As the fireworks fade and the calendar turns, I want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a very Safe & Happy New Year. Whether you’re ringing in 2026 with family, friends, or a quiet cup of coffee, I hope this fresh start brings a sense of peace, possibility, and purpose.
This year, may we all strive to be:
Healthier — in body, mind, and spirit. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other.
Wealthier — not just in dollars, but in time, relationships, and joy. True wealth shows up in the moments we share and the memories we make.
Wiser — learning from the past, staying curious, and growing with intention.
Here in Texas, I’m grateful for the chance to build something meaningful — through creativity and connection. I’m excited to keep sharing stories, graphics, and ideas that reflect both warmth and digital savvy.
Thanks for being part of the journey and wishing you Peace, Love, and Joy throughout the year! Let’s make 2026 a year to remember.
Christmas Eve has a magic all its own, and one of the most delightful traditions is keeping an eye on Santa’s journey around the world. Whether you’re cozying up in your town with hot cocoa or helping the kids set out cookies, you can follow Santa in real time thanks to the NORAD Santa Tracker.
NORAD has been tracking Santa for 70 years, and they make it easy for families to join the fun. You can:
Call 877‑446‑6723 to hear the latest updates from NORAD’s Santa-tracking volunteers
It’s a simple way to bring a little extra wonder into your home tonight. So gather the family, refresh the map, and enjoy the countdown as Santa gets closer to Texas. Merry Christmas Eve, y’all!
There’s a unique warmth in these final days before Christmas arrives. The world feels like it’s holding its breath—lights glowing a little brighter, kitchens warming up a little earlier, and hearts stretching just a little wider. With only two days left until Christmas, y’all, the countdown is officially real.
Santa’s Almost Here
Whether you’ve got little ones pacing the hallway or grown-ups pretending they’re not checking NORAD every hour, the excitement is building. Stockings are hanging, cookies are planned, and the question on every kid’s mind is the same: “Do you think Santa’s close yet?”
There’s a sweetness to this anticipation—those quiet moments when the house settles down and you can almost imagine sleigh bells in the distance. These are the memories that stick.
Cooking Up the Favorites
This is the time when kitchens across Texas start smelling like pure holiday joy. Maybe it’s your family’s famous tamales, a perfectly glazed ham, or that one dessert that only comes out once a year. Maybe you’re mixing up a batch of Christmas margaritas, hot buttered rum, or a simple bourbon neat to sip while the oven does its thing.
Whatever your traditions look like, these last two days are for leaning into them—slowly, intentionally, and with a whole lot of love.
Gathering Close With Family
The best part of Christmas isn’t the gifts or the glitter—it’s the people we share it with. These final days before the big morning are perfect for slowing down, turning off the noise, and soaking in the moments with the folks who make life feel full.
Board games on the table. Christmas movies on repeat. Kids running around with that unmistakable December energy. Laughter echoing through the house. These are the scenes that make the season feel real.
Holding Space for Those We Miss
As joyful as this time is, it’s also a season of remembering. Many families have empty chairs at the table this year—loved ones who are far away, serving, traveling, or no longer with us. If that’s you, know that you’re not alone.
Take a moment to honor them. Light a candle. Share a story. Say their name. Christmas has a way of bringing both joy and tenderness to the surface, and there’s room for all of it.
Two Days to Go
So here we are—just 48 hours from Christmas morning. The lights are twinkling, the lists are nearly checked off, and the spirit of the season is settling in like a warm blanket.
May these next two days be filled with good food, good company, and good memories. May your home feel peaceful, your heart feel full, and your hope feel renewed.
Merry (almost) Christmas, to all. Let’s make these last moments count.
There’s something magical about this moment on the calendar — that sweet spot just three days before Christmas when the world feels like it’s buzzing, bustling, and brimming with anticipation. Whether you’re racing through last‑minute shopping, welcoming friends and family into town, navigating hectic holiday travel, or settling in for a quiet Christmas at home, this stretch of December always has a way of reminding us what truly matters.
