The Twelfth Month

JT Twissel

I always begin the month of December with trepidation. Years ago, when I was still working and the kids were in school, December always brought an overwhelming round of activities which foolishly I struggled to excel at. As a result, I generally woke up Christmas morning sicker than a dog. Now it’s the ending of another year and the realization that far, far fewer lie ahead than behind. A real pity fest only cheered by the overindulgence of chocolate and the cheer of good friends.

One thing I can say about 2025 is, I’ve enjoyed starting each month with a new page from the Washi Calendar.

Which one was your favorite?

Oh I almost forgot.

The berries are probably some variety of Nanten or Nandina berries. Their deep red color is believed to keep misfortune, sickness, bad dreams, and EVIL away during the winter months.

May you all be protected from misfortune, bad dreams and evil through this holiday season!

My favorite book to get into mood for the Holidays! What’s yours?

36 thoughts on “The Twelfth Month”

  2. I know exactly what you mean Jan …it was a nightmare back when the children were small and we all worked!! 😁😁😁😁 I may have more Christmases behind me than before me but I still find them stressful

    Favourite Christmas Book…Barhumbug… Yup I do love A Christmas Carol .

    Reply

    1. It’s hard to switch gears and learn to relax during the holidays – there’s so many expectations. I love Dickens so just about anything he wrote works for Christmas for me!

      Reply

  3. That’s a lovely calendar. I always used to have one on the kitchen wall in the UK but it doesn’t seem to have a place here. Everything is in the peskie phone, and reminds me the day before so I can forget again! Hope December is kind this year xx

    Reply

    1. My other favorite Christmas story is O’Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. The writing is archaic but the story is so sweet.
      Christmas Carol with George C. Scott is my favorite version of the Dickens classic.

      Reply

  5. February kinda reminds me of an iris. Probably not, but I like it a lot. I like the month too. Good beach days in Florida that time of year. “Ralphie, you’ll shoot your eye out”. Not a book, but a movie. Favorite of all time.

    Reply

    2. I’ve actually been to Florida in February and the western beaches (near Fort Meyers) were beautiful. Yes, I remember seeing Ralphie for the first time – what a trip that was. Kids who actually acted like kids and dads who were embarrassing (not to mention turkey disasters that led to Chinese takeout!

      Reply

  7. I always told myself that I wanted a much more low-key December but then with kids’ activities, I couldn’t stick to that the way I wanted to. Now I can. How to decide on my favorite? I love tulips so April? Fall is my favorite season so November? I am attracted to the red berries of December also. All of them are beautiful in unique ways.

    Reply

    1. I had a dear friend who made fruitcake every Christmas – for everyone in the office! She was also from the South (like Capote). I hope you liked the review I left of your stories!

      Reply

      1. Hi Jan, I found the review, thank you very much. I am delighted your enjoyed the book. The Last of the Lavender is based on an elderly woman I knew so its a little personal for me. I took a homemade fruit cake to the office for one of my colleagues yesterday. I make her one every year. I also took an uniced cake that I’d sliced up and it was very popular. People who like fruit cake always want to have a piece of mine which is very flattering for me.

    1. Hi Resa – Thank you! It was nice to have something to look forward to at the beginning of each month! And to learn a bit more about Japan.July is a bold design – the white and gold against a fabulous shade of blue. It has an eternal feeling.

      Reply

      1. Yes, something to look forward to at the beginning of each month is a cool idea.

        I’m so inspired by this idea, that I’m going to pick up a couple of Art Calendars for Christmas presents. I’m going to the Art Gallery next week, and they have a fabulous gift shop.

  13. November is my favourite. I like the autumnal colours on it. But I’ve enjoyed each one, and thank you for explaining what the special dates (like 13th October) all meant.

    I never allow the festive season to stress me. I find it’s all about the planning that helps. However, I enjoy the build-up to Christmas much more than the big day itself.

    I don’t have a favourite Christmas book, but I love the movie ‘White Christmas’, and my favourite Christmas carol is ‘The Holly and the Ivy ‘, which I heard yesterday is now considered a ‘lost’ carol.

    Sending you compliments of the season, Jan.

    Reply

    1. I’ll have to check out The Holly and the Ivy! My parents weren’t really into Christmas and so I went overboard with my children. For the most part I enjoyed all the baking and shopping and decorating but it always wiped me out. There’s a season for everything so no regrets. T’is the season to try to stay healthy, make sure to touch base with old friends and reflect on the many blessings I’ve had! Stay well and continue to be the light that you are to so many of us in the blogging world, Hugh!

      Reply

      1. Absolutely. Ensure you enjoy the festivities with family and friends, so it’s very important to look after your health. Don’t miss out on those precious moments.

        Thank you for your kind words, Jan.

    1. Many of my friends from those ultra busy mom days don’t even put out decorations! I guess there’s a time and season for everything and now we are into the let’s just stay healthy phase!

      Reply

  15. Thank you Jan for the reminder. I am getting a bit overwhelmed by the general state of the world… I’ll have to switch gears thinking in my grandkids who still believe in “le père Noël”… 🙏🏻

    Reply

Leave a comment