Have you ever noticed that December, so filled with the busiest days in the year, also happens to have the shortest days in the entire year? From summer onward, night slowly creeps up earlier and earlier each evening so that by the time we get to the solstice on roughly December 21, we face the shortest day of the year. 

With those short days come long lists of errands to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the holidays and, if you are like me, you run out of daylight long before everything is completed. However, after the busy days draw to a close, those long nights are ripe for lingering around a table with friends and a second helping of dessert. And those cold winter mornings are the ideal time to put out food for the little birds that never seem to stop fluttering with joy. If you hang up holiday lights this time of year, consider this: you are not just hanging them up for yourself, but for everyone who is driving by on a dark evening and suddenly feels a bit of cheer at the sight of twinkling warmth.

Countless donation drives kick off in December with constant requests for contributions, but this month also makes for the perfect time to place a note of gratitude directly into the hands of someone you genuinely appreciate and tell them, with nothing held back, how they change your life for the better. No matter how much or how little time you have, give of yourself and light up the night. 

The point is that we can choose how to perceive that short day in December just as we choose how to perceive the other 364 days in the year. The darkest day could not exist without the presence of light. Thank you for being a source of light in my life, and for being someone who can light up the night.

I’m sending back love and light with this letter, and hope you find joy in every day this December!

Cheers!

Gino

In our constantly connected world, a full tech detox can feel overwhelming. Instead, try incorporating "micro-detox" moments into your day.  When you step away from your device, these short, intentional breaks help you reconnect with the present.

Whether it’s 10 minutes of screen-free time when drinking your morning coffee or enjoying a brief walk without your phone, these small pauses help reduce stress and boost mindfulness. In time, these micro-detox moments can lead to a more balanced and less-tech-dependent lifestyle.

Consider creating a routine when setting specific times for these breaks, such as during meals or before bed. Use these moments to engage in activities that nurture your well-being, such as deep breathing, stretching or simply observing your surroundings. Even these brief respites can refresh your mind and help you approach your day with greater clarity and focus.

By embracing micro-detox moments, you can cultivate a healthier relationship with technology, one small step at a time.

Preparing your garden properly to withstand winter’s chill can help your garden bounce back during the spring, ensuring healthy plants and a beautiful landscape. Here’s how to get started:

Clean up and remove debris. Clearing your garden of dead plants, fallen leaves, and debris reduces the risk of pests and diseases taking hold during the winter. According to the University of Illinois Extension, removing plant debris prevents the spread of pathogens that can harm your garden during the next growing season.

Mulch your garden beds. Applying a layer of mulch helps insulate the soil and protect plant roots from freezing temperatures. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends using organic materials, such as compost or shredded bark, which also add nutrients to the soil while decomposing during winter.

Protect perennials and shrubs. Perennials and shrubs need extra care to survive winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests cutting back perennials, covering them with mulch, and covering shrubs with a burlap wrap to shield them from harsh winds.

Prune dead or diseased branches. Late fall is an excellent time to prune dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. The Arbor Day Foundation advises careful pruning to prevent the spread of disease and to reduce the risk of branches breaking under the weight of snow.

Prepare your soil for spring. Consider adding compost or organic matter to your garden beds during fall, which allows the soil the time to break down the nutrients and make them available for plants during spring. According to the National Gardening Association, enriching the soil during fall can lead to healthier plants and better yields next year.

November marks American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes—a condition in which a body can't produce or use insulin properly to manage glucose levels. This disease affects millions of people throughout the United States and can result in serious complications, including disability and death.

The purpose of American Diabetes Month is to highlight the severity of diabetes and the necessity of effective treatment.

Currently, 34 million Americans live with diabetes and 88  million have pre-diabetes, making it likely that this condition impacts someone you know.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a vital part of modern health care, especially for seniors. As the global population ages, AI is rising to meet the demand for personalized and effective health care solutions.

Early detection and diagnosis: AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and identify patterns that could indicate the onset of such conditions as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, or cancer. For seniors, early detection is crucial and often leads to more-effective treatments. AI algorithms already are outperforming doctors when diagnosing conditions, such as breast cancer and eye diseases.

Personalized treatment plans: AI can revolutionize treatment plans by analyzing an individual's health data to suggest personalized therapies, reduce the likelihood of side effects, and improve the overall quality of life—particularly when managing chronic conditions.

Remote monitoring and virtual care: AI-powered remote-monitoring systems, a game-changer for seniors, track vital signs and detect falls in real time. This technology ensures timely intervention and allows seniors to maintain their independence.

Combating loneliness and isolation: AI-driven virtual companions provide social interaction and cognitive exercises. They help combat loneliness and keep seniors mentally active. Studies show these technologies improve mental well-being significantly.

The road ahead as AI evolves: Its role in enhancing senior health care will only expand by offering new ways to improve the quality of life. Although challenges, such as data privacy remain, the benefits are immense and open the possibilities for healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Bring the scents of autumn into your home with this simple and natural stovetop potpourri. It’s an easy and effective way to fill your space with the warm, spicy aromas of fall.

Ingredients:

1 sliced orange or apple

2-3 cinnamon sticks

1 tablespoon of whole cloves

2-3 star anise pods (optional)

A handful of fresh rosemary or sage Instructions:

Add all the ingredients to a pot of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer.

Allow the fragrant steam to fill your home with the comforting scents of autumn.

Keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed. This stovetop potpourri is an effortless way to create a cozy atmosphere perfect for any autumn day.

This warm, spiced drink combines apple cider, cranberry juice, and festive spices, making it perfect for cozy gatherings and celebrations. Enjoy the taste of the season without the alcohol! Whether served at a holiday party or a quiet evening at home, this delightful beverage will bring a touch of warmth and cheer. The rich blend of flavors will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider

2  cups cranberry juice

1 orange, sliced

3  cinnamon sticks

4  whole cloves

2 star anise Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Strain and serve warm.

As the crisp air of fall settles in, a certain warmth fills our homes—the warmth of gathering, gratitude, and, of course, pie.

This season, we celebrate the comforting flavors that bring us together, from the rich pumpkin spices to the sweet, tart notes of cranberry. Let's take a moment to savor the delicious traditions that grace our tables, starting with a heartfelt tribute to one of our favorite holiday treats.

In the heart of fall, when leaves turn gold, a tale of pies is warmly told. Pumpkin spice and apple sweet,

In flaky crusts, flavors meet.

Pecan glimmers with syrupy glaze, Cranberry’s tart in a sugary haze.

They gather round the table’s cheer, Whispering of the harvest near.

Each slice a story, each bite a hug, Wrapped in a blanket, warm and snug.

A piece of love in every plate, Thanksgiving pies—joy we create.

So pass the fork and take a slice,

For holiday pies are pure delight.

They speak of thanks in every crumb,

A sweet reminder of what’s to come.

November always sneaks up on me, bringing with it a mix of quiet reflection and the buzz of holiday preparations. There’s a certain comfort in the rituals—pulling out that well-worn sweater, brewing a pot of something warm, and finding a moment to breathe amid the bustle.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we each create our own version of cozy. For me, it’s the simple acts—turning off the phone for a bit, catching up on a good book, or just sitting down with a cup of tea and watching the world outside. It’s in those small pauses that I find the most meaning, and I hope you’re finding your own ways to carve out those moments, too.

This season, I’m not just grateful for the big things, but for the little ones that make up the tapestry of our everyday lives. The quiet chats, the shared smiles, the feeling of home—even if it’s just the place where you feel most at ease.

Here’s to finding those pockets of peace and savoring them, however they come.

Sincerely,

Gino Pezzani