The Last-Minute Hustle
Let’s be honest — some of us thrive on the thrill of those final shopping days. The stores are packed, the lines are long, and the parking lots… well, let’s just say patience becomes a virtue real quick. But even in the chaos, there’s a certain joy in picking out that perfect gift, imagining the smile it’ll bring, and feeling connected to the people we love.
Traveling, Hosting, and Holiday Hecticness
For others, these days are filled with airport runs, long drives, or prepping the house for guests. Suitcases, snacks, playlists, and prayers for smooth travel — it’s all part of the season. And when everyone finally arrives, the noise, the laughter, the stories, and even the mess become memories we’ll hold onto long after the decorations come down.
Or Maybe… a Quiet Christmas at Home
And then there are those who choose — or need — a slower holiday. A peaceful Christmas at home, wrapped in blankets, sipping something warm, watching the lights glow. There’s beauty in the stillness, too. Sometimes the quiet moments are the ones that speak the loudest.
What Matters Most
No matter how you’re spending these last few days, it’s worth pausing to remember the heart of the season. Christmas isn’t about the perfect gift, the perfect house, or the perfect plan. It’s about the spirit that connects us — peace, love, and joy.
Peace that settles our hearts even when life feels busy
Love that reminds us we’re never walking through this world alone
Joy that shows up in big moments and small ones alike
As we count down these final days, may we all find a little more of each.
So, take a breath, y’all. Look around. Savor the moments — the loud ones, the quiet ones, and everything in between. Christmas is almost here, and its spirit is already shining bright.
Can you believe it? Christmas is just four short days away! If you’ve still got a few gifts left on your list, now’s the time to wrap up that shopping. Be safe out there, shop smart, and don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the magic of the season.
Wishing y’all a joyful, merry countdown to Christmas!
A Texas‑Sized Christmas Connection: Why Dot.Card is the Future of Networking
The holidays in Texas aren’t just about twinkling lights on the Brazos or barbecue brisket served alongside tamales. They’re about connection—family, friends, neighbors, and new opportunities. And in today’s digital world, staying connected means more than swapping phone numbers on a napkin. That’s where dot.card comes in: the modern business card designed for a lifetime of networking.
What is Dot.Card?
Dot.card is a digital business card platform that lets you share your contact info, social media, payment links, and more—all with a simple tap or scan. No app required, no fumbling with typing numbers. Just one tap, and your profile opens in a browser on any iPhone or Android.
Dot.Profile: Your free, customizable digital card with lifetime access. Dot.Band: A wristband that lets you connect hands‑free—perfect for holiday parties or concerts. Dot.Metal: Forged in stainless steel, it’s the most durable way to network. Dot.Thin: Sleek enough to fit under a phone case, ready whenever you are. Bundles & Teams: Starter packs and bulk orders for businesses, bands, or organizations.
Why Texans Could Use Dot.Card This Christmas
Think about the holiday season in Waco or Austin: parades, church socials, small‑business fairs, and family gatherings. Dot.card makes those moments smoother and more memorable.
Small Business Owners: Instead of juggling paper cards, a Waco shop owner can use a Dot.Thin under their phone case. Customers tap and instantly get links to the store’s website, Instagram, and payment options. Musicians & Artists: A Texas band playing at a Christmas market can place a Dot.Classic on their merch table. Fans tap to join mailing lists or follow socials—no more lost opportunities. Consultants & Freelancers: Folks like me, working in WordPress and IT consulting, can hand clients a Dot.Metal card. It’s durable, professional, and updates automatically when my info changes. Holiday Networking: At a Christmas gala, wearing a Dot.Band means you never miss a chance to connect—even while holding a plate of pecan pie.
The Gift of Connection
Dot.card isn’t just practical—it’s a thoughtful gift. Imagine giving your employees or clients a custom Dot.Metal card with your logo. It’s branding brilliance and a way to say, “We value lasting connections.”
Wrapping It Up, Texas Style
Christmas in Texas is about big hearts and bigger hospitality. Dot.card fits right into that spirit: one card, a lifetime of connecting. Whether you’re growing a business, sharing your art, or just making new friends at the holiday parade, Dot.card ensures your connections last longer than the Christmas lights on Austin’s Trail of Lights.
