The Chiddicks Observer Edition 37
As 2025 draws to a close, The Chiddicks Observer will be taking a well-deserved break over the holidays. But rest assured, I’ll still be here, reading and digesting all of your wonderful work, ready to return in the New Year fully recharged and inspired. This final edition of the year brings you the usual eclectic mix of posts, some reflective as we look back on the year gone by, and some forward-looking as we glimpse what 2026 may hold. It’s been a year of incredible stories, discoveries, and creativity, and I hope this collection will inspire you as much as it has inspired me. So buckle up, settle in, and enjoy the ride!
Join Kristi Keller 🇨🇦 As she highlights her top 10 posts of the year. These selections are not only fascinating reads but also practical guides that can instantly help you elevate your own Substack performance in 2026. Kristi’s thoughtful curation is a wonderful way to reflect on the year’s best insights and inspiration.
It’s that time of year to pause and reflect. Jennifer Jones retirement reflections remind us that no year, even in retirement, is ever “quiet.” Her post captures a year brimming with personal achievements, challenges, and memorable moments. It was a joy to glimpse her life and all she has been up to. Jennifer, your stories continue to inspire, and I can’t wait to follow your adventures in 2026! 😊
Once again Elizabeth St.John , you’ve pulled at the heartstrings and brought your ancestors back to life in a way that few can. Your words truly breathe life into their struggles, resilience, and everyday experiences, making their stories feel vivid and deeply personal. I especially enjoyed learning more about your grandmother and great-uncles, and I very much look forward to following the rest of their journey as you continue to share it with us.
Let me welcome a new Subsatcker to you Gary Buzzard
I often wish I had the discipline to keep a proper journal. I’ve tried many times, but I seem to be more of a note-taker, capturing thoughts, moments, and reminders to return to another day. I’ve read countless articles about why we write and who we write for, but if I’m honest, I write for entirely selfish reasons: I write for myself. If anyone else happens to read it, that’s simply a bonus.
Keep writing, Gary. Your words matter.
Does your family have any Christmas traditions? If so, you’ll love joining the Christmas Eve excitement as Adelaide Rix and her family prepare for the big day. From familiar rituals to those little moments that make the season special, it’s a lovely reminder of how traditions, big or small, bring us together at Christmas.
Time to retrain your brain folks! Not every setback or “failure” is truly a failure, as Denyse Allen will explain……….
Join Lisa Maguire as she shares what she’s currently reading and enjoying here on Substack. There’s lots of new content for us all to discover and enjoy.
Was it bravery, experience, or sheer instinct that guides life-saving decisions? Ollie - if Only i latest story dives into those split-second moments that define our actions, leaving us reflecting on human courage and the unpredictability of life.
So many terms for I’d not heard of before - from a “hook” or “tea-leaf” to a “palmer”or a “dipper”, Dr Angela Buckley brings us a a wonderfully rich glossary of historical slang words used to describe crime and criminals, offering a lively glimpse into the language of the past and the worlds in which these words were used.
I promised you no tears, but this time it’s pure tears of joy as Lori Olson White brings us the most heart warming story I have read all year. It’s incredibly moving, beautifully told, and completely restores your faith in human kindness, just in time for Christmas. A huge thank you to Lori for sharing this uplifting story with us. It’s the perfect reminder of the magic of Christmas.
But before I go, here’s one more important message. Christmas can be a joyous time for many, but for others it can be a real struggle. Take a moment to check in, reach out, and support your loved ones and family who may be finding this time of year difficult. Try not to get caught up in your own little world, be a thoughtful, caring friend. Thanks for a timely reminder Kerry Chaput
So, that’s a wrap—pun intended! Whether you’re an early bird or a last-minute shopper, I hope your holiday preparations are going smoothly. Thank you all for sharing your truly inspirational and emotional stories, not only this week but throughout the year. It’s been a joy to read and reflect on each one.
From me to you, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and magical Christmas. Take time to capture those special family moments, treasure them, and carry that spirit into 2026. I’ll see you next year for more wonderful stories, discoveries, and reflections.
With warmest wishes,
Paul
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Thanks for your continued generosity, support and kind words throughout the year, @Paul! Happy holidays and here’s to a blessed new year!