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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist
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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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Browsing Category

Holidays

Christmas 2025 Debrief: What Worked and What I Want to Change for Next Year

Is it too late to post about Christmas? This is clearly a rhetorical question, since this is my blog and I get to choose what I post and I AM going to post about…

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  • Christmas, Holidays
  • Jan, 21, 2026
  • 25 Comments

Ginger Sparklers: A Beloved Christmas Recipe

A reader asked if I would post my recipe for Ginger Sparklers and since they are my all-time favourite cookie, I had to oblige!!!

I was going to tack this onto another post, but decided…

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  • Christmas, Food
  • Jan, 03, 2026
  • 27 Comments

Ideas for a Frugal-Friendly Christmas (It Can Still Feel Abundant!)

While things are decidedly more comfortable for us financially these days, we’ve had many Christmases—both in childhood and as a married couple—when money was tight.

And yet we’ve always tried to make Christmas feel abundant….

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  • Christmas, Holidays, Money, Thrifting
  • Dec, 31, 2025
  • 34 Comments

Christmas Recap 2025: Gift Edition

I know gift guides can be polarizing. Feel free to skip this post entirely if they’re not your thing. I happen to love looking at gift ideas—even if I never buy a single item…

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  • Christmas, Holidays
  • Dec, 30, 2025
  • 26 Comments

We Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas (2025 Recap)

Another Christmas season is behind us. The lead up seems long and wonderful (and mildly stressful!) and then it feels like I blink and it’s all behind us. I think that’s why I struggle…

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  • Christmas, Family, Holidays, Home
  • Dec, 29, 2025
  • 28 Comments

Christmas Treasure Hunt: 2025

I’m soaking up the laid-back, cheery vibes of a wonderful, relaxed Christmas. I had no intention of posting anything today. But something magical happens when your kids get older. THEY START TO ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES.

Aside…

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  • Christmas, Parenting, Travel
  • Dec, 25, 2025
  • 23 Comments

For the Lowest of Lows…

Happy Christmas, friends.

First, my sincere thanks to everyone who shows up in this space—those who encourage me (and each other) through everyday life, help crowdsource wisdom and advice, and play a role in fostering…

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  • Christmas, Faith, Life
  • Dec, 24, 2025
  • 23 Comments
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