Steven Helmer Publications

As far as snow goes in general, I can take it or leave it. But, when I walked outside yesterday, Christmas Eve, and looked around at all the grass, I must admit, it felt as though something was missing. So, I was kind of glad to look out my window this morning and see some of the white stuff falling down. So, as I watch the snow fall, I will take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas. May it be full of miracles for you.

Because, apparently, "I went another year without strangling your grandkids" isn't enough of a present.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's Eve. I spent half of mine at an ice rink (of course) volunteering at the annual New Year's Eve open skate. Then, my wife and I stayed up and watched Law & Order: SVU re-runs until midnight. So, pretty much what we do every year. The new year is starting out pretty harsh today with wind chills as low as -22 degrees. So, we'll probably just spend the day inside and get ready to get back to work/school tomorrow.

May your holiday season Be blessed with magically white snow. May you arrive safely If you have some place to go. I hope you get to spend some time In front of a warm fire. Or, if you prefer to spend your time outdoors I hope you can spend as much time out there as you desire. Image courtesy of Pixabay May you experience a romantic kiss Under the mistletoe. May your heart be filled with gladness And Christmas' magical glow. I hope you wake up on Christmas morning With presents under the tree, even if it's just a few. But, I also hope you remember The REAL gifts are the family and friends celebrating with you. Image courtesy of Pixabay May you share stories and laughter And save the arguments for another day. May you take pleasure in each other's company And enjoy watching the children play. I hope you remember your time on this Earth is short And put your bygones in the past. I hope you remember to celebrate this ...

I woke up this morning With Hark the Herald Angels Sing in my head. And, for the first time in a while, I didn't mind getting out of bed. In the air, I can just feel it. A spirit of festiveness. As everyone around me prepares to celebrate And remember all the things with which they have been blessed . Image courtesy of Pixabay Our past transgressions are temporarily forgiven. The idea of putting others first comes to the front. Sure, we may still have all our problems a week from now. But, for a short while at least,  Peace on Earth is what everyone wants. Yes, Christmas is upon us. Our trees and homes, with decorations we are adorning. I'm a bit sad it only comes once per year. Because it sure made me glad I woke up this morning.

I saw this while at the grocery store this evening. Rushing Christmas was bad enough. This is just ridiculous.

There’s just one more week Until Christmas break. There’s still so much to do And so much at stake. There are still presents to buy And Christmas cards to write. I still need to go to the store Which means I have crowds to fight. Image courtesy of Pixabay There’s just one more week Before Christmas break. There’s a meal I need to plan out And cookies that need to be baked. Not to mention The house is still a mess. How embarrassed I will be If I end up with unexpected guests. Image courtesy of Pixabay There’s just one more week Until Christmas break. And I really am looking forward To all the festivities in which I will partake. I just hope I can last that long Keeping up with everything from wrapping presents to washing the dishes in the sink. In fact, just thinking about that last week before Christmas break Has me craving a stiff drink. ____________________________________________________ Did you like this poem? Here are...

The holiday wreath we ordered from the ice rink arrived earlier this week and, fearing it would turn brown if I tried to keep it inside for a week or two (not to mention, having to deal with all those needles), I decided to just hang it on our door. It needs to be fluffed a bit but I think it looks pretty nice. Maybe I can convince the rest of the family to just keep that as the only decoration on the house.