Question: Do you know that Jingle Bells is actually about *Thanksgiving,* not Christmas?
So even the strictest of us (as far as holiday music goes) can gleefully sing it as early as November!!
My daughter's first ever school report was on the history of Jingle Bells, and the knowledge she gained has enabled our reckless Advent Jingle-Belling ever since.
I'm excited about writing out the conversion story! I don't know that I've ever assembled the whole thing into words in one place... I'll do my best to keep it brief!
And, as for that second question... what that work looks like begins and ends with the fact that we live in the same city as my parents and Jonny's mom. It would be almost impossible if that wasn't the case. But I might talk about it more, because even though I have so much help, it's still a hot mess disaster half the time... I think sometimes work-from-home/side-hustle parents (especially moms) have this idea that they should only pursue something like that if it's smooth sailing, and I disagree. It's worth trying, even if there are disaster moments.
I look forward to either (or both) of these responses!!
Several months ago / a year ago? on Twitter (back when I was still using it), I said something to the effect that writers, creators, anyone with young kids doing work should have a disclaimer about how they are able to accomplish it! Like a footnote of all the help that goes into it. This sounds cynical, and I think it was at the time, but now I think there's some merit to that. Without ever showing or mentioning the nanny, the preschool, the hired cleaners, the husband who works from home, the in-laws and parents in town.... it can seem to people without any of that like these parents doing their work are superhuman (from my own perspective at least. lol) So again, I am truly interested in the creative, messy, myriad ways parents and mothers in particular do things. Even if their circumstances are different, it's always an interesting way to learn what's possible!!
I really like the idea of footnotes from creators about "how they did it" - both for the "what's possible?" question and for addressing the inevitable comparisons that come up. You really need more of the whole picture to understand, and when people "hide" their resources and people, it supports the idea that parents can "do and have it all" without any help. And that idea is so dangerous.
I really am curious to hear more about your non-Substack writing experiences and how it’s been to find/make time for those in the midst of busy family life. Always curious to know how people I admire make it work — even though I suspect the answer is for most of us: “This is really mostly a crapshoot, I have no idea how anything happens.”
Ok, awesome. I will write about it. As I'm thinking about my work, it's almost morphing into a "What does it look like for a mother to have 'enough help'" kind of question... but yes, "crapshoot" is a good word for what happens when your "work block" is in the middle of the 3yo's nap and she is "NOT going to nap today."
The two year old nap freak out is real. *Usually* if you push through they’ll keep napping. I just think they’re way too “intissted” in literally everything else to want to sleep.
I have some very cringe-y anecdotes about me trying to share my faith as a new, new Catholic 🤣 - I can only laugh about this because it was a long time ago. But great question! It's in the mix!
I grew up going to Catholic Church, went to many non-denomination churches and three years ago married an Anglican priest (you may have know some of that). Curious about you talking about “converting” to Catholicism. I don’t judge and think very highly of you friend, just curious your take on some of those things? Anglicanism is similar to Catholicism in some ways. I enjoy many of what I’ve learned going to church but I would say it’s overall just grown my faith in Jesus. Curious more about your faith story. I’m always interested in faith stories!
And I’m interested in names so I’ve been wondering your newest boy’s name. If you don’t share it with the masses that’s ok:). We’re sort of careful on that or were until Sammy and now... not so much, haha.
I have been praying for you guys and hope you’re well! Much love this advent season.
Through some friends here in town, I've learned more about Anglicanism in the past few years, and I'm surprised all the time by the things I learn! Yes, there are many similarities. And I will talk about our conversion... I have to call it "ours" because it really was both of us converting... it was a crazy time! Eight years ago. I feel like I actually have enough distance from it to reflect on it in a meaningful way now.
I love your nicknames for your boys! And with kids in the house it definitely makes since that any singing near Christmas will end up in Jingle Bells. :)
Yes, I'm curious to hear your conversion story, too. I love hearing different people's journeys to their church home.
Thank you 😂. Yes, we sang it just last night. And will. Every day. At some point, they start doing the "Batman smells" rendition, which is not my favorite, but what are you going to do... I will do the conversion story for sure!
I'm late to the game, but just read this - it was so good! I laughed a lot. What happened to the advent mason jars? Just kind of were done after Advent season or was there a story to their "demise" lol?
They were a first-Christmas-together, we-don't-have-the-budget-for-fancy-candles solution during Christmas 2016 😂. I put little votive candle holders in the tops of old spaghetti sauce jars and called it good! They worked for years and years! But this year I updated to a "real" Advent wreath. I kind of miss the old ones!
Question: Do you know that Jingle Bells is actually about *Thanksgiving,* not Christmas?
So even the strictest of us (as far as holiday music goes) can gleefully sing it as early as November!!
My daughter's first ever school report was on the history of Jingle Bells, and the knowledge she gained has enabled our reckless Advent Jingle-Belling ever since.
I am so consoled by this!! Jingle all the way forever!!!
I learned that last year! If you actually listen to the lyrics it makes sense because there’s nothing specifically Christmas about it 😆
WAIT....... whoa..
Question: What IS your conversion story, tho? (I don't think I knew you were a convert.)
Also, what does working on your paid writing projects look like?? Like when does it happen, what's your process — I'm impressed.
