My First Fox Hunt

It was Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, and we joined in on a centuries-old tradition in England: Fox hunting.

Though the fox hunting of yesteryear was outlawed in 2004, people still get dressed up and go through the other motions of preparing for a big hunt. My sister-in-law and her family live in a small English town, where there is a “fox hunt” and I was stoked to take part.

Gathering in the square to see off the hunters.

Gathering in the square to see off the hunters.

In packing for our trip … Read more ...

A Christmas in England

Christmas is already a magical time of year, but that “something special” seems magnified when you’re spending the holidays in another country. In comparing our traditions, I find myself admiring theirs and appreciating ours even more.

My husband is Norwegian so we’ve spent a few Christmases in Norway, reveling in the special dinners, the kids finding an almond in their porridge, and even a visit from Santa who delivers a few gifts early in the evening of Dec. 24 before he heads out for … Read more ...

Christmas in … April

It’s been way too serious around here at She’sWrite lately, and though I’m capable of a thoughtful point or two, no one would ever describe me as “serious.” To lighten the mood, I’m digging into my archives of items that I’ve been meaning to publish.

Opening Christmas gifts

So, take a walk with me down memory lane and into Santa’s backyard.

Christmas in Norway is very long and I don’t say that because you’re dealing with only about 5 hours of daylight each day. It’s … Read more ...

The Long Flight To Norway: Have Kids. Will Travel.

So we made it. All 10 hours and 3 minutes on a plane. Covering 4,691 miles. Or as they would say here, 7,549 kilometers.

We are in Norway. For those who missed it, my husband’s Norwegian. This year we’re spending Christmas with his family, most of whom live in the land of the Vikings.

Packing for this trip was quite the feat. Since we’re going to be gone for awhile, I wanted to pack for five days and then just do the laundry to recycle. … Read more ...

Basking in the Christmas Afterglow

Looks like we made it through another Christmas. Another season of long shopping lines, crazy sweaters and stuffing the stockings and our tummies with holiday cheer. I’m a bit sad to see it end because I gotta say this was one of the best ever.

Yes, that’s Tiny Tim’s voice you hear in the background. (God bless us, everyone.) But allow me to be a little cheesy in my Christmas afterglow.

Making Christmas cookies.

Since my family lives in Kansas and my husband’s is … Read more ...