Christmas Vacation

Not actually Erin.

Picture by KJ Photography

& is used with permission.

I have given the blogging staff here at Blue Collar Prepping the rest of the year off. They've all worked very hard in 2019 -- they didn't even ask for a summer vacation -- and so they've earned a rest. Expect regular posts to return on January 6, 2020.

I need a vacation as well, as it's becoming increasingly difficult for me to find things to write about. We'll soon be wrapping up our sixth year of blogging here (our first post was Jan 26, 2014), and in that time we've covered a lot of subjects. While prepping is an ongoing process, the topics involved seem to be finite; however, my staff here have continued to impress me with their ability to find articles worth writing.

Before I turn out the lights for the year, here are some older posts which you might have missed (if you're new here) or forgotten about (if you're a longtime follower):

Gifts for Preppers by Chaplain Tim. You don't have many shopping days left until Christmas, but if you have Amazon Prime and order right now your packages might arrive on time... and if they don't, you can remind people that Christmas is a season, not a date, and according to the Church that season lasts until Epiphany, which is January 6, so as long as your present arrives before then you're technically not late!


Stocking Stuffers for Preppers by me. The same "Hurry and order now" advice applies here as well. Here's a bullet list for you impatient folks.

• UltraFire 7w 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight - http://amzn.to/2kB2YiE
• Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade - http://amzn.to/2iAIcuY
• Survive Outdoors Longer 2-Person Survival Blanket - http://amzn.to/2zZnewS
• Survive Outdoors Longer Rescue Flash Mirror - http://amzn.to/2kyIW8k
• Survive Outdoors Longer Slim Rescue Howler Whistle (2-Count) - http://amzn.to/2A0yOYX
• Coghlan's Eyeglass Repair Kit - http://amzn.to/2kxvfGu

Other good things to put inside stockings are things which you can pick up at just about any grocery store, like batteries (AA or AAA), disposable lighters and rolls of duct tape. Did you know that duct tape is made of cotton and can be used as a fire starter?

Finally, Dealing with Holiday Stress and Depression is my article about Christmas self-care. I encourage you to read the whole thing, but in case you don't have the time here are the highlights:

1. Keep your expectations balanced. 
2. Don't try to do too much. 
3. Stay warm. 
4. Be aware of Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder.
5. Understand that it's appropriate to mourn. 
6. Watch your diet and remember to exercise.
7. Don’t play the shame game. 
8. Practice forgiveness, understanding, and avoidance.

That's all for now. From all of us, to all of you and yours -- Merry Christmas / Hannukah / Kwanzaa / Yule and a Happy New Year!