Happy New Year! (and make it so!)

via lollaloves

Happiness is...

via IndieBound

...this Peanuts collection of books by Charles Schulz. So sweet, so sincere, and so true. These simple images really do just make me happy (though, of course, I'd tweak the top image to say: "Happiness is a cozy kitten"). But aside from my cat lady needs to modify the one image - I think these books would make such cute gifts for just about anyone (and also check out Schulz's "Love is Walking Hand In Hand" for the perfect Valentine's Day gift).

via Cultural Calories

via Duarte

via Duarte

via Doug Pratt

via IndieBound

Christmas according to Linus

Charlie Brown:

"I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about."

[shouting in desperation]

"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Linus:

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."

[moves toward the center of the stage]

"Lights, please."

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."


Here's hoping that despite all the madness of the holidays - you get a chance to rest, have plenty of laughter, and an abundance of love from the ones that mean most to you. Merry Christmas everyone!!

(sources: 1st image, text, 2nd image)