Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house
All the goats were hanging
Not one had a grouse

Merry Christmas!!!
Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house
All the goats were hanging
Not one had a grouse

Merry Christmas!!!
Do you ever feel as though it is hard to slow down? Our to-do lists and schedules can get so jam-packed sometimes it’s hard to sit back and enjoy. During the next few days, make sure that you take some time to sit back and enjoy the holiday and those around you.

If you slow down it’s easier to enjoy all the wonderful details of the holiday season.
Whew, only three days to go! Did you wait until the last minute? Don’t stress, everything has suddenly gone on sale, you can still nab a great deal on gifts for your friends and loved ones. Remember to breathe and take some time for yourself.

The steady march towards winter can feel…a bit dark. Today marks the official first day of winter with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Where I am writing, there will be less than eight hours of sunshine today. Many cultures choose to celebrate the shortest day of the year, perhaps because starting tomorrow the days will gradually get longer and longer as the Earth’s axis rotates towards, instead of away from, the sun. In ancient times, this time of year was celebrated for the Egyptian god Osiris, Apollo and Sol Invictus, all deities with links to the sun. The Yule Log may be a delicious chocolate cake now, but thousands of years ago it was a part of the Juul festival of northern Europe and Scandinavia, where families would cut down a large tree and light it on fire for twelve days to bring good harvest and fertility for the new year in part of worship to the god Odin. In fact, some retellings of Norse mythology even have Odin delivering gifts and sweets to children during this time, centuries before Santa Claus and his reindeer. At any rate, if you are anything like me, and perhaps goats, you long for the sunshine. In that case, today is a day of hope as every day for the next six months, there will be a smidgen more sunshine to enjoy.

Don’t worry, more sunshine is on its way!
Hey did you know that there are only six more shopping days left until Christmas? Actually, that means there are only six more days left until Christmas. Don’t worry about getting it all done, focus on connecting with others and spreading positive holiday cheer. If there are some bows left untied, no one will notice or care. Sometimes it feels like the holidays are a marathon between school performances, social obligations, holiday parties and ongoing work deadlines. Just remember to take care of yourself and remember what is most important when all is said and done.

All ready for the holiday yet? You probably are more ready than you realize.
Tomorrow is Monday so let’s do this! There are only two weeks left in 2018 – did you accomplish everything you hoped, was it as magical as you dreamed? What are your aspirations, ambitions and expectations for 2019? Find a few moments in the hustle and bustle of the final holiday rush to take stock and plan ahead.

The future is bright, perhaps 2019 will be the best year yet?
Fun fact, if you save something until the last minute, it only takes a minute to do! Also fun fact, if you live in the UK and plan on sending things to the US tomorrow in hopes of them arriving before Christmas, tomorrow is the last day to do so! The holidays can get quite hectic, but don’t worry loyal goat enthusiasts, I did not forget.

Better late than never!
Making mischief, embarking on adventures and general shenanigans are often more fun with a friend. Like humans, goats are social creatures and generally enjoy the company of other goats. I hope that you get to spend some time with your partner(s) in crime during the festive season, fun times are meant to be shared.

What may feel like a tiny gesture of kindness to you could transform the recipient’s day. Isn’t that amazing? In all of us, we have the power to spread joy and compassion, just by being kind. One of the reasons I think that I am so keen on goats is that smiles are contagious. I can’t help but smiling back when I see a goat, even if that goat is giving me a smidgen of side-eye. Even when you have a difficult day, flashing someone a smile or doing a small act of kindness can be a form of self care. It is especially important to remember to be kind during the holidays, you never know what the stranger on the bus or person you pass on the street has going on.

Smile at strangers and be kind to all.
Sometimes it is so hard to stay focused. December is a time of fun and festivities, but it is also a time of deadlines and duties. Self-care during this time of year is especially important, when you feel like you are all over the place and run ragged, take a moment (or two, or five, or an hour!) for yourself to refocus before polishing off your to-do list.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during the busy holiday season.