Over the last seven years there have been some amazing guests in the run up to Christmas who have shared stories about their own memories of this time of year or their festive fiction. In the next four weeks I will be repeating some of those posts, updated with the authors recent books and reviews.
D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies was a guest here in 2014 and never left… thank goodness, with the Travel Column, Relationships and co-presenting the Laughter Lines, combined with daily support, Smorgasbord would not be the same without her. In this post originally from 2017, Debby shares her thoughts about the celebration of Christmas and her wish for us all. Still very relevant today.
Christmas Holiday Wishes – My Christmas Wish by D.G. Kaye
I’d like to take this time to wish all of my friends here a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. Yes, I love saying Merry Christmas, and with the world full of political correctness, just about everything that’s said seems to be getting some sort of scrutinizing, but there are just some phrases that remain a part of us.
I’m not of the Catholic or Christian faith, but since childhood, I was smitten with the magic of Christmas. Sure, I was captivated by the glistening of Christmas lights on the city streets, and I yearned for a Christmas tree to have in my home in all its shining glory, but Christmas time is so much more than lights and presents.
Christmas for me is a time to remember the importance of friends and family, a time to reflect on the year about to pass. It’s also a time where I miss loved ones who have passed, just a little bit more, and most of all, a time to remember gratitude.
The world seems to be in such a volatile state these days. There is much doubt and faith, many questions unanswered, too much violence, and greed. My wish is that mankind could revisit goodness, kindness, and compassion, and remember to be grateful for some of life’s most mundane things we so often take for granted.
I’m remembering my loss of my loved ones, and with that in mind, it serves to remind me just how precious life is. I’ve watched suffering, and I’ve been stunned at how in a moment’s notice a loved one can be snatched from our lives, sometimes even without warning, without a sign of illness. These types of reminders show us how quickly life can turn on a dime.
Let us remember our lost loved ones by holding them dear in our hearts, and remember the love we hold for those who are all here with us now. Let us find joy in our hearts for every little thing we have, and remember gratitude for every single day we are gifted with another day of living.
If we can all learn to let go of some of the hurt and uncertainties that dwell within us and turn that into forgiveness and hope, maybe as a unified chain of positivity, we can help to make the world a better place. This is my Christmas wish.
Wishing you all happiness and health and peace for now, and for all the years to come.
©D.G. Kaye 2016
Debby has chosen Celine Dion singing “O Holy Night” to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Recently Debby received another lovely review for her memoir – Words We Carry
About the book
“I have been a great critic of myself for most of my life, and I was darned good at it, deflating my own ego without the help of anyone else.”
What do our shopping habits, high-heeled shoes, and big hair have to do with how we perceive ourselves? Do the slights we endured when we were young affect how we choose our relationships now?
D.G. takes us on a journey, unlocking the hurts of the past by identifying situations that hindered her own self-esteem. Her anecdotes and confessions demonstrate how the hurtful events in our lives linger and set the tone for how we value our own self-worth.
Words We Carry is a raw, personal accounting of how the author overcame the demons of low self-esteem with the determination to learn to love herself.
A recent review for the book
D. G. Kaye shares the true story of her growth from a child with poor self-esteem into a confident woman who changed her thinking, took responsibility for her relationships, and discovered happiness. Though she shares her personal experiences, many of her observations are common to other women, and there are lessons to be gleaned from her advice.
The book is divided into two sections: Appearance and Relationships. The focus of the appearance section is on boosting self-esteem by paying attention to physical appearance. It isn’t about being beautiful, but about feeling beautiful and investing energy into clothes, shoes, hair, and makeup that enhance a woman’s strengths and make her feel attractive. Chronic lazy dressers like me may not relate to Kaye’s love of shoes and big hair, but there’s a lot of humor in this section that kept me smiling.
Section Two, Relationships, was the most meaningful to me as it opened a discussion of the deeper issues that contribute to low self-esteem, as well as the vicious cycles that can lead to isolation, depression, and abuse. The author maintains that healthy self-esteem is essential to healthy relationships of all kinds. She provides strategies for evaluating relationships honestly, changing patterns, and taking control of choices.