I'm excited about writing out the conversion story! I don't know that I've ever assembled the whole thing into words in one place... I'll do my best to keep it brief!
And, as for that second question... what that work looks like begins and ends with the fact that we live in the same city as my parents and Jonny's mom. It would be almost impossible if that wasn't the case. But I might talk about it more, because even though I have so much help, it's still a hot mess disaster half the time... I think sometimes work-from-home/side-hustle parents (especially moms) have this idea that they should only pursue something like that if it's smooth sailing, and I disagree. It's worth trying, even if there are disaster moments.
Meredith it’s so comforting to hear from someone else who has parents/grands close by and still feels like a hot mess. That’s all.
the mess is actually on fire sometimes
I look forward to either (or both) of these responses!!
Several months ago / a year ago? on Twitter (back when I was still using it), I said something to the effect that writers, creators, anyone with young kids doing work should have a disclaimer about how they are able to accomplish it! Like a footnote of all the help that goes into it. This sounds cynical, and I think it was at the time, but now I think there's some merit to that. Without ever showing or mentioning the nanny, the preschool, the hired cleaners, the husband who works from home, the in-laws and parents in town.... it can seem to people without any of that like these parents doing their work are superhuman (from my own perspective at least. lol) So again, I am truly interested in the creative, messy, myriad ways parents and mothers in particular do things. Even if their circumstances are different, it's always an interesting way to learn what's possible!!
I really like the idea of footnotes from creators about "how they did it" - both for the "what's possible?" question and for addressing the inevitable comparisons that come up. You really need more of the whole picture to understand, and when people "hide" their resources and people, it supports the idea that parents can "do and have it all" without any help. And that idea is so dangerous.
Amen amen! I love reading about how people are doing life from a holistic view.
I really am curious to hear more about your non-Substack writing experiences and how it’s been to find/make time for those in the midst of busy family life. Always curious to know how people I admire make it work — even though I suspect the answer is for most of us: “This is really mostly a crapshoot, I have no idea how anything happens.”
Ok, awesome. I will write about it. As I'm thinking about my work, it's almost morphing into a "What does it look like for a mother to have 'enough help'" kind of question... but yes, "crapshoot" is a good word for what happens when your "work block" is in the middle of the 3yo's nap and she is "NOT going to nap today."
My 2yo tells me all the time “Mommy, I not intissted napping.” 🤦♀️
The two year old nap freak out is real. *Usually* if you push through they’ll keep napping. I just think they’re way too “intissted” in literally everything else to want to sleep.
She’s gotten a lot better the last week or two, blessedly. It was touch and go there for a while. Here’s hoping we keep that time for a bit longer.
LOL
But I am! I am so intissted in ME napping.
Ivana Greco should interview Meredith!
That would be so fun! I love the series!
Just shoot her an email! I know she’d love to have you on!
Question: What not to do when sharing our faith with Non-Catholics?
I have some very cringe-y anecdotes about me trying to share my faith as a new, new Catholic 🤣 - I can only laugh about this because it was a long time ago. But great question! It's in the mix!
I love your Mason jar Advent wreath!! I have a tendency to use canning jars for every.single.thing, so this is right up my alley.
Question: who's your confirmation saint?
Thanks so much for your kind shout-out to the new guild...I'm so grateful to cross paths with you here, and learn so much from your reflections!
Thank you, Kristin!! I love everything that comes into my inbox from your desk.
Our eldest is Lucy, St. Lucia day is sweet.
I grew up going to Catholic Church, went to many non-denomination churches and three years ago married an Anglican priest (you may have know some of that). Curious about you talking about “converting” to Catholicism. I don’t judge and think very highly of you friend, just curious your take on some of those things? Anglicanism is similar to Catholicism in some ways. I enjoy many of what I’ve learned going to church but I would say it’s overall just grown my faith in Jesus. Curious more about your faith story. I’m always interested in faith stories!
And I’m interested in names so I’ve been wondering your newest boy’s name. If you don’t share it with the masses that’s ok:). We’re sort of careful on that or were until Sammy and now... not so much, haha.
I have been praying for you guys and hope you’re well! Much love this advent season.
Through some friends here in town, I've learned more about Anglicanism in the past few years, and I'm surprised all the time by the things I learn! Yes, there are many similarities. And I will talk about our conversion... I have to call it "ours" because it really was both of us converting... it was a crazy time! Eight years ago. I feel like I actually have enough distance from it to reflect on it in a meaningful way now.
I love your nicknames for your boys! And with kids in the house it definitely makes since that any singing near Christmas will end up in Jingle Bells. :)
Yes, I'm curious to hear your conversion story, too. I love hearing different people's journeys to their church home.
Thank you 😂. Yes, we sang it just last night. And will. Every day. At some point, they start doing the "Batman smells" rendition, which is not my favorite, but what are you going to do... I will do the conversion story for sure!
I'm late to the game, but just read this - it was so good! I laughed a lot. What happened to the advent mason jars? Just kind of were done after Advent season or was there a story to their "demise" lol?
They were a first-Christmas-together, we-don't-have-the-budget-for-fancy-candles solution during Christmas 2016 😂. I put little votive candle holders in the tops of old spaghetti sauce jars and called it good! They worked for years and years! But this year I updated to a "real" Advent wreath. I kind of miss the old ones!