To all who are celebrating, Merry Christmas!
Miscellaneous
Seven Podcasts I Enjoy
These are my seven most listened to podcasts, presented here in alphabetical order. Please share your favorites in the comments.
Shereen Marisol Meraji and Gene Demby co-host this podcast that "tackles the subject of race head-on. [They] explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between."
Co-hosted with her sister Elizabeth Craft, a lively podcast full of "practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits."
Elizabeth (Liz) Craft again, this time with her best friend and writing partner Sarah Fain. "A podcast about how to be happier, healthier, saner, more creative, more successful, and more productive in a back-biting, superficial, chaotic, unpredictable, and fundamentally insane world."
Cohosts Helen Wilkinson and Caroline Somos "engage with the global sewing community and encourage listeners to create their dream wardrobe by sewing their own clothes! Guest interviews explore the online sewing world and running a small business in the slow fashion industry."
This podcast is like sitting down for a chat with a friend. Kristin Esser talks "about living a creative, intentional life. [She] like to chat about quilting, sometimes knitting, what [she's] reading and watching, and a little bit about keeping a cozy, organized home." And she shares what cup of tea she's enjoying that day.
Lisa Woolfork features Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. "The official podcast of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where black lives matter."
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Dan speaks weekly with "scientists, experts, and other smart folks about how to stay sane in the midst of coronavirus." Great info about meditation.
A San Jose Tradition
I've lived in San Jose my whole life, with the exception of four years of college in San Diego. As such, there are some local holiday traditions that are very nostalgic for me.
While we have a Jewish household, I grew up celebrating Christmas. We celebrate Christmas with my side of the family and friends. This weekend while my sister and her kids were in town we visited Christmas in the Park. I grew up enjoying the animatronic holiday displays and seeing the hundreds of decorated trees. The Christmas trees are decorated by a wide variety of community groups: scouts, school groups, volunteer organizations, local businesses, etc. Throughout the years I've helped decorate numerous trees and enjoyed seeing the handmade ornaments and interesting themes that groups have come up with.
My kids really enjoyed seeing the Broadway San Jose tree, with Playbill images from the shows they have seen (Fiddler on the Roof and Blue Man Group).
I didn't get to see all the trees (we were walking through the park with four kids), but my favorite was the sub sandwich tree by Aedis Architects. Such a creative idea!
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
I'm participating in the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge with Cheryl of muppin.com.