Archives for December 2025

Eternity * Cleverest Rom-Com Ever, With Its One-Of-A-Kind Plot, Strong Acting And Vivid Sets

In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I thoroughly enjoy Eternity. It’s the cleverest rom-com I’ve ever seen, with its one-of-a-kind plot, strong acting and vivid development of the setting… Along with the imaginative plot, the world building of the afterlife is hilariously creative. There are a lot of different choices for how to spend one’s eternity, like Paris Land, Capitalist World, Casino World, Beach World, Men Free World, and countless more.” See her full review below.

Eternity 

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

I thoroughly enjoyed Eternity. It’s the cleverest rom-com I’ve ever seen, with its one-of-a-kind plot, strong acting and vivid development of the setting.

Recently deceased Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) finds herself in an impossible situation: she must choose one of her husbands to spend eternity with in the afterlife and only gets one chance to get it right. It’s between Luke (Callum Turner), her first husband who died young after fighting in a war and Larry (Miles Teller), her second husband who she had children and grew old with.

There have been movies about the afterlife before, of course, but I’ve never seen a rom-com with this as its main focus, and I love how both of those aspects interact throughout the film. Along with the imaginative plot, the world building of the afterlife is hilariously creative. There are a lot of different choices for how to spend one’s eternity, like Paris Land, Capitalist World, Casino World, Beach World, Men Free World, and countless more. There is something for everyone, and it would be hard to choose where to go even if you didn’t have to pick between your two husbands. The acting is phenomenal. Being reverted to the physical state during the happiest time of their life, even though they all look young, their souls remain the same age as when they died, and the actors speak and act exactly how an elderly person behaves. Seeing Joan interact differently with each of her past husbands is extremely entertaining. Her shyness with Luke feels like young love whereas her tender annoyance with Larry feels exactly how you behave when you know someone for a long time. I also adore the side plot exploring the relationship of Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Ryan (John Early) – Larry and Joan’s ACs, respectively (you’ll figure out what AC means when you watch the movie).

There are many themes of uncertainty, regret, possibility, and hope in this film. I found it intriguing that the afterlife represents living life to the fullest and the importance of memory, but also displays messages of adaptability and acceptance in difficult situations. Be advised that there are some mature themes present, including profanity, drinking, and suggestive scenes.

I give Eternity 5out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on November 26, 2025.

“Why Don’t They Call?” The Question So Many Seniors Carry

Seniors everywhere keep an ear tuned to the hush of a living room, listening for a ringtone that never seems to break the air. The question, whispered in apartments, family homes, and retirement communities alike, takes on the weight of longing: “Why don’t they call?” Each quiet hour stretches, and the absence of familiar voices can press heavier than any ache of age. 

Yet beneath that silence lie ordinary reasons, solvable barriers, and hopeful paths back to conversation—paths that honor seniors’ need for connection and safeguard the dignity carried through decades of life experience.

The Long Quiet Between Rings

Time behaves differently for seniors than for their younger relatives. A single afternoon can feel wide as a prairie when calendars no longer revolve around deadlines or carpools. In contrast, adult children race from early commutes to late laptop glow, letting days tumble forward without a pause to dial. This mismatch creates aching gaps that seniors interpret as indifference, even when love remains unchanged. 

Studies tracking cortisol levels suggest that prolonged social silence heightens stress, disturbs sleep, and chips away at a senior’s immune resilience. Acknowledging that modern busyness—rather than diminished affection—causes most of the missed calls softens the sting and sets the stage for honest discussion.

Life’s Competing Choruses

Family roles evolve subtly over decades, and seniors often move from orchestrators to observers without clear markers. While sons and daughters once waited for household cues from parents, the grown generation eventually becomes the keeper of schedules. Seniors may hesitate to initiate calls for fear of seeming intrusive, while relatives mistakenly believe that peace and quiet serve an elder’s best interests. 

Cultural scripts further complicate matters; in some households, daily contact signals respect, while in others, stoic independence ranks as virtue. Naming these unspoken expectations gives seniors permission to state a preference—sometimes a brief check-in each morning, sometimes a leisurely weekend recap—turning vague hopes into practical habits.

Phones, Apps, and Hurdles

Contrary to stereotypes, countless seniors navigate smartphones, tablets, and video chats with enthusiasm; the true obstacle lies in constant software changes designed for younger reflexes. Icons shrink, passwords multiply, and notification menus hide behind ever-new layers. When a single tap feels risky, seniors retreat, waiting for the more confident caller to lead. 

