I was supposed to write this yesterday but I couldn’t because I’ve been fighting a massive depression and so yesterday I had an emergency ketamine treatment to try to pull me out of it. And today I woke up with less of a gravity-has-tripled-but-only-for-me-apparently depression and more of a day-2-of-the-flu-and-I-think-I’m-getting-better-but-not-entirely-human depression. Yay!
Today’s doodle is all about Iceland because did you know that in Iceland they have a tradition called Jólabókaflóðið, which means “Christmas Book Flood”? Basically on Christmas Eve it’s tradition to exchange books and spend Christmas Eve reading. YES, PLEASE, NOW. Another Icelandic tradition you need to know about? The Yule Cat, a huge, grumpy cat who lurks in the snowy countryside and eats people who don’t wear new clothes on Xmas Eve.
This seems ridiculous because why would cats care about clothes, but then I remembered that there is nothing my cats love more than laying across me when I’m wearing something that doesn’t already have cat fur and claw snags so maybe there’s some truth to that. Regardless, I don’t have any new clothes, nor did I buy any for Hailey and Victor, so tonight I will make us all wear towels as Christmas capes to keep us safe:
I didn’t have the energy to put up a tree or wrap presents or make food, but tonight we’ll be together, in Christmas capes, as I read on the couch and it might not look like Christmas to anyone else but that doesn’t make it any less special.
So here’s to you, no matter what your holiday looks like. The world is better with you in it.
I super crazy love you,
Jenny
PS. Yesterday on threads I asked for pet pictures and literally thousands of people obliged and so if you’re feeling low I highly suggest going through this thread and sending psychic scritches to all these lovely faces because it will make you smile in spite of yourself.
I knew about the Icelandic Xmas tradition of exchanging books and reading them, usually while eating chocolate - the most important food group, I think. Also knew about the Yule Cat. Iceland is a fantastic place that everyone should visit. Best vacation I ever had! There is a book shop, usually with a café, in every tiny town. Marvelous place! Your Xmas sounds wonderful! Hugs!
I know I am a broken record writing this, but here I go again. Holidays are very tough when you don’t have friends and family. My husband and I put on brave faces and don’t celebrate. We pretend to be okay. It’s hard and sad. I received a pen friend holiday card today thanking me for being the best pen friend. This gave me some light. This community and my pen friends have continued to give me hope in my very darkest days. Thank you, Jenny, for this gift. I am so glad you are feeling a bit better because you are needed. Merry Christmas 🎄