As I encounter people in my daily life—whether those who are close to me or those who are strangers—I am going to try to assume that they are acting with good intentions and their best understanding of situations.

There are holiday gatherings, and then there are holiday gatherings with wonderful punny themes.

My sister Treasa is helping my dreams of a Christmas-carol-themed potluck come true, serving “Jingle Balls” meatballs, “Frosty the Salmon” salad, “We Three Wings,” and asking me to bring “Feliz Navi-dip.”

As we look at the New Year ahead of us, it’s impossible to know what opportunities and challenges we will encounter during the next 365 days. We have no choice but to say yes to all of it, even the unknowns.

Before I was a mother, I thought Christmas countdowns were cute and decorative and fun. Now I think they exist so parents can direct their children to the nearest countdown feature.

This week we are lighting the pink candle on our Advent wreath as we say, “Gaudete!”

I’m big on celebrating birthdays, but Daniel challenges even me to appreciate the awesomeness of birthdays.

He couldn’t wait to bring that snowman to life.

In the case of First Reconciliation, we just need to do the very best we can to prepare our children and trust that God will take care of the rest.

A few years ago Daniel and I started making paper towel snowmen to give to people at Christmas.