Merry Christmas, Y’all, Bless Your Hearts and Your Eggnog

Dear Friends and Readers,

As we inch closer to Christmas, that magical time when the world slows down just enough for us to hear the crackle of a fire and maybe even the jingling of bells, I find myself reflecting on the year we've shared. It's been a wild ride, hasn’t it? Full of twists, turns, and the occasional pothole that reminded us to laugh instead of cry. Or, in my case, laugh while crying—a skill perfected over many years and at least one regrettable encounter with a hot glue gun during Christmas crafts.

But today, I’m setting aside my usual tales of misadventures to tell you something straight from the heart: thank you. Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for sticking around. Some of you have been with me since the beginning, back when my hair was less gray, and Medium was still a thing. Speaking of which, let’s address the elephant in the room—or, rather, the one I left behind.

Yes, I shut down my Medium page this year. It was a bit like breaking up with an old flame who had good intentions but didn’t quite get me. Medium was fine for a while, but I realized that what I wanted—what I needed—was something more personal, more direct. So now, it’s just us here on Substack, X, and my trusty little website. The move felt a bit like cleaning out the garage: bittersweet but ultimately freeing. And judging by your continued support, it seems like we’re all in agreement. You don’t need another platform; you just need a place where we can meet, laugh, and occasionally cry about life’s absurdities.

Now, back to Christmas. There’s a reason this season feels so special. It’s not just the lights, or the music, or the fact that fruitcake somehow becomes socially acceptable. It’s the spirit of togetherness, the way we look at one another with a little more kindness and a little more patience. It’s the time of year when we all seem to say, “Hey, let’s put our differences aside for a bit and just be.”

This year, I hope you’ll embrace that spirit. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or just your trusty dog who’s somehow figured out how to unwrap gifts faster than you can, take a moment to soak it all in. Life moves fast. Too fast, sometimes. But this season, we’re reminded to slow down, count our blessings, and cherish the little things—like a cup of cocoa shared with someone you love or the satisfying crunch of snow underfoot, should you have the joy of a literal White Christmas.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that the people we surround ourselves with make all the difference. And that includes you. Every comment, every message, every email you send reminds me why I do this. You’re not just readers; you’re part of my extended family. A somewhat rowdy, always opinionated, occasionally hilarious family—but family nonetheless. I’m grateful for you every day, even if I don’t always say it as plainly as I should.

Looking ahead to 2025, I can’t help but feel excited. There’s so much promise in a new year, isn’t there? It’s like opening a fresh notebook: crisp pages, endless possibilities. Sure, there will be challenges. There always are. But with you by my side, I know we’ll navigate them together. I’m looking forward to sharing more stories, more laughs, and maybe even a few insights that make you think, “You know, he’s got a point there.” Or at least, “Bless his heart, he’s trying.”

So here’s my Christmas wish for you: May your days be filled with joy, your nights with peace, and your pantry with an endless supply of snacks. May your family gatherings be just the right amount of chaos, and may your ugly Christmas sweater win every contest it enters. But most importantly, may you find moments of pure happiness, the kind that make your heart feel a little fuller and your burdens a little lighter.

As for me, I’ll be here—writing, laughing, occasionally ranting about things like cauliflower and why men’s pants sizing makes no sense. And I’ll be doing it all with you in mind because this little corner of the internet wouldn’t be the same without you.

Merry Christmas, my friends. Here’s to a beautiful, successful 2025—for all of us.