by Molly Jo Realy (@MollyJoRealy)

I kind of don’t want to talk about where does the time go?

But seriously. 

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?!

Please tell me I’m not the only one. Please!

Anyway. Welcome to my “This isn’t a Christmas post. But also. It’s not not a Christmas post.” post.

It’s been a season of change around Orchard Falls Manor. Several seasons of change, if I’m being honest.

From book writing to publishing, facilitating events at work and with friends, helping my brother (the Dude of Dude Candle) move into his new location … to say it’s been a lot is not saying enough.

But it’s also been good. And I’m committing to keeping these changes as forward movement and not singular episodes.

Instead of being bogged down with “must-do’s” that try to ink themselves onto my schedule, I’m embracing the Today Moments and Tomorrow Problem mentality.

What’s the Tomorrow Problem mentality?

I’m so glad you asked.

Basically, it’s not stressing about a future issue.

Dentist appointment in the spring? That’s a March problem.
Writer’s conference? As long as I’m registered and up to date on the general deets, the trip itself is a May issue.
In October, Christmas was a December thing. Now that it’s December, it’s a Today Moment.

See where I’m going?

Embracing the Today Moments is just what it sounds like: What can I do today to make life better/easier/healthier/more peaceful for me and those around me?

One of new favorite habits is adopting a homesteading apothecary vibe. I was gifted a pressure cooker/canner, and invested in more glass jars and a lot of loose leaf tea and herbs. My cabinets are filling up with homemade chicken soup, bone broth, elixirs, and tinctures. It feels very Hallmark Good Witch-y, if I’m being honest.

Molly Jo’s Journals: Tea Jar Apothecary

The results aren’t always fast. A simple tea or coffee-alternative? Sure. Boil water. Add a tablespoon or two of my favorite herbs into the French press, top with boiling water and let it brew for a few minutes. That’s easy enough. But it’s been weeks and I’m still waiting until I can enjoy my Christmas sangria, and take a swig of my homemade immunity booster tincture (click here: Cranberry-Echinacea Tincture Recipe, Cranberry-Orange-Honey Sangria Recipe).

Molly Jo’s Journals: Cranberry Delights

Have you picked up on my cranberry vibe?

It’s my color for 2026, and I couldn’t be happier. Cranberries are colorful, healthy, and, well, just fun! Don’t believe me? Try my Cranberry-Popper recipe and experience that burst of flavor!

Molly Jo’s Journals: Cranberry Poppers Recipe

I think there’s something about the holiday season, with its bountiful flavors, colors, and overall good will that brings people into a better headspace. I hope it does for you.

My mom’s favorite story was Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost-Story of Christmas. Her pocket copy now sits on my coffee table and I will enjoy reading it this week, and watching the musical with Albert Finney. Christmas traditions that keep her memory near, and fill me with a bittersweet joy. Dickens’ message is one my mom instilled in us: Always be kind. Always be gentle. Always think of others. No matter what time of year.

I don’t have a New Year’s Resolution list (other than avoiding doing anything that requires a Luminol investigation!), but I am curating a page of activities and mindsets:

• Journal every day.
• Discover a new recipe each month.
• Bake. Cook. Create in the kitchen.
• Walk more. Sit less.
• Curse less. Smile more.
• Create: Words. Art. Crafts.
• Love everyone. Even when it’s hard.
• Love myself. Even when it’s harder.
• Slow down. Breathe.
• Just be.

The list isn’t comprehensive. It’s a fluid suggestion. As time progresses, it will change. But it’s a thoughtful start.

My 2026 TBR Pile (that’s books To Be Read, for you non-readers/non-social media slang peeps) already has three spines on the stack. My 2026 WIP (Work in Progress) list includes the sequel to NOLA: Undeaux, a collection of devotions, an idea to submit to Love, Inspired, and revisiting some old manuscripts/ideas. Side Note/Celebration Cheer: NOLA: Undeaux has been entered in a contest. I’ll keep y’all posted.

And if you’ve made it this far through the post,

CONGRATULATIONS. 

You’ve stumbled upon my surprise giveaway. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment before midnight, December 31, 2025:

ANSWER THIS QUESTION:
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions, and/or what activities and mindsets are you leaning into for the new year?

On January 2, I’ll choose a random winner from all qualified entrants. One entry per person (but you can comment as much as you’d like). The prize is a $25 Amazon digital gift card, to help you start your New Year. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to the email/accept the prize, or prize will be forfeited.

I would love to share with you about God, writing, journaling, tea, and New Orleans. Drop me a comment or send me a message.

Come alive, stay wild, and always, savor the journey,
~M. 

A Southern hippiechick at heart, Molly Jo Realy is author of the romantic location mystery novel, NOLA: Undeaux, and creator of the Book Builder Workbook. Also an editor and coach, she encourages people to embrace their unique talents to share their stories as only they can. Addicted to God, cats, tea, planners, and pens, in no particular order. Follow her on X (Twitter), Instagram and join her Facebook Community Mojo Swarm for more fun!

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