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“I can’t believe what my niece cooks for the holidays; it’s ridiculous,” exclaimed Ashley.  "She already has a weight problem, as does the rest of her family! What am I saying? Of course they do. The house is full of cookies, candy, cakes, pies, and hot...

“It’s our family holiday tradition,” Betty exasperatedly explained. “We always go to the ski condo—grandparents, parents, spouses, kids, kids’ friends/partners, and great-grand kids. I can’t BELIEVE my sister isn’t coming this year. She is being so selfish! Our older family members don’t have many years...

“I am SO sick of everyone asking me if I’m dating someone. Everyone’s cool, making sure to use lots of different pronouns, but really I just want them to ask about ME!  Who cares if I have a ‘special someone?’ I have straight A’s, I’m...

The weather’s finally warm enough for your friends and relatives to come up the hill for a picnic. The afternoon seems to go fairly well. Your niece in now a vegan, but her grandmother saves the day by bringing tofu hotdogs. Everyone’s talking about your...

Before we know it the New Year is well on its way and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. People’s experiences and opinions about this day are a lesson in extremes, much like our mountain weather. I once had a co-worker who religiously hosted an...

As I was cleaning out my e-mail I came across a forwarded note entitled “Merry Christmas.” Apparently the author was quite angry that people were choosing to say “Seasons’ Greetings” or “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Although there are many interesting elements to this...

Recently I had a woman in my office anxiously talking about the holiday season.  What if her friends notice she isn’t giving gifts this year, and guess that she is in financial trouble?  What if her mother-in-law realizes her pie crust is store bought?  What...

Whether your holiday was a joyous occasion full of lively festive traditions, a quiet, meditative interlude at home, or a poignant time filled with memories of celebrations past, the season has come and gone. Family and friends returned home, the cards slowed to a trickle,...