Happy December!  It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year… (Enjoy this reminder of a great song by Andy Williams: https://youtu.be/wcddNN9gwiw?si=-vQ1qtb01HEn6YJc

A Festive Day in San Francisco

The image featured in this mid-month holiday post was captured just yesterday, following a delightful day in San Francisco, which began with an enjoyable lunch with a dear friend of 20+ years, who set a joyful tone.

Afterwards, I walked through the financial district, passing several impressive buildings on my way to another appointment (The Russ Building, The Galleria Park Hotel, and a Sutter Street office building).

Each building I passed was decorated with beautiful holiday trees and festive decorations, contributing to the city’s celebratory atmosphere everywhere I traveled.

As the season of love and joy unfolds, I encourage you to embrace all that is being adorned during this holiday season. Please let it sink in and soak into your heart, recharging your spirit and filling you with gratitude, compassion, and love for all humanity. [I sure wish this could be displayed every day of every year.]

Here’s a reminder of other holidays to celebrate this month: Celebrating Holidays throughout December: (Also at: https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/celebrating-holidays-throughout-december/,

Celebrating National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Yesterday, I discovered that December 16th is recognized as National Chocolate Covered Anything Day (also at https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-chocolate-covered-anything-day-december-16). While chocolate candies may not be my top choice, I do have a fondness for certain chocolate treats—especially those with fruit or berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and cherries. There is something delightful about the combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit.

I invite you to join me in celebrating this fun holiday, whether today or whenever you happen to read this message. The spirit of the occasion is not tied to a specific date; you can enjoy a chocolate-covered treat any day you wish, regardless of whether the official holiday falls on December 16th.

Advanced Etiquette: A Continued Personal Journey

2025 represented a meaningful milestone in my life, as it marked my second full year back to rebuilding Advanced Etiquette after stepping away for several years. I took a decade-long hiatus to live and care for my beloved husband, Ron Hildebrand, whose passing in late 2021 profoundly shaped my personal journey and professional path.

As I continue to propel this essential life skills business, I am sincerely grateful for your continued support. Your encouragement (which extends to over 4,000 global subscribers) strengthens a shared mission to advance civility, etiquette, and manners worldwide.

Together, I look forward to 2026 as we strive to make this world a better place to live, that fosters respect, compassion, and consideration in every interaction, every day of our lives.

[P.S. Advanced Etiquette will be closed for the holidays from the 20^th through 2 January 2026. I appreciate your patience during this period of delayed responses.]