whether we welcome it … or not
whether we dread it … or not
whether we like it … or not
the new year has opened
and we begin again
we must
because we cannot give up
because we cannot give in.
Bring on the New Year!
2026!
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© june maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/groups/soulistry
@soulistryjune.bsky.social
Traditionally, in Christian liturgical tradition, Christmastide (The Season of Christmas) slowly developed … even before the early Middle Ages. By the fourth century, western Christianity had agreed that December 25th was the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ while eastern Christianity emphasized January 6th. Sometime in the medieval period in western Europe, especially in England, Christmas became a twelve day Season from December 25 to January 6th with both cultural celebration and religious observance marked by families getting together with feasting, entertainment, music, and gift-giving.
The song Twelve Days of Christmas (the song’s lyrics were first published in England in the late 18th century by unknown lyricist. The melody was arranged by English composer Frederic Austin in 1909. The song reflected the cultural context by referencing the calendar structure of Christmastide rather than serving as a theological explanation. Bottom lineL the “twelve days,” historically grounded in the Christian liturgical calendar, also reflect a secular time of celebration.
Over the centuries, many have tried various interpretations of the specific listing of the days in the 12 day Season: allegorical … romantic … educational … symbolic … Christian catechism interpretations assigning religious meaning to each gift … modern interpretations.
And that’s where “Soulistry-Artistry of the Soul” entered so on each of the days during the 12 Days of Christmas, a Reflection on one of the 12 Days of Christmas will be published to encourage consideration of how each of the days of Christmas can be applied to present day life by each of us.
The original song included these days:
Whether marking the next 12 days as a religious tradition or religious belief, may the Christmas Season (all 12 Days!) be a blessing in ways none of us can imagine.
Let’s think possibilities!
May we enjoy each of the 12 Days of Christmas.
On each of the 12 days of Christmas – December 15 to January 5, a ‘Soulistry’ reflection will be posted here :
… for reflection
… for consideration
… for a gentle and possibly new way to experience Christmas
for 12 days, not just one day!
And then – on to the Season of Epiphany … the Season of Light.
But for now, let’s focus on this Season: the Christmas Season. 🙂
Merry Christmas!
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June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/groups/soulistry
soulistryjune@bsky.social
May there be peace in hearts this night.
… a cease-fire of anger, gunshots, ICE captures, hateful words, mean-spirited thoughts.
May there be peace this night.
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https://soulistry.com/blog
Many are about to, have been, are celebrating festive holidays and will be giving up their holidays to care for others.
Firefighters, police officers, Air Traffic controllers, Hydro Line Workers (PLT’s) EMT’s, physicians, armed forces in combat, nurses, 911 Dispatchers, those protesting ICE raids, and more, will be facing difficult, perhaps life-threatening situations for some.
Let’s remember them and their families who are doing without them at this holiday time so they can serve the needs of others. May they know how grateful we are that they are there, fighting fires that they are repairing downed power lines; rescuing people in flooded areas; dealing with traffic accidents; caring for others in hospitals, extended care facilities, ER’s, airports, railway stations bus stations; providing meals and beds and warmth for the homeless; visiting the lonely, bereaved, widowed at this difficult time; protecting the vulnerable; and may they all be safe.
Thank you, and may your selfless giving to others bless you in unexpected ways.
© June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/soulistry
soulistryjune@bsky.social
https://soulistry.com/thank-you
Have you read (and heard people complain) about the use of “Xmas” … instead of the use of “Christmas” in advertisements, cards, written greetings?
Have you begun to hear THOSE PHRASES yet? You know the ones … “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings” … instead of “Merry Christmas”?
I have, and can’t help but wonder why people get in such a flap over the phrases and spelling. Maybe it’s simply because they don’t know the history?
It seems that many believe that the use of “Xmas” is a recent invention or a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas (by taking ‘Christ’ out of the word). It’s not. So, how about a short bit of history and reality about these two things? Here goes —- way, way back (some say as early as the 1st century) there was a practice of using contractions for divine/sacred names.