Family members can remove such friction through simple tweaks: enlarged text, uncluttered home screens, voice-command shortcuts, and printed cue cards taped near chargers. Once technology becomes a partner rather than a puzzle, conversations flow—grandchildren share digital drawings, friends trade garden photos, and seniors replace awkward silence with laughter captured through tiny speakers.

Small Rituals, Big Results

Lasting connection seldom arrives by accident; it thrives on rituals that respect every participant’s rhythm. Seniors find relief in regularity—perhaps a Tuesday-night story swap or a Sunday-morning weather report. Brief messages sent by seniors, such as a shared memory or a snapshot of blooming hibiscus, provide gentle reminders without appearing demanding. 

Adult children, siblings, and friends can rotate call duty, code reminders into calendars, and treat those alerts as non-negotiable appointments. Community volunteer programs, intergenerational pen-pals, or neighborhood “call circles” widen the net, ensuring that even when relatives miss a slot, kind voices still reach seniors who rely on human contact for emotional balance.

Conclusion

The persistent question “Why don’t they call?” blends heartache with hope, proving that the desire for connection endures long after careers wind down and children leave home. When seniors, families, and supportive networks confront time mismatches, shifting roles, technological tangles, and the need for routine, phone lines buzz again. 

Each carefully scheduled ring does more than pass minutes; it reinforces worth, brightens perspective, and lets seniors know that their stories remain essential threads in the family fabric. In the gentle chime of a handset or the glow of a video screen, seniors hear the assurance that they are still cherished, still remembered, and never truly alone.

Bandit, Dec. 26 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWW!

“Hey, Santy! It’s me, Bandit! I was hoping that you’d ask me to help pull the sleigh this year—huskies are very good at this, you know. But I realized that you knew full well that the minute you stopped at the right home for me, I’d beat you down the chimney or however you get in, curl up under the tree, and refuse to leave.” Bandit’s correct. He’s been kenneled for over a year now, and despite the walks and Fido Field Trip breaks, he’s still there. He’s a good boy—he plays well with other dogs with similar energy and strolls slowly on leash, never pulling the walker along. He’s 5 years old and needs a home with humans familiar with the breed who’ll give him the late holiday gift of a forever and ever home. Speed the process to adopt or foster Bandit or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A724562.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Suggestions-Also Great for the New Year!

Great gift for History lovers!

New York’s Secret Subway: The Underground Genius of Alfred Beach and the Origins of Mass Transit (Island Press, Sept. 30, 2025) by public radio host and acclaimed historian Matthew Algeo uncovers the riveting true story of Alfred Beach, the mild-mannered 19th-century inventor who secretly built America’s first operational subway beneath Broadway. It was an astonishing engineering feat decades ahead of its time—imagine a pneumatic railway shooting passengers through Manhattan in the 1860s! But Beach’s dream was ultimately derailed by Boss Tweed and the political corruption of Tammany Hall, leaving New Yorkers to wait another 30 years for the subway system we know today.

This book has everything: History & politics – A battle of visionary innovation vs. corruption in the Gilded Age, engineering marvels – a real-life Victorian “hyperloop,” and New York grit – The hidden city beneath the city. Perfect for fathers and grandfathers who love sharing great stories, men’s interest audiences, history enthusiasts, fans of New York lore, and readers who enjoy books like The Pioneers or The Splendid and the Vile.

Such a beautiful dress! by Feltman Brothers heirloom baby/kids clothing

Dress your little one up in an heirloom quality outfit for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, family parties, holidays, and more. Choose Feltman Brothers…because it’s the little things that make a big difference. https://feltmanbrothers.com/

Most sets are available in sizes from 3M to 4T. See all of the styles at https://feltmanbrothers.com/new-arrivals/

The Fall 2025 collection blends timeless elegance with cozy, modern details, all perfect for the upcoming season. 

The  girls-dainty-smocked-floral-dress I received (see image) is so beautiful and will make a wonderful holiday gift this season! I love the quality and the style! The size fits true to size too.

KeaBabies Pom Knitted Beanies

Top off your toddler’s winter look with KeaBabies Pom Baby Beanies. Made from soft, stretchy yarn, these machine-washable beanies offer warmth and charm in equal measure. Designed for ages 6–36 months, they come in a variety of trendy shades, including Rust, Fawn, Steel, and Blast. Find them at KeaBabies.com and Amazon. These beanies are so adorable!