So this season, skip the paper stack and embrace the future. With Dot.card, you’ll be networking faster than Santa’s sleigh across the Hill Country skies.
Topher (top left) is our rescue. Loki (middle left) is our oldest son’s rescue and our grand pup.
A Texas-Sized Christmas Blessing: Celebrating the Holidays with Heart and Hope
As the lights twinkle across Waco and the scent of tamales and pecan pie fills the air, there’s something uniquely magical about a Texas Christmas. It’s a season of warmth, generosity, and gathering—where cowboy boots meet mistletoe and families come together under starry skies to celebrate the blessings of the year.
But amid the joy and celebration, it’s also a time to reflect on those who need a little extra love—especially our four-legged friends who are still waiting for their forever homes.
The Heart Behind Rescue: Why It Matters
Texas is home to thousands of rescue animals—dogs, cats, and even farm animals—who’ve been abandoned, neglected, or displaced. These animals aren’t just statistics; they’re souls with stories, waiting for someone to believe in them.
Rescue organizations across the Lone Star State work tirelessly to provide shelter, medical care, and a second chance. But during the holidays, their needs grow. Cold weather, increased intake, and limited resources make this season especially challenging.
How You Can Help This Holiday Season
Whether you’re a lifelong Texan or newly planted roots in Waco, here are a few ways to make a difference:
Adopt, Don’t Shop: If you’re ready to welcome a new companion, consider adopting from a local shelter. You’ll be giving the gift of home to an animal who truly needs it.
Foster for the Holidays: Short-term fostering can save lives. It frees up shelter space and gives animals a warm place to rest while they wait for adoption.
Donate Supplies or Funds: Blankets, food, toys, and monetary donations go a long way. Many shelters have wish lists you can shop from directly.
Volunteer Your Time: Even a few hours can help with walking dogs, cleaning kennels, or assisting with holiday adoption events.
Spread the Word: Share rescue stories on social media, attend local events, and encourage friends and family to support animal welfare.
A Season of Compassion
Christmas in Texas isn’t just about big lights and bold flavors—it’s about big hearts. As we gather around the tree and count our blessings, let’s remember the joy of giving, the power of kindness, and the incredible impact we can have when we open our homes and hearts.
So this season, let’s make room for one more stocking—maybe with paw prints on it. Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like saving a life.
From our family to yours, wishing you peace, joy, and a tail-wagging holiday season deep in the heart of Texas. ~ Gil & Renee
A Texas-Sized Holiday Gift: Astound Broadband Internet, Mobile, TV & Referral Rewards
Updated 23-Dec-2025: This post has now been updated to reflect the fact that my own referral codes have been removed but all other information remains up-to-date and intact regarding how you can utilize Astound’s refer-a-friend program. I personally just switched providers to lock in a multi-year rate with an Internet + TV bundle with Spectrum that couldn’t be passed up, or beat, by any other current promotions by any other provider I could find.
Howdy, y’all! The holidays in Texas aren’t just about twinkling lights on the porch or pecan pie cooling on the counter—they’re about staying connected with family, friends, and community. And this season, Astound Broadband is making it easier than ever to share joy, stream holiday classics, and keep in touch with loved ones near and far.
With blazing-fast Internet, reliable Mobile service, and customizable TV packages, Astound is the gift that keeps on giving. And thanks to their Refer-A-Friend Program, you can spread the cheer and earn rewards while you’re at it.
Internet: Stream Holiday Magic
From watching It’s a Wonderful Life to video chatting with family across the state, Astound Internet delivers the speed you need to keep holiday traditions alive.
Whether you’re road-tripping to Grandma’s or shopping downtown Waco for gifts, Astound Mobile keeps you connected without missing a beat. Affordable plans mean more money left for stocking stuffers.
Nothing says holiday spirit like gathering around the TV for Christmas movies or catching the big bowl games. Astound TV brings the channels you love straight to your living room.