Words We Carry is part memoir/part self-help. Recommended for women who are struggling with feelings of low self-esteem and want to make a positive change in their relationships and live
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Other books by D.G. Kaye
Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Blog: D.G. Writes – Goodreads: D.G. Kaye on Goodreads – Twitter:@pokercubster
If you are a regular visitor you will have met Debby before as a contributor writing The Travel Column for two years and now The Realm of Relationships 2020. Debby also co-hosts the Laughter Lines twice a week.
Debby Gies is a Canadian nonfiction/memoir author who writes under the pen name of D.G. Kaye. She was born, raised, and resides in Toronto, Canada. Kaye writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.
D.G. writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and she shares the lessons taken from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome challenges in her life, and finding the upside from those situations, while practicing gratitude for all the positives.
When Kaye isn’t writing intimate memoirs, she brings her natural sense of humor into her other works. She loves to laugh and self- medicate with a daily dose of humor.
I love to tell stories that have lessons in them, and hope to empower others by sharing my own experiences. I write raw and honest about my own experiences, hoping through my writing, that others can relate and find that there is always a choice to move from a negative space, and look for the positive.
Quotes:
“Live Laugh Love . . . And Don’t Forget to Breathe!”
“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return. Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”
Thanks for dropping in today and I know Debby would love your feedback.. thanks Sally.
Thank you for sharing.
A strange world at the moment but we can still have some sort of Christmas, just a little different maybe.
Happy Christmas and let’s hope for a better year in 2021
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Thanks Sue and Happy Christmas and here’s to a better 2021 xx
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Thanks Sue. Wishing you happy and safe holidays. 🙂
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A wonderful Christmas wish.
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I agree Mary…♥
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Wishing you good health and happy holidays Mary ❤
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And you, Debby.
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Thanks Mary 🙂
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Beautiful post from a woman who is beautiful inside and out. May you, Sally, Deb, & all our wonderful cyber friends have happy holidays filled with love and laughter and health. Much love, Paulette ❤️🙏☮️
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Thank you Paulette and as an author in the Cafe you are featured in the Christmas Book Fair on 16th December.. hugs ♥
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Thank you so much, Sally. The date is on my calendar to stop by. ❤️
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Great thanks Paulette..♥
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Thank you my wonderful friend for your kindness and good cheer. Wishing all the same for you and yours. Hugs xoxo ❤
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A « unified chain of positivity » is exactly what we need to bring us peace, happiness, and healing – especially now. It’s a beautiful Christmas wish, Debby, and thanks for sharing it. Wishing you the same and more. Happy Holidays.
Reblogged on Improvisation – “The Art of Living”
https://williampriceking.tumblr.com/
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Thanks William and for reblogging…hugsx
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Thank you for all the joy you bring us throughout the year William. And thank you for your kind words and your generous shares. Wishing you and yours happy holidays and keep safe. There’s a beautiful meme going around that goes to the effect: “We isolate now, so when we gather again, no one is missing” ❤
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Many thanks, Sally and Debby. As Jonathan Swift advised: “May you LIVE all the days of your life.” And, may I add, in comfort, joy and in good health. Big hugs and love, Joy and Eric xxx
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Thank you Joy.. and love to you both..hugs♥
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Thanks so much our Lovely Joy. Wishing all the same to you and Eric. Be well and stay safe. We’re almost at the finish line! ❤ xxxx
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My deeply heartfelt THANK YOU, Debby, for your wonderful, soul-warming words on the threshold of the new year. All the very best to you, your family, and all us.
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Thanks Marina..♥
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Thank you my lovely friend. I wish the same for you and yours. Comfort and joy and safety are the words for this season. Hugs xoo
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What a wonderful, and heart touching post! Merry Christmas to you all, too! A Debby wrote, there are some terms we will never forget. Holidays are always very appreciated! Michael
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Thank you Michael for your kind wishes. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. Hugs ❤
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Wise words and aspirations from Debby. I admire that she has overcome a lot of challenges in her life—great review from Diana.
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Thanks Pete.. Debby is a force of nature and has turned adversity into something very postive.. xx
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❤ ❤
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Thanks so much Pete. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. 🙂
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A beautiful wish and a lovely post, Debby. Thank you, Sally
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Thank you John…hugsx
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Thank you John. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. 🙂 x
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Thank you, Debby. Happy Holidays as well.
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Thank you 🙂
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I also love Christmas time. Merry Christmas, Debby and Sally.