Staying warm! Mozy Youth Wearable Thermal Wrap

Say goodbye to bulky blankets and hello to Mozy Youth, the ultimate cold-weather companion for active kids. Engineered with patented heat-trapping technology, Mozy delivers 500% more warmth than a standard blanket and wraps around the legs like a jacket. Lightweight, adjustable, and packable, it’s perfect for hikes, boat rides, campfires, and breezy beach nights. No batteries, no fuss, just pure, portable warmth. Available in Black, Blue, and Gray for $129 at GettheMozy.com and Amazon. Also available in adult sizes!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items to facilitate this holiday gift guide. Images were also provided.

Merchants of Joy * An Inspiring Film About A Christmas Tree Lot Owner’s Journey Through The Christmas Season

The Merchants of Joy is a 2025 documentary following five New York City families who dominate the lucrative, competitive Christmas tree business, showing their year-round hustles, family dynamics, and gritty realities behind the festive holiday tradition, as they battle for prime locations and face challenges from each other and a mysterious rival, blending heartwarming holiday spirit with the tough business of making a living from the season.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harper B. comments, “Merchants of Joy is an inspiring film about a Christmas tree lot owner’s journey through the Christmas season. I love this film because it depicts a real life situation. It shows how hard the seemingly easy things can be. I also like that it shows how your past doesn’t make you who you are today.” See her full review below.

Merchants of Joy

By Harper B.. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Merchants of Joy is an inspiring film about a Christmas tree lot owner’s journey through the Christmas season. I love this film because it depicts a real life situation. It shows how hard the seemingly easy things can be. I also like that it shows how your past doesn’t make you who you are today.

The storyline follows five families who all run Christmas tree stands in New York City. They all have unique backstories and unique ways of running their stands. This film lets the viewer know there is more to running a stand than just getting some trees and standing out in the cold until people buy your trees.

This is a wonderful film, although it did take me a while to get into the story. There is such a diverse cast. Each tree lot owner is very different from the others. Some of these owners have criminal records; while others have been in the business for as long as 50 years. My favorite part is the end when I realized that selling a Christmas tree is more than just selling a tree – it is selling joyful moments in time. My favorite company is NYC Tree Lady, run by Heather Neville. Heather is a very straightforward person. The reason I enjoyed watching her so much is because she tells you not to dwell on the past. She has a criminal record and still looks to the future and to whom she is today. Heather always looks to the future and encourages the viewer to do the same. She will flat out tell you what to do but then ask what she can do for you. Greg’s Trees, another company, owned by a guy named Greg, who may look alright but he is not. Little Greg is a high school drop out and is finding time to spend with his father because he doesn’t know when his last Christmas will be. He is also beginning to take over the business for his father.

The film’s message is to not dwell on the past and that things may look better than they are. This film shows love in its deepest form. Please note there is mention of drug use and some profanity.

I give Merchants of Joy 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released on VOD on December 1, 2025.

Sandy, Dec. 19 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWWW

“I’ll have a blooooo-oo Christmas without you …” Sandy, a cane corso—or more accurately, a canine chorus-o, has added lots of tunes to her repertoire in the five years of her life. They’re not all Christmas carols, either. She can Crow like Cheryl on “Make It Go Away,” which reflects the pain she felt after being hit by a car and suffered subsequent mobility issues. Thanks to Long Beach Animal Care Services’ medical staff and her own resilience, Sandy showed signs of recovery within a day! She puts as much feeling as Roy Orbison did into “Crying” after the shelter staff contacted her owners through her microchip and the owners said that they didn’t want Sandy anymore. Sandy’s tired of sad songs, and wants to learn a new one. Want to teach her “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and make it come true for her? Speed the process to adopt or foster Sandy or any of our other pets by emailing petadopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Best yet, meet all the pets Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A752880.

Top Holiday Book Ideas and New Year, New Books

As the year winds down and the holidays draw near, there’s no better gift than a story that sparks imagination, comfort, and connection. Books have a magical way of bringing families together, from bedtime snuggles to cozy reading by the fire. This season, celebrate the joy of giving (and reading!) with these heartwarming children’s books that inspire kindness, adventure, and creativity. Perfect for gifting now and starting the new year with fresh pages and new perspectives!


When Flowers Got Their Colors by Scott Sollers

A vibrant tale that weaves science, imagination, and wonder, When Flowers Got Their Colors tells the enchanting story of how nature’s blossoms came to life in all their beautiful hues. Perfect for curious young readers and budding nature lovers, this book celebrates creativity, discovery, and the beauty that surrounds us every day.


You Yoga by Maria Castellucci Moore

A gentle and joyful introduction to mindfulness and movement, You Yoga by Maria Castellucci Moore helps children discover calm, confidence, and connection through yoga. With playful poses and positive affirmations, it’s a wonderful gift for families looking to nurture both body and mind — no mat required!


