Another year has come and gone.
I’m an early January baby. January 3rd to be exact.
I was born in Oklahoma in a blizzard. My mom barely made it to the hospital in time. I weighed almost 10lbs and was 22 inches long with a full head of black hair that stood straight up. I looked like the actor that was popular in the 60s and 70s named Jackie Gleason.
Seriously!
Having a birthday near to Christmas in my opinion is difficult. Other than sharing it with Jesus it to me is the worst time for a birthday.
Here is my theory: In 6 weeks all of the great holidays and reasons to celebrate are gone. You have Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Birthday and boom you are done! It has always left me feeling a bit forlorn.
Then living in Nashville the last 20 something years it’s usually freezing . You are stuck in the house because of an ice storm and no one wants to get out. People are tired of parties . They are on diets, don’t want to drink and totally over the holidays.
So birthdays in the past have been a bit of a let down.
In Christmas 2020 everyone was stuck in the house and too afraid to get out and do anything or couldn’t do anything because of being sick or our over reaching government scaring us into submission. It was the most depressing lonely birthday I had ever had. Then and there I decided I would never be in a cold place and alone on my birthday again.
So I made a big leap and moved to Florida.
This year was a different experience though. I went back to Nashville to celebrate new years and my birthday, see my friends and I brought my boyfriend, Showing him all around and introducing him to my friends. It was the best birthday I had in a very long time.
Just being able to see my friends that are like family that I have missed so much and celebrate was so special. I’m going to call it a God Wink. A moment in time that was filled with joy.
Blessings to you as we begin a new year, a new administration comes into office and a new beginning for the good ole USA.
God bless us everyone 🥰
Cinnamon Whiskey Apple Cider
INGREDIENTS
1 gallon Apple Cider
1/2 cup mulling spices
1/4 cup red hots
1 cup cinnamon whiskey
DIRECTIONS
In a crock pot add all ingredients and heat until warm.
Simmer, serve and enjoy
This is a good one a birthday!!
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
Recipe courtesy of Gigi Butler © Copyright 2025 Heartland Journal, LLC
