Do you enjoy skiing or ice skating or if it’s warm where you are, hiking or enjoying outdoor sports?

This one falls under the category of things I think I should like while I actually don’t. Skiing and ice skating are simple to explain since I hate being cold. I guess the best way to put it is I used to enjoy playing soccer, and the times when I’ve found myself doing something outdoors I tend to enjoy it, but I’m never one to organize a weekend hike for fun.

Do you give to charities or homeless that you might encounter, during this time of year, more than you do otherwise?

In a typical year I’d say I probably do. 2020 has brought this strange December where we don’t have Salvation Army ringers outside the stores. We like to drop something in their bucket anytime we come across them. I’m also more likely to hit that “yes, I’ll donate an extra dollar to so-and-so charity” when checking out of a store.

What is the most enjoyable activity you engage in during December? Is it a tradition for you and your family?

Even though I can be super stressed about them the most enjoyable thing we do in December is get together with family. Last year we finally hit a great casual note so it felt like I was able to not just visit but really see people, you know? I miss that this year.

What changes will C-19 bring to your festive celebrations this year?  

Our celebrations have gone virtual for 2020. We set up Zoom calls for both sides of the family around Thanksgiving; I’m hoping we’ll schedule more for Christmas. It’s not the same – it’s not nearly enough, really, but I’ll take what I can get in covid times.

Please share a good will wish for the world!

My hope for the world is that we all work together to keep people safe while we wait for everyone to be vaccinated. These are hard months – people are tired, the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor gatherings, and holidays are upping the number of interactions among households. May we all find a hidden source of strength and patience.

Sparks from a Combustible Mind hosts Share Your World.