Have a look at the image from the Book of Lindisfarne (an Irish monastic foundation) c. 634 AD on the northeast coast of England – aka Holy Island. A lovely place that is filled with history that is palpable and I hope to return some day. 🙂 But, back to the Book of Lindisfarne — this photo is the “Chi-Rho” page and illustrates a distinctive long left leg of the Chi/X – a style also found in the other books: Book of Kells, Book of Durrow, St. Gallen Gospel Book etc..
“X” is a very old abbreviation for the word ‘Christ” which was written in the ancient Greek alphabet (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ – cristos). The first two letters are called ‘Chi’ and ‘Rho’ and formed one of the earliest Christograms – a monogram that formed an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ known as the Chi-Rho. So, not a “modern” invention and not a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas.
By the way, ‘Christ’ wasn’t a family name/surname. It was a title meaning ‘anointed’. If you doubt that, check out Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage (Merriam-Webster, 1994) which states that for many, many years, words like Christian and Christianity were written as Xtian, Xtianity.
Now, what about the use of “Happy Holidays,” and “Seasons Greetings,” rather than “Merry Christmas”?
Those phrases aren’t an attempt to remove the religious meaning of Christmas. Rather, they’re meant to acknowledge that at this time of the year, several religions have celebrations (holidays) – not just Christians. The use of “Happy Holidays – Seasons Greetings” acknowledge the reality that we don’t always know what others are celebrating, or even ‘if’ they are celebrating. And as there are days set aside as national holidays in the month of December, it’s very appropriate to wish people “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” in general, and if they know what the other is celebrating, to wish them a specific greeting of “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa.”
I don’t know who created this chart, but I like it. If anyone knows who created it, please let me know so I can give appropriate accreditation. Thank you.
There is soooo much angst in this world. People are concerned and troubled and stressed and fearful. Let’s not add to the negativity.
Instead, when someone wishes us a special greeting this month, (whether or not we are observing that specific celebration,) may we, welcome the gesture and the good intention behind it, and be gracious, be gentle and be kind in response.
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© June Maffin
https://www.soulistry.com/blog
@soulistryjune.bsky.social
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In this part of the world – the days are short – the nights are long – the weather is dreary.
Many are experiencing darkness regardless of the weather, the time of the year/day.
Darkness of the soul. Darkness of the mind. Darkness.
When the darkness seems to permeate, infiltrate, engulf,
we must bring the light.
we must send the light.
we must be the light.
We can be the light as we
focus on goodness
not evil.
We can be the light as we
offer a listening ear
offer healing energy to a troubled world.
hold the light for others, be present, be honest, be kind, be thoughtful.
We can be the light and reflect the Light of Hope and possibility
by speaking up
by speaking out
by peaceful protest.
Where there is darkness …
may we bring the light.
Where there is darkness …
may we send the light.
Where there is darkness …
may we *be* the light.
May we offer healing energy, prayer good thoughts.
and focus on goodness
even in the face of evil.
Don’t let the darkness of social media, the weather, conversations win.
LIGHT – not darkness must be our focus.
May our mantra be:
Seek the light,
Share the light.
Be the light
Welcome the Light.
********
© June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
@soulistryjune.bsky.social
https://soulistry.com/where-there-is-darkness
To friends who are observing Hanukkah (a time to focus on light and peace)
which begins today,
and to all who are shocked
by the murders at Brown University, U.S.A.
and in Australia,
remember
… the darkness will not have the last word.
You are the light.
I am the light.
We are the light.
The Light will enter!
The darkness will not have the last word.
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© June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
https://soulistry.com/darkness-will-not-have-the-last-word
www.facebook.com/groups/soulistry
soulistryjune@bsky.social
photo image: photographer unknown
I cannot stop thinking of the people in Ukraine, still living in terror as explosions deafen. Today, food shortages are critical, the cold and snow will soon gnaw at bodies, medical supplies and services are almost non-existent and visible exhaustion is on the faces of young and old alike. Fear is a daily reality.