The Refer-A-Friend Program: Share Joy, Earn Rewards
Astound’s Refer-A-Friend Program is like Santa’s sleigh for your wallet. When you refer friends or family, you can earn up to $100 bill credit per referral, with a maximum of $1,200 per year.
How It Works:
Sign up for your Astound Broadband service.
Then come back and activate your referral link (sent via email or social media).
Your friend signs up for Astound Internet, Mobile, or TV online, at a service center, or by calling 1-800-4-ASTOUND (1-800-427-8686).
You both enjoy the gift of Astound services—and you get rewarded.
It’s the kind of holiday win-win Texans love.
Special Holiday Deals
Astound sweetens the season with special offers that make signing up even merrier. Whether you’re bundling services or grabbing a limited-time discount, there’s a deal worth celebrating.
This holiday season, Astound Broadband is more than a provider—it’s a partner in keeping your home joyful, connected, and full of cheer. With Internet, Mobile, and TV services plus a referral program that rewards generosity, Astound is tailor-made for Texans who love to share big.
So, sign up, spread the word, and let Astound make your holidays joyful.
This weekend Heritage Square in Downtown Waco came alive with holiday cheer as the 13th Annual Waco Wonderland Festival kicked off its return for the season. From December 5–7, 2025, families, friends, and visitors from all over are gathering to celebrate one of Waco’s most beloved traditions — and we were thrilled to be part of it.
Tree Lighting & Fireworks
Friday evening began with the spectacular tree lighting ceremony, followed by a dazzling fireworks display presented by H-E-B. The crowd’s excitement was contagious as the sky lit up with color, marking the official start of the holiday season in Waco.
Holiday Parade & Santa Visits
Saturday morning the Downtown Holiday Parade brought festive floats, marching bands, and plenty of holiday spirit. Of course, no Wonderland is complete without Santa himself — and families lined up to capture the magic with a free photo with Santa, a tradition that never fails to delight.
Winter Fun & Entertainment
Over the weekend, Heritage Square transformed into a winter playground with the snow tube hill, Ferris wheel rides, and live entertainment throughout the night. Musical performances filled the air, while a live ice carving demonstration wowed the crowd with frosty artistry.
Food, Crafts & Market Magic
We couldn’t resist indulging in delicious bites from some of Waco’s top food and drink vendors. The Mistletoe Market was bustling with local artisans offering handmade crafts and unique gifts — perfect for holiday shopping with a personal touch.
Downtown Lights & December Cheer
Beyond the festival grounds, Downtown Waco’s holiday light display sparkled across the streets, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. The Downtown in December calendar promises even more holiday cheer throughout the month, from shopping strolls to special seasonal experiences.
A Community Celebration
Waco Wonderland is more than just an event — it’s a collaboration between the City of Waco, the Waco Downtown Public Improvement District, City Center Waco, and countless community partners. Their efforts make this festival a true celebration of togetherness, joy, and holiday spirit.
If you haven’t yet, make plans to join the fun before the weekend wraps up. Whether you’re here for the lights, the food, or simply the festive ambiance, Waco Wonderland 2025 is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season.
The holidays are the perfect time to bring beauty into your home—or gift it to someone special. For the entire month of December, I’m offering an incredible 50% off my digital photos, which can be made into canvases and art prints, at my Picfair online store.
Digital Photos – Starting at just $5 each, you can instantly download vibrant, eclectic images from my gallery. Perfect for editorial use (print, online, or broadcast) as well as personal projects.
Canvas Wraps – Choose black or white backing for a sleek, professional look. These make stunning statement pieces for your walls and unforgettable holiday gifts.
Art Prints – Available in glossy, semi-gloss, or matte finishes, my prints are crafted to suit any style. Select your preferred size and finish to create a personalized piece of art.
Please note: canvas wraps and art prints include additional pricing based on size and finish, plus shipping. Order early to ensure your artwork arrives in time for the holidays!
Why Shop Now?
50% savings all month long
Unique and eclectic imagery you won’t find anywhere else
Options for digital, canvas, and print formats to fit every need
Your support means the world to me, and every purchase helps fuel my creative journey. Thank you for choosing to make my art part of your holiday season.
realgilmorris 