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Thanks Robbie…hugsx
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Thank you Robbie. Happy and safe holiday season to you and yours. ❤
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Thanks, Debby! 🎄Wishing you and yours a blessed and beautiful holiday season. 💞
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Thank you Bette..hugsx
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Thanks so much Bette. Happy holidays to you and yours, and please stay safe. ❤
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A perfect Christmas wish. Thanks. Love Celine’s version of this powerful song.
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Thanks Darlene.. inspiring..xx
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Thanks Darlene. This version of that song still sends chills through me everytime I hear it. Happy, safe holidays. ❤
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What a beautiful Christmas wish from Debby. This is my first time reading this post, Sally, and it warmed my heart. But I’m not surprised that this kind and generous person would wish for a world of peace and compassion. ❤ And thanks for sharing my review of her fabulous book, one of many. Hugs.
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I agree Diana and we need to make an effort to make it come true…♥
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Thanks so much Diana. And thanks for your kind words. And super stoked Sally shared your review for my book. Wishing you and yours comfort and joy in this holiday season, remembering the things we are still grateful for. Hugs oxo ❤
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♥
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❤
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Reading Debby’s book is like sitting down with her and listening to her story. Great review from Diana. Thank you for sharing, Sally. ❤
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I agree Miriam.. spot on..♥
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Thank you so much Miriam for your lovely words. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. ❤ xx
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Happy Hanukkah to you, Debby. 💞
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Thank you so much Miriam ❤ xx
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You’re welcome, Debby.💖
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Sal, you are aces! Thanks so much for digging out this one. I wouldn’t change a word, and yes, all still applies. Thanks for all you do and wishing everone here safe and Happy Holidays. 🙂 ❤ xox
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Lovely post Debby and well worth another showcase..hugs ♥
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Thank you my Lovely ❤ ❤
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♥
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❤ ❤
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These are lovely and warm Christmas wishes, Debby. May 2021 be a better year filled with compassion for others and sharing of our gifts of love, understanding and peace.
Wishing you, Debby and Sally, a holiday full of cheer, tender memories and precious moments with your loved ones. ❤
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Thanks Carol.. and wishing you a lovely Christmas too.. ♥♥
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Thanks so much Carol. Wishing you a peaceful and safe holiday season, and all good things for the new year onwards. ❤
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Merry Christmas right back to both you wonderful ladies!
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Thanks Jessica..hugsx
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Thanks Jessica. Happy holidays 🙂
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You too Debby 🙂
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A well deserved and lovely review from Diana…Your wishes and hopes for Christmas and a new year resonate with us all methinks…May your Christmas and New Year be filled with love and good health dear Debs …Merry Christmas ladies Hugs xx
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Thanks Carol..hugsx
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Thanks so much Carol. Wishing you and yours a safe and joyous holiday season. ❤ xx
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Likewise Debs have a fabulous time however you 🎉 xx
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❤
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This is such a heartfelt and centred Christmas wish. Thank you, Debby and Sally. Toni x
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Thanks Toni..hugsx
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Thanks Toni. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season, as we await the long awaited new year! ❤ xx
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Beautiful! Thank you, Debby and Sally.
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Thanks Jennie..hugsx♥
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You’re welcome, Sally. 🙂
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Holiday hugs and wishes Jennie xx
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Same to you, Debby!🎄
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I share the Christmas wish Debby has so eloquently expressed.
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Thanks Liz..xx
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You’re welcome, Sally.
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Thanks Liz, Happy Holidays to you. ❤
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You’re welcome, Debby. Happy Holidays to you, too.
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Beautiful sentiments, Debby, and as relevant and important today as when you first wrote them. I’m looking forward to reading Words We Carry – this is a lovely review from Diana. Thanks, Sally, for giving these words another airing; they certainly merit it. x
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Thanks Trish and I am sure you will enjoy Words We Carry… hugsx
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Thank you Alex. I’m looking forward to getting to your book very soon!. Be safe and happy til we ring in that new year and beyond! xx
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This is a lovely post, Sally. Debby always touches me with her words. I loved this book! Congrats to Debby on the awesome review. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ❤
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Thanks Vashti and Debby certainly does have a special way with her words..♥
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A great Christmas post, Sally, and I agree with your comments about Debby. She’s such a big part of the blogging community! Thanks for resharing her very inspired post. Merry Christmas to everybody! ♥
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Thanks Olga..Feliz Navidad..♥
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