Happy Friday, December 13, 2025!
Only 12 days away until Christmas Day.
Pretty sure there’s a song about the 12 days of Christmas. ha
Totally coming in fast!
How’s your week been?
Probably busy, as has mine.
However busy – when I slide home, I immediately plug in the Christmas lights and relish the delight of the glow and sparkles.
Magic! The kind of pretty that only this time of season brings with it.
Joy-filled line up to present today.
BEGINNING WITH:
SCHULZ WISDOM
I never tire of this writing . Especially this time of year.
Presenting it again for all of us to reflect on the reals and the never-minds.
QUICK QUESTION
Best piece of advice I received was from my grandma in her late years – so profound and I keep it in my treasured memory box.
That being: “Love, Love, Love and Forgive, Forgive, Forgive”.
You?
CHRISTMAS CONVERSATION STARTERS
Take note and consider asking while enjoying Christmas dinner with family members at the table.
Guaranteed to be fun and hands down better than any board game!
Our Grandpa had many hilarious stories he told at the dinner table and also the seriousness of growing up back then.
Same, Grandma. We never tired of their stories.
If I could be granted a Christmas wish, it would be for them to be here and tell their stories one more time and see their smiles as they recounted.
RECIPE (!)
Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur.
Is unbelievably delicious. Over ice, in a cup of coffee, drizzled on a scoop of ice cream – vanilla or chocolate.
Save the recipe and get ready to share it. I guarantee recipients will be begging for the recipe!
CARTOONS
Always a blast-laugh.
The artists who create these cartoons know what they’re doing to tickle our funny bones!
Hat tip!
MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON DAYMAKERS
I ponder – is there such a thing as a perfect gift under the tree?
I think the perfect gift(s) this time of year are heart and love.
And, most importantly, genuine smiles, waves, hugs and Merry Christmas greetings to both familiar people in our circles and strangers.
‘Tis the season!
Embrace and Express.
Many, many thanks for being part of the Daymaker Readable Art Community + subscribing + engaging + sharing.
We are so super grateful.
READY?
Set.
Here we go!
Enjoy!
SCHULZ WISDOM
The following is the wisdom of Charles Schulz, creator of the beloved “PEANUTS” comic strip. It’s not a test, no need to write down the answers. Just read straight through and the message will find you.
LET’S GET STARTED
+ Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world.
+ Name the last 5 Heisman Trophy winners.
+ Name the last 5 winners crowned Miss America.
+ Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
+ Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor or actress.
+ Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
The point is, none of us recall the headliners of yesterday and they are the best in their fields. The applause dies, awards tarnish and achievements are forgotten. Their accolades and certificates are buried with the owners …
SEE HOW YOU DO ON THIS ONE
+ Name a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
+ Name 3 friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
+ Name 5 people who have taught you something worthwhile.
+ Think of a few people who have made you feel special and appreciated.
+ Think of 5 people you enjoy spending time with.
The real point is – the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with big-shot-credentials, the most money, or the most awards.
They are the ones who care care.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE
A FAMILY MEMBER HAS GIVEN TO YOU?
HOMEMADE IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR
~ makes about 4 cups
In a blender, mix the following:
+ 1 3/4 cups Irish Whiskey
(super important that the whiskey is an authentic Irish blend – think Jameson or Bushmills)
+ 1 – 14 0unce can Eagle Brand condensed milk
+ 1 cup real whipping cream
(found in the refrigerated section next to milk and half and half)
+ 4 large eggs
+ 2 TBSP chocolate syrup
+ 2 tsp instant coffee
(think Kava or Nescafe)
+ 1 tsp real vanilla extract
+ 1/2 tsp almond extract
Whir all ingredients in the blender on high until smooth.
POUR THE HOMEMADE IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR
Via a funnel into sterilized recycled wine bottle(s) and seal with a recycled wine cork.
Repeat the recipe.
Pour all Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur into prepared, recycled wine bottles.