Children who survive this assault by Russia on their country will have bitter memories of childhood, just as it was for those children who survived the Holodomor of 1932.
The Holodomor – did you learn about it in school? I didn’t or at least I don’t remember learning about it. The English translation to the word ‘Holodomor’ is ‘death by hunger’. It was a famine engineered by the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. According to the 2010 findings of the Court of Appeal of Kyiv, there were losses due to famine of around ten million people … ten million! And it wasn’t just famine that resulted in lives lost, but cannibalism. According to the Harriman Review, over 2500 people were convicted of cannibalism during Holodomor.
Today, explosions continue, life carries on in underground shelters, food and medication shortages escalate, and remembrances of the terror of the Ukrainian revolution grow as Ukrainians fear that the Holodomor will once again be forced upon them by Russia. With the news this weekend, the anniversary of Holodomor, it is beginning to sound more and more of a possibility.
The Holodomor makes the desire for independence from Russia, a “need” … much more than a “want. It makes it a life-long “need.” It is not surprising that Ukrainians are fighting – and will continue to fight and defend their country.
Resilient in the face of terror and threat of reprisal, they are led by a courageous man, President Zelinskyy, Cabinet members and the brave women and men who valiantly fight for and stand up for democracy. They are not just fighting for themselves. They are fighting for people everywhere that democracy is being threatened.
Many Ukrainians arrived in Canada as refugees after the Holodomor, so it is not surprising that Canada has stood with Ukraine for decades. In 2014, a statue of a child, entitled “Bitter Memories of Childhood,” was unveiled outside the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg to memorialize the Holodomor. There are similar statues in other parts of Canada.
We must not forget the people of Ukraine. We must not forget all who work and fight for freedom and democracy in Ukraine and other places in the world.
“Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be
… in times of temptation and test, strengthen them and us
… from trials too great to endure, spare them and us;
… from the grip of all that is evil, free them and us.” (adapted from the NZ Prayer Book)
Amen. So may it be. Amen.
Remember Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini!
Text and Artwork © June Maffin
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These are difficult days. We need to gently nourish our bodies, minds and souls – even more so than usual.
This is an invitation to do that.
A bit of background: decades ago, I self-published a specialty cookbook. It sold well in the US, Canada, Australia, UK … and publication expenses were met. A number of years ago, I received unexpected emails from people who had discovered the book and wanted to know if it was still available. Sadly, nope. But, I had a few copies, so sent those people a complimentary copy. I didn’t think much about it – until recently …
It’s become clear that hunger and poverty issues are escalating, and for many, about to get even worse. I wondered what I could do. I decided to republish the book with a different title (“Nourish Gently: The Soulistry Cookbook”) and do it for free. So I began to type —- and type —- and type … (hopefully there are not too many typos that didn’t get caught). 
“Nourish Gently: A Soulistry Cookbook” is now ready to download, to use, to share for free. No need to sign anything. No need to give any personal information. No need to pay anything. It’s a gift and can be downloaded here: https://soulistry.com/books
You are welcome to pass on the link to others. Hopefully, an unexpected gift of “Gently Nourish” will put a smile on faces and in some small way, help in these difficult times.
Btw, the book is both cookbook and story. As cookbook, recipes are free-from additives, preservatives, refined sugar, chocolate, and also offers recipe suggestions for salicylate-substitution along with a whole lot of unexpected extras. Nourish Gently also tells a personal story which hopefully will encourage readers to make time to gently nourish and feed their body, mind and spirit.
This is not a “fancy” book, or a “glitzy” book; nor does it make any promises health-wise/scientifically/medically. If readers are in doubt as to whether the recipes might be helpful to them/their family situation, they are encouraged to discuss it with their physician and/or naturopath.
Nourish Gently is shared in the hope that it encourages readers to gently nourish their body through the cookbook recipes, and gently nourish their soul through the Soulistry Story.
