The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted a “cold and snowy” winter for the Midwest, and so far, the predictions are spot on. This weekend the expected overnight temperatures are 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Brrr!
From the basement (or is cellar a better word for a room you can’t fully stand up in, that sports a dirt floor, and several trees are support beams holding up the house? No kidding.) I hear the busy chatter of a local crew installing a new furnace…I’m so grateful that it will be in place to keep this 161-year-old farmhouse toasty before the winds howl and the snow piles up around the doors. And while the new furnace and a cozy fire are perfect for these shivery December days, they’re not all that will take the chill out of a month that can be bitterly cold. Both homes and hearts can be warmed by the glow of the holiday season.
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Merry Christmas Sweet Mary…. Another beautiful post – you never disappoint. What a comforting (albeit budget-stretching) thought to be having a new furnace installed ahead of the for-sure-and-for-certain cold this winter will (and already has!) brought. After my nightmare last year with the non-working furnace issues, I’ll vow I will never take for granted again being able to wake up to – or come home to – heat. Great ideas for keeping Christmas in our hearts. As I just commented on Jacky’s (“Dicky Bird’s”) post, though, I won’t be doing much baking/cooking this year even though that has always been a large part of Christmas for me. The whole GF thing makes it difficult and the kids really don’t eat much of that stuff anyway (sometimes I question whether they’re proper relation to me LOL). Gifts, too, are simpler (why buy things they don’t want/need?) but I’ve probably decorated even more than I have in the last several years. No one other than me to enjoy them but enjoy them I do…a little light in the dark of winter (and a great way of procrastinating less enjoyable tasks). Again I find myself wishing we were closer neighbors.
Robin, you are always so kind in your comments…thank you for taking the time to come by. Yes, the furnace is up and running…ahhh, so warm. However; after that, French drain had a leak and new laws don’t allow gray and black water to be separate any longer – oh I’ve learned so much. (Is it awful to admit I didn’t even know this old house had a French drain, or what it was?!) Simple gifts are just fine…decorate for YOU and do the holidays YOUR way. Give yourself grace and spend these days doing what makes YOUR heart happy. And I couldn’t agree more…kindred spirits.
Thank you Mary for another wonderful post! The reminders to take life slow and simple are appreciated! Timing is perfect for the new burner installation! Merriment and blessings to you and your family this Christmas and throughout 2026!
Gae
Farmgirl 7534
From a snowy Northeast this morning
Awww, thank you Gae…I appreciate your thoughtful comments. For me, while there’s much to do, it just seems to be helpful to slow down where I can. I love this time of hibernation…it keeps me from all that horrid weeding in the heat of summer! Enjoy these days…have a wonderful Christmas and Happiest of New Years!
Thank you so much Mary for another wonderful post. I have been on bed rest for the past month after a surgery. So I am really behind. But, I need to go slow and enjoy every minute of the Christmas season. If I do not get everything finished well that’s okay. There’s always next year.
Merry Christmas and. happy New Year.
Debbie
Farmgirl #1582
Hi Debbie, thanks for stopping by…I hope you’re on the mend and feeling better! Don’t fret about being behind…somehow, all the important things get done, and if things get passed over, that’s okay, too. Take care of yourself! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy 2026!
Another wonderful heart-warming post – hope you have a lovely Christmas with your family and friends.
Donna – thanks so much! Sending wishes right back to you for a wonderful Christmas and New Year. And thanks for stopping by…I know how busy the days can be. I appreciate it!
Thank you for a dose of Christmas cheer! May you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!
Hi Julia, you’re certainly welcome…thanks for coming to visit. I hope your holidays are full of fun and a bit of magic. (We’re never too old for that!) Happy New Year, too!
I know Mary Jane magazine is ending subscription…and after being a customer for SO MANY years….I hate it but know we all need a life….retirement…REST ….so while Im sad…will you and any other girls with your own sites like this…still be writing ? Love anything country and “ole fashion” Thanks for all your posts and time spent putting them together
Oh Kris we have the best news – the magazine will continue!! If you go to this link you can see what’s in store:
https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/Magazine
And yes-we Farmgirl bloggers will be right here each month – we feel the same – we love this Farmgirl Sisterhood and chatting with all of you!
I enjoyed reading your comments!