Holidays

Living with an Open Heart

By Gabriel Cruden / January 30, 2026 /

Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote, “In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”  I realize that we’ve got a long way to go before we get…

Why I’m Not Making Resolutions of 2026

By Gabriel Cruden / January 2, 2026 /

Just for fun, let’s start this new year off with a little pop quiz – don’t worry, you can’t fail this one. Which of the following is most like you…

The History of Eggnog (Plus a Riot)

By Gabriel Cruden / December 5, 2025 /

By Cassie Patton Thinking of ringing in the season with eggnog? While not everyone’s choice, many grow accustomed to the acquired taste and it becomes a holiday favorite.  Eggnog has…

Our 2025 Holiday Letter to You

By Gabriel Cruden / December 5, 2025 /

Dear Friends: Another holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time for the 2025 Johnson Family Christmas Letter. I know you look forward to reading this letter as…

Letting Go of the Shoulds and Moving into Love for a Happier Holiday Season

By Gabriel Cruden / December 5, 2025 /

  Christmas is expensive, stressful, and a lot of work. Yes, I said what I said and I’ll say it again. Christmas – in fact the whole month of December…

Talking Turkey for Thanksgiving

By Gabriel Cruden / October 31, 2025 /

I had just turned 21 when I encountered a “Wild Turkey” for the first time. Friends had taken me to a strip club – my first and only visit to…

’Tis The Pumpkin Season

By Gabriel Cruden / October 31, 2025 /

By Cassie Patton Many may enjoy a good slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Especially as the aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg fills the house with these earthy…

Down the Rabbit Hole to Find the Easter Bunny And Other Confusing Easter Traditions

By Gabriel Cruden / April 1, 2025 /

By Amy McGarry Going down the rabbit hole refers to getting deeply involved in something, often something complex or confusing. That’s an apt description of me looking into why Easter…

Celebrating the Patron Saint of Ireland

By Gabriel Cruden / March 1, 2025 /

by Amy McGarry With a last name like McGarry, it makes sense that I have always embraced all things Irish. As a child, though I didn’t know why, I wished…

The Surprising History of New Year’s Resolutions

By Gabriel Cruden / January 1, 2025 /

by Amy McGarry It’s that time of year. New year, new beginnings. A fresh start. Resolutions to do better, be better. It seems like everyone makes New Year’s resolutions. I…