Random thoughts as the new year approaches.

• I pray a lot of novenas, sometimes for the needs of specific people and sometimes for specific intentions. Reflecting on this, I realized that I've never prayed a novena for myself. So two days ago I started a novena to my patron saint, Mary's mother Ann, for myself. It's not very specific -- I just want to be conformed to the will of God. If you've never prayed a novena for yourself why not make one. After all, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do we love ourselves enough to pray for ourselves. We certainly need it!

• Many people never read even one book during the year. I can't imagine that, but I decided I will make myself a book plan for the new year. In January I will read a biography, in February a classic, in March, a book geared toward preparation for Easter. With Spring arriving I'll celebrate April's new beginnings by reading a children's book that I enjoyed or one I've never read but wish I had. With May and Spring cleaning, I'll pick out a how to book, perhaps how to de-clutter efficiently. June, July, and August being summer vacation months I'll read a few novels by the great Catholic authors. What an adventure that will be just to pick them out! Bernanos, Benson, Chesterton, Percy, Tolkien, Flannery O'Connor, Hugo, Waugh, Rumor Godden...how will I ever choose? When autumn comes with the waning of the year I'll aim to read a memoir in September; and in October a few short stories by Poe who is certainly appropriate for Halloween. Then in November a biography of a saint and in December a book of Advent reflections or spiritual reading in preparation for Christmas. One of my granddaughters does a yearly "Book Bingo." Hopefully, my plan will fill in lots of squares on the game board. I look forward to it!

• We're only on the third day of Christmas, a time to continue celebrating, sending cards, giving gifts, etc. My niece sent my sister a package with two lovely nightgowns (That's all she wears these days.) and six incredibly soft, fuzzy socks. My sister won't let the staff at the nursing home touch her feet so she doesn't wear socks. When I offered to send the socks back, my niece said just keep them. So I wrapped them up individually with a few wrapped candies and will give my sister the pleasure of giving them to members of the staff. Thanks to my guardian angel for the idea. My niece loved it. A big thank you to her for making it all possible. And may my sister enjoy being the giver of gifts.

• Please don't put your Christmas tree out at the curb! Keep it up at least for the 12 days of Christmas. After that, how about setting it up in your yard with some peanut butter, seed-covered pine cones and suet for the birds.

• Hope your third day of Christmas is merry and bright!