The Magic Maze by Samuel Warren Joseph & Phil Proctor

Adventure and problem-solving take center stage in The Magic Maze, where young readers join brave characters on a thrilling journey through twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. It’s the perfect pick for kids who love puzzles, teamwork, and a touch of magic in every page.


Kam and Santa’s Global Adventure by Sheila A. Morrow

Join Kam and Santa on a whirlwind trip around the world in this festive, heart-warming story. Kam and Santa’s Global Adventure introduces children to different cultures and holiday traditions, all while celebrating kindness, generosity, and the spirit of giving — a must-read for the season.


Kloe’s New Friendship by K. M. Selvidge

In Kloe’s New Friendship, a sweet story about friendship and empathy, Kloe learns that kindness can come from unexpected places. Ideal for preschool and early elementary readers, this charming tale makes a thoughtful gift that helps kids explore inclusion, understanding, and the joy of making new friends.


Mommy Is Here! After a Long Day at the Hospital by Nathalie P. Suarez Moscoso & Edison J. Cano Cevallos

Mommy Is Here! After a Long Day at the Hospital is a heart-warming bedtime story that captures the magical reunion between a mom and her baby after a long day apart. This touching paperback honors the resilience and special bond between parents working in the medical field and their children. It offers a comforting space for love, laughter, and connection, reminding little ones that even when Mommy’s away, her love never takes a break.

Holiday Book Guide 2025

So much fun!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO TOWN! by Freya Hartas (ISBN: 9781419779664; Ages: 3-8)Count down to Christmas with Bear and his woodland friends in this spectacular advent calendar book with surprises hidden under 24 doors, holiday activities to enjoy as a family (baking carrot oat bars for Rudolph, building a snowdeer, and more) and a magical accordion-style fold-out to display. Readers will join Bear and friends as they prepare for the holidays, opening a new flap each day to reveal a sweet illustration and verse about the animals of Brown Bear Wood. A truly magical holiday awaits!

I love Little Red Panda!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR, LITTLE RED PANDA by Amanda Wood, illustrated by Bec Winnel and Vikki Chu (On sale January 6; ISBN: 9781419779671; Ages 1-5)

  • Join Little Red Panda as he learns about all the fun to be had on Chinese New Year with Nai Nai. What could top hanging up a glowing lantern, receiving a special red packet, and enjoying a bowl of long noodles? Listen! It’s dancing dragons stamping the ground. And look! There are fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a Chinese New Year Little Red Panda and his grandmother will never forget. Watercolor illustrations paired with sweet photos of a real red panda bring the story to life on every page.

HANUKKAH 1-2-3! by Joy Nelkin Wieder, illustrated by Aura Lewis ( ISBN: 9781419776182; Ages 0-4) Learning to count is as easy as 1, 2, 3 in this unique board book celebrating the holiday of Hanukkah! From opening one gift to lighting two menorah candles, and from frying three latkes all the way to ten people singing a round, young readers will grasp how to count as they learn about the Festival of Lights! 

A Book Lover’s Sticker Book

The perfect pairing with A Plant Lover’s Sticker book, these 450+ hand-painted stickers will delight bookworms.

 9781523527601 / $15.00 USD.

Choose from hundreds of one-of-a-kind bookish illustrations to decorate your notebooks, stationery, and everyday items, transforming anything into an oasis of color and delight. The perfect pairing with A Plant Lover’s Sticker Book.

By Workman Publishing

Create holiday sticker paintings in a fun mess-free activity book.

Christmas: 9781523506750 Holly Jolly: 9781523518562

$10.99 each and perfect for ages 5-7.

Perfect for Tweens and Teens!

This book is the ultimate tween/teen hangout companion. Get together with your friends at sleepovers or anywhere you can talk about your crushes in private. Read each crush flavor to determine which types of crushes you and your friends have. Or read alone if your crush is too secret to share! After using the dictionary to classify your crushes, follow the recipes to make a delicious milkshakes for each person’s crush.

A fully illustrated humor and recipe book for ages 8-14. Designed for pre-teens, this colorful book defines different types of crushes by comparing them to dessert flavors. This illustrated nonfiction book taps into the humor and emotional rollercoaster of middle-grade lifestyle, appealing to young fans of Raina Telgemeier books like Drama and Guts. This playful crush guide invites readers to explore their feelings, open up with friends, and create lasting connections, all while enjoying fun milkshake recipes.

This is such a fun book! I love the recipes!

