efforts that seeds will grow into fruit, but what our Lord does with them.
Practical side of December - lead up to Christmas and the celebration. It may mean gathering with friends and family, work or church functions, and attending school plays. December’s quick internet to-do list:
Formal Public Light Displays - great family outing, but don’t underestimate riding around the neighborhoods for your own private showing!
Ice Skating - if you like it, have one nearby, and can afford it, then great!
Movies/Museums/Live Shows - great any time of year, depending on the location, crowd, theme, etc.
Hosting an Ugly Sweater Party - know about wearing ugly sweaters, should’ve known it would be a reason to host a party
Game Night - no need to wait for a specific month for this one
December was a month of learning more about Substack. After looking at some other Substacks (AJ Augur, Linda Stoll, and Michele Morin - thank you!), a few changes were made. Two new sections were added (details below). Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think in the comments!
I am pretty sure I hit that “like” and “follow” button off and on a few times in error as I discovered different buttons, ways to interact, and Substacks to follow or subscribe to. What note was that, and who did I “follow” or “unfollow”? Oh well, tomorrow is a new day, moving on.
Notes and restacks are interesting since they may be seen, resonate, or drop into the oblivion black hole. Some Substacks show a Note tab while others do not based on preference. The sheer number of Writers, Newsletters, and Notes means there is no way every single one can be touched.
Blog/Substack Roll:
Links added to the Home page sidebar for a few favorite Substacks & Blogs.
New Sections:
R Meadow Blog - The weekly posts and highlights (writers are readers first) you’ve been seeing on the newsletter from the blog have moved to this section as a full post.Posts will go out to subscribers after this December newsletter, generally twice a week. If you do not want the twice weekly posts, just adjust your account settings. *Yay - shorter email and read for the monthly newsletter!*
The blog has its own set of subscribers, readers, and content. As a reader, we follow the writer, not necessarily the platform - it’s how I got to Substack (thanks Michele Morin). Some may follow me over to Substack since the monthly R Meadow Garden Substack newsletter is likewise posted to the blog. This allows access to subscribers and followers regardless of platform preference. Of course, subscribers are welcome to join me on both!
R Meadow Recipes - “Easy Peanut Butter Cookies” kicked this section off with National Cookie Day on December 4th.New recipes will be added over time. Check it out and adjust your account settings to subscribe to this section.
Thanks for stopping by ~ Rosie
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3).
Additional Sections - May be added and will be listed here.
A special Thank you to subscribers and followers! I know how much time it takes to read the Newsletters and Notes in this space, and that you chose this one means a lot! Comments, likes, and restacks are much appreciated - if something resonated with you! ~ Rosie
Thanks for reading R Meadow Garden! Did a friend forward this to you? If you enjoyed this post, subscribe for free to receive new posts. Come on in, door’s open ~ Rosie
How fun to join you here, friend! Let's see what God will do in 2026!