Holiday
Silver and Snow. Runner-Up in Tales of Hearth Challenge.
On the first snow of the season, our village gathers beneath the great evergreen. Breath rises in ghostly wisps as we prepare for the ceremony of light, a tradition passed down since our ancestors, the Icelers founded Icelyn. Banished from their homeland, the Icelers followed the stars deep into the Glaciershade Mountains. Here, under the glow of the northern lights, they built a home rooted in love and magic.
By Emmie Falbo2 years ago in Families
How Angels Get Their Wings
“Great,” I muttered, pulling off the side of the road as the snow drifted down around us. The gas gauge showed half a tank. From the sputtering of the engine and a quick calculation of miles driven since the last trip to the station, I was fairly certain the gauge was lying.
By Mary K Brackett2 years ago in Families
The Warmth We Cannot Feel. Runner-Up in Tales of Hearth Challenge. Content Warning.
Sargent Sonso was better off alone during the holidays. He hated the noises of the season, and the lights, and the cheer. A few years ago, just after the war, he’d tried going to a friend’s house for “Friendsgiving”. He thought it would be quiet meal of turkey and potato, instead it was an evening of kids screaming and scraping plates and drunk friends laughing loudly at jokes about the war and the people he’d fought.
By Judah LoVato2 years ago in Families
The Ghosts of Christmas Past. Runner-Up in Tales of Hearth Challenge.
We used our fireplace once a year. It was a rare treat in a city where acrid killer smogs had led to bans on open fires in private homes. The fireplace was in our drawing room, a well-appointed salon, off limits to children most of the time. It was there my parents received their guests. The place where my mother would usher my sister and me to look people directly in the eye. Give them a firm handshake. And ask, “How do you do?”
By Pitt Griffin2 years ago in Families
I'll be home for Christmas.
On any other day Lara would have enjoyed watching the snowflakes fall from the sky. Especially since it meant a white Christmas. But today was the absolute worst day for it. It wasn’t even suppose to snow today, but she should have known better than to try driving the mountain pass on Christmas Eve.
By Lane Burns2 years ago in Families
Jeffrey Koistinen's Journey Through Grief: Finding Strength After Losing His Beloved Son Liam. AI-Generated.
Watertown, SD — In a heartbreaking turn of events, Jeffrey Koistinen & his family mourn the loss of their beloved Liam Jeffrey Koistinen, a vibrant and joyful 17-month-old, who passed away on July 14, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. A bright light extinguished too soon, Liam's passing has left an indelible mark on his family and community, stirring a wave of grief and calls for justice.
By Jeffrey Koistinen2 years ago in Families
The True Nature of Relationships
The True Nature of Relationships Life is like a flowing river, ever-changing and constantly moving forward. As it flows, it takes numerous twists and turns, at times flowing with a rush of water, and at other times, it appears calm and still, like a tranquil lake. During this journey, we meet countless people. Some feel close, others simply accompany us for a while before drifting away. However, the true people in our lives are those who stand by us selflessly during times of adversity. In the moments of happiness, many faces surround us. People who praise us, those who smile, and some who pretend to offer help often appear to be the ones we can rely on. But when the storm of challenges hits, the true identity of these people is revealed. Many step away, some don’t even recognise us, and a few even mock our failures. It is in these difficult times that genuine relationships are formed and tested. During challenging times, life acts as a mirror, revealing who our true friends and family are. When success comes, we are often regarded as "great", but when failure strikes, we are considered "ordinary", and this attitude is prevalent in society. However, the ones who hold our hands in the face of difficulties, who encourage us to keep moving forward, are the true companions. These are the relationships that we must cherish for a lifetime. True people in our lives do not keep a count of time, money, or effort spent on us. Their only aim is to help, to give without expecting anything in return. You can see the genuine trust in their eyes, hear the strength in their words, and feel the warm touch of humanity in their actions. These are the people who stand by us, not because of what we have to offer, but because of the bond that has been formed in the fire of challenges. As we navigate through life, it’s important to remember that everything—money, success, fame—is temporary. These external elements come and go. But the real joy of life is derived from lasting relationships, love, trust, and support. These are the pillars that truly bring us happiness and contentment. Therefore, it is crucial to hold on to those who stand by us in our times of trouble, who become our strength and stand beside us unwaveringly. In the end, as we look back on our lives, it is only the memories and the people who have supported us that will remain. “People come, people go. Cherish only those who stand by you in times of difficulty…” Keep this lesson engraved in your heart throughout your life. Respect such relationships, treasure their love and support. For true beauty lies not in success, but in humanity, in nurturing relationships, and in the blossoms of genuine companionship. This is a reflection of the essence of life. We often go through times of triumph and failure, surrounded by faces that seem to care, but only a few remain steadfast. It is essential to recognise the ones who support us without any conditions and honour the true nature of these relationships. In the end, it is the relationships, the support, and the love we receive that define our journey, and these are the things that remain long after the external factors fade away.
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Families
Can Christmas be Special for Lonely People?
Seven days until Christmas, I noticed as I pulled up my google calendar today: Wednesday, December 18th, 2024. I've been waking up around 3 a.m. the past few nights. Maybe it's because I've been going to sleep around 7 or 8 p.m. I guess we could call that a luxury of being retired, though I tend to think of it as an adjustment or a change that I'm still learning to adapt to.
By Shanon Angermeyer Norman2 years ago in Families
