We're on the cusp of 2024. Based on the trajectory of the past few years, there doesn't seem to be much cause for optimism, and I haven't heard much hopeful chatter in real life or on the interwebs. It's my philosophy that at the global level, what will happen will happen, and you or I can't do much to change that. However, what we CAN do is engage in small, purposeful actions with the goal of edifying ourselves, preserving things that are valuable, and savoring moments of joy and meaning in our everyday lives.

One way to do this is to cultivate the habit of keeping alive our Southern culture and traditions. Those of us who value the old and contemporary South have a wonderful new resource for incorporating it into our daily lives. Our friends at Shotwell Publishing ("Southern Books. No Apologies.") are offering their first edition of the 365 Days of Dixie calendar for 2024. 

The 365 Days of Dixie calendar is like none you've ever owned. Of course, it has beautiful graphics for each month that celebrate historic and modern-era aspects of Southern culture. But it is unique in that it also has reminders of important dates for Dixians to note - and not just for Civil War and Confederate history enthusiasts, though there's a-plenty for those folks. This calendar includes the birthdates of important contributors to Southern thought and culture like Flannery O'Connor, M.E. Bradford, and Wendell Berry, to name a few. You'll also be reminded of the anniversaries of important happenings in modern US history such as the federal siege against civilians at Ruby Ridge, and the anniversary of the attack on lawful pro-monument demonstrators in Lee Park, Charlottesville Virginia in 2017. More positive commemorations, like like the launch of the Beverly Hillbillies show, the publication of "I'll Take My Stand," and the first Augusta Masters tournament are included too.

They didn't include any Muslim holidays or specify which Ethnic-Subgroup-American History is being celebrated each month, so if you need those reminders, you probably ought to just get a calendar at Walmart. But if Dixie is number one in your heart, there is no other choice! Get your favorite new calendar HERE.

I recently sat down to address envelopes for the annual family Christmas cards, and it occurred to me how rarely I set upon such a task nowadays. Obviously, people are not sending cards or other personal mail as much as they used to. How exciting it is in our current age to find a piece of mail with one's name handwritten on the front, and a colorful personal return address sticker in the corner? It’s almost like stumbling upon hidden treasure!

Electronic communication makes keeping in touch so much easier, which is beneficial from a practical standpoint, But when it comes to important personal relationships, it makes our interactions almost TOO easy. We can casually and effortlessly dash off whatever idea flashes through our mind, with little time spent crafting the message and little consideration of whether the idea is worthwhile and beneficial to share. And in a public forum like social media, the same posts are broadcast to elderly aunts, old school mates, coworkers, and a variety of accumulated casual acquaintances. They are fashioned to suit the preferences of the poster, rather than being thoughtfully tailored for the recipient.

By contrast, while writing a short greeting in each card, I am inspired to spend a few moments  thinking about each particular person or family, and reflecting on my relationship with them and the important events that have taken place in their lives in the past year. Are they celebrating successes, struggling, or mourning? Have I been present to share these experiences with them? How seldom I stop to focus on the people who are important to me, and really appreciate the blessing that each one is to my life!

Flipping through the address book (I like to keep a hard copy) is also occasion to reflect on the people who are not in my life anymore.  Some have fallen away as the current of life draws us in different directions. Even more sad are the entries for those with whom I have experienced a rift, or others who have passed on. The annual ritual of sending Christmas cards is a tangible marker of how relationships change as calendar pages turn.

Considering each loved one with regards to the season compels even deeper regard. I feel a twinge of discomfort sending an explicitly Christian card to some, uncertain whether they know Christ, or imagining they will be indifferent to or even annoyed by the Bible verse on the card. Some people on my list, I expect to have continued fellowship in eternity. For others, I resolve to pray more fervently for their salvation. Considering birth of the Saviour while straightening the stack of written greetings to the most important people in my life makes me keenly aware of my bountiful blessings of special people and relationships.