About the Author: Brianna Daus is a children’s book author and illustrator based in Leesburg, VA. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her previous work includes Mommy, What is Confidence? by Shal Chirkut, and Little Bella’s Nighttime Wonderland by Joy Fernandez. Brianna has also written, illustrated, and self-published Appleblossom and The Lion, which was highly praised by Kirkus Reviews.  

To learn more visit: briannadausbooks.com

Follow: @thecrushdictionary

The Art Lover’s Sticker Book

Experience the fascinating world of art with these stickers depicting beautiful images throughout history.

9781523525072 / $25.00 USD
The Art Lover’s Sticker Book is an appealing and sophisticated gift for all ages. Featuring 350 diverse stickers of historical art from “Frills and Fringe” to “Flora and Fauna,” there are themes to suit every art-lover’s palate. Equally tempting to flip through as an art book and to peel off the images for decoration, you might just need two!

Love coloring in this one! By Pipsticks + Workman 9781523531622

Combine the fun of stickers with creativity by designing over 500 adorably unique stickers! Even adults will have fun with this one!

$12.99 and perfect for ages 7+.

Nothing is more synonymous with Christmas music than Pentatonix—the multi-platinum acapella group is the most-listened to musical act of the holiday season. Now, co-founder Scott Hoying is teaming up with his husband Mark Hoying to funnel that holiday spirit into a picture book: FA LA LA FAMILY (ages 4-8) is an ode to the diverse ways families celebrate Christmas, featuring text that doubles as lyrics to a new, original song by the Hoyings.

NORTH FOR THE WINTER (ages 8-12), is a heartwarming graphic novel about a girl who must return one of Santa’s reindeer to the North Pole before Christmas written and illustrated by celebrated Pixar animator Bobby Podesta. (CarsToy Story 3Soul

Perfect for the younger kids!

CHRISTMAS TOGETHER WITH POLAR BEAR AND FRIENDS (ages 3-6) invites readers to join the beloved character from the perennial classic Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? and a mix of old and new friends in a heartwarming adventure filled with festive gatherings, sweet treats, and the beautiful sounds of holiday cheer. Drawing inspiration from the original title, CHRISTMAS TOGETHER creates a sensory-rich narrative that emphasizes the sounds of the winter holiday — the crunch of the snow under Polar Bear’s paw, wind whipping by, the hush of snow falling, arctic animal sounds, and more! This one is a must for younger kids but actually for all Eric Carle fans! I love it!

Learn how to draw dinosaurs!

Drawing Dinosaurs by Brian Vitocruz
October 2025, $19.95, Ulysses Books for Young Readers
Ages 9+
Learn how to accurately draw your favorite dinosaurs, with this full-color drawing guide filled with realistic step-by-step instructions and fun facts about T. rexes, stegosauruses, triceratops, and more.

Such an interesting book!

Jurassic Girl by Michele C. Hollow
September 2024, $14.95, Ulysses Books for Young Readers
Ages 8-12
Perfect for children interested in learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and women in STEM, this historical fiction book for children explores the fascinating life of 12-year-old Mary Anning, a fossil hunter who would grow up to be a famous paleontologist.

Bumbleberry Hollows Coloring Book by Faith Varvara
May 2025, $15.95, Ulysses Press
Ages 5+
Unleash your creativity and de-stress while coloring whimsical dreamscapes, cute chibi creatures, and adorable scenes from popular Instagram artist @faithvarvara of Trendy Not shop and the Bumbleberry Hollows family of characters.

The Unofficial Christmas Movie Coloring Book by Valentin Ramon
September 2025, $16.95, Ulysses Press
Ages 9+
Cozy up next to the fire, grab your favorite coloring tools, and relax into the holidays by coloring your way through scenes from the very best cult-classic Christmas movies.

Who loves the 90’s?

The 90s are back, baby! This mess-free paint-by-sticker format is the ideal craft to relax, unwind, and relive all your favorite 90s moments, from Beanie Babies to the Spice Girls. Best. Decade. Ever.

Anyone who grew up during the 90’s will absolutely love this book! Can be found on Amazon.com so you can get it rather quickly for the holidays!

Perfect for fans of Wicked! 9781523534418

This is a delightful and beautifully illustrated Sticker book for any fan of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. There are even bonus pages of mini nail stickers! Illustrated by Brooke O’Neill. Retails for $9.99 and perfect for ages 7+.

This is one of my favorites!

And if you are looking for a cool calendar….Workman Publishing has you covered!

Workman Publishing has some great calendars for the New Year! You are sure to find one (or more) for anyone on your gift shopping list. They have such a wonderful variety! Find them all here. I like that they have so many to choose from!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this holiday featured post. Cover images were also provided.