REFRIGERATE
WHEN READY TO GIFT:
Wrap the wine bottle necks with festive ribbon/fun tiny bells/tiny colorful Christmas balls threaded on ribbon.
~ Hippie Cowboy recipe box
CHRISTMAS CONVERSATION STARTERS
Hanging out with family at Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be an obligatory drag! It can be enlightening and memorable.
Put down your smart phones (you won’t need them), turn off the television and have something called conversation + laughter.
Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, friends — it’s time – for I wanna know more about you Christmas dinner game.
Get ready for laughs and thoughtful reflection as all walk down a piece of sweet Memory Lane as these questions are posed:
+ Where did you grow up?
+ What was your school like?
+ How was your house decorated at Christmas?
+ Who did you most like to be like when you grew up?
+ Did you have a pet when you were a kid?
+ Who was your best friend growing up?
+ What was a fun expression everyone used when you were growing up?
+ What was your first job and how much did you make/hour?
+ What kind of music did you listen to?
+ What’s the craziest thing you did as a kid/teenager?
+ Did you ever get in trouble?
+ What’s the coolest thing you remember about being a teenager back then?
Enjoy the answers, banter and sharing and laughter!
CHRISTMAS DOESN’T COME FROM A STORE.
MAYBE CHRISTMAS IS A LITTLE BIT MORE.
~ DR. SEUSS
WISHING ALL A WONDER-FILLED WEEKEND.
CATCH YA MONDAY
SAME TIME
SAME PLACE
Twp pieces of advice stand out to me: Don’t waste time worrying about things that may never happen, and It takes mistakes to learn. Both have served me well over the years.
The Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur sounds decadent. Might as well apply it directly to my mid-section 😉
The conversation starters are wonderful! So many things I wish I’d asked when I had the chance. . . Think I’ll take a copy with me this year so my nieces and nephews can learn what cool aunts and uncles they had. Hahaha
Happy weekend!
Hey Carol!
Profound pieces of advice that stand out to you stand out to me as well:
I am totally guilty of often wasting time worrying about things that may never happen.
And, it does take mistakes to learn. What a great, gentle reminders for us all.
Yes ma’am, the Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur is decadent and memorable. I’ve yet to meet a recipient who didn’t enjoy to the very last drop! Ha
Can’t wait for the conversation starters to find their way to you guys’ Christmas table and for nieces and nephews to learn what cool aunts and uncles they have! Gonna be a great time with something that really has kinda lost its way in this busy world of all of ours. That being CONVERSATION.
Thanks for reading + loving and being such a valuable part of the DRA community. We are grateful.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC
Love the conversation starters for Christmas!
Greetings J –
The conversation starters are, indeed, some good ones! And definitely worthy of table time for all gathered to share.
Appreciate ya and your time with sharing!
MERRY MERRY MERRY
Loved Carol’s comments today on her offerings of advice received from others.
Here’s my response on : WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE A FAMILY MEMBER HAS GIVEN TO YOU?
I was in my early 20’s when one of my brother’s kindly said to me, “You are too serious.”
Never had I thought of myself as serious, but after a short time of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to put more effort into happiness and laughter when around others.
Lo and behold, now my brother says to me, “You have such life and love in you, sister.”
I’m sure my brother doesn’t have any recollection of what he once said that “hurt my feelings” but it was one of the best pieces of advice anyone has ever given me.
Thank you Daymaker for bringing that topic to our attention.
Hi Marty –
Love your recollection of the best piece of advice from a family member (your brother) in your 20’s and the fast forward remark from same brother which was a giant compliment.
So delighted the question brought back the sweet memory – then and later.
I love the Quick Questions posed because they do spark something inside our memory banks.
Thanks for sharing + caring!
JOY TO THE WORLD
The homemade Irish cream liqueur is delish! I was gifted a bottle years ago from Cheryl.
Fun read as always!