Now that I live alone, which, by the way, has never happened before in my lifetime...
Now I get up at 4:30 AM and make coffee or tea and stitch or draw until the sun comes up. Then I do chores which usually takes me all day.
A Stray Santa Self is forming while I consider how weird it is to keep a list of naughty or nice. What kind of giving spirit is that?

A Santa Cat…what could be better? Early mornings are my time too, that first wee bit of light as it inches toward the horizon is so beautiful, special. Bumpy paths ahead for many. Perhaps it’s what helps us learn to appreciate the tiny wonder of nature and those precious sightings of wildlife and the wonder of our cats purr!
Sunrise is at least reliable.
Hello Jude.. It has been 9 years since I was widowed. I feel the loss as painfull today as the day it happened. I try to draw from all the sweet and funny memories I have held in my heart.
Hoping you find some memories to warm you when you feel alone.
I will continue my search for acceptance of change.
I still find joy in the innocence of the Children along with their spirit of surprise and amazement …
Although lonely.. even around others…I hold my memories within my heart! Love the latest Beast! Great for adding cheer as my computer screensaver!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I can say that the loneliness has just recently taken hold, since I was so busy finding a new place and settling in I really didn’t notice.
Happy holiday to you!
Love the stocking tail. And what do you expect from a guy who sneaks into the house using the chimney?
right?
I, too, am alone for the first time. I miss my husband so much, but longing for his return is useless, so I have to figure out how to fashion my new life on my own. Cat Santa is charming and unexpected.
Yes, everything is just so different. But there is newness.
How can I learn how to do this work? I am currently cleaning out years and years of clothing I have kept for sentimental reasons and I’m looking for a way to use scraps of it in meaningful ways. I think I’ve read that you don’t teach. Can you suggest someone who does? Thanks so much.
I do teach, I have just taken a break.
You can see some of my videos here.
https://www.youtube.com/@clothwhisperer
Love the Santa cat.
I live alone for two months a year. I used to dread it now I look forward to it.
The naughty and nice list is only in the song; I never knew anyone who actually kept such a list.
I think the song is weird.
Rock-a-bybaby is weird too .
Who ever thought these songs were for kids?
Morning is the best time and it is easier to be an early morning riser alone. 🙂 Really, there are pros and cons to alone/not alone, just like everything else. The chore list is definitely harder. A fabulous Santa!
It’s the best time for me anyway and is helping me to adjust to alone.
Jude~ I am always tickled when you create “holiday” pieces. I agree about the Santa list and never spoke of it to my children, though they must have known the myth of naughty or nice. sigh.
I have never been a morning person and would love to be. sigh.
Reading this, I realize that I too have never lived alone…yet anyway. What a big change. Big love to you.
Yeah, I have good holiday memories, probably just fun with family.
I have always been an early riser, can’t sleep when it’s light out. Now it’s even earlier.
Always had a roommate or a partner.
Very new to me.
The naughty and nice list is pretty invasive, but what gets me is how he sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake – – like he’s omnipotent. – or maybe big brother, or a spy with cameras in your room. My husband says that if there is a great catastrophe, in a million years, when they dig us up, they will say we worshipped the Great God Claus. He’s everywhere – statues, jewelry, cookie cutters, lawn decorations . . .
Well this one is at least straying…😂
Creepy really…so many children’s stories are.
I love getting up early, sitting quietly with a book or stitching, and watching the light fill the sky.
Yes to see the light return brings me peace.
just retired so still getting up at 5. I read so the drawing sounds like a good addition to the morning. I’m way past the naughty and nice bit…only little kids fall for it anymore so I think it’s more parental manipulation and I don’t blame them for trying it.
I don’t remember my parents stressing that part.
It was mostly about the fun of giving.
Early riser here. Coffee, warm furry companions (2 dogs/2 cats), and stillness. Priceless. I appreciate living alone. The Santa brings a smile.
Soul-o is so happy. He only likes me anyway. And he loves to watch the sun rise.
GREAT way to start your dayj! there’s something about those early morning hours…. like a waking dream… oh, and now i gotta say, have a NICE day! (ho ho ho…)
Love beginning in the dark
Santa faced cat is awesome 😁 yeah the naughty or nice thing always sounded weird to me too!
💙✌🏼
Weird for children I think.
Haha probably 😁
I like this Santa Cat… and there’s no spirit of giving in that naughty or nice list, it’s just the same ol’ patriarchal manipulation for control, comes right out of the fundamentalist religious playbook. (ok, you got me at a pissed off moment about this very thing!) In other news, today there is sunshine, which I haven’t seen in a few days. Going outside to work for a few hours. 😺
amen
Yeah, I get it, we need to pay attention.
Sun here too, wow, what a nice break from the Grey.
Yay for sun 🌞
Really. Such grey days.
I’m in total agreement with you about the naughty or nice thing. ❤️
😵💫
Distinctions have to be made but perhaps we don’t need to keep a list? I love him.
A list is strange, things change
He is awesome! Kudos (once again) to his creator. Can I sit in the corner of your brain for just a day🤩
It might get weird…
I think living alone for a significant time should be required! Time to truly get to know oneself.
Totally agree. Because in the end, only YOU can make your self happy, content, joyful. Others can support you and you can support them in that effort.
It’s different, I’m learning
Oh my goodness, your Santa cat is fabulous, adore him!❤️
Funny combo
He is wonderful!!
Silly mood.