Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 🎄

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

This year didn’t come dressed in glitter.
It didn’t bring grand kitchen experiments or trays of freshly baked joy.
Instead, it arrived with boxes to unpack, a small Bangkok kitchen to get used to, and — most unexpectedly — a lesson in strength I never asked for.

2025 has been a year of big changes.
I relocated again, settled into a new rhythm, and discovered that even the tiniest kitchen can feel like home… eventually.
But the biggest chapter of my year was something I never imagined writing.

A Year That Tested Me — and Taught Me

A few months back, I found out I had DCIS, early-stage breast cancer.
A sentence you never expect to hear — especially about yourself.

There were days filled with fear, days filled with waiting, days filled with too many hospital corridors.
I did surgery.
I did radiotherapy.
And I held on, even when life felt heavy and uncertain.

Now, hopefully, I’m on the other side of it — healing, regaining my energy, and learning to breathe again.
And whatever happens next, I’m stepping into it with softness and gratitude.

If you’re reading this and going through something similar:
You’re not alone. Truly.

Finding Joy in the Small Things

Because of everything happening this year, I didn’t cook or bake much. My tiny Bangkok kitchen is still a work in progress, and some days even the simplest recipes felt like too much.

But this season reminds me that joy doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Sometimes it’s:
✨ A warm drink in your hands
✨ A quiet moment of peace
✨ A kitchen that’s small, but yours
✨ A recipe you’ll try when you’re ready
✨ The people who stood by you
✨ The strength you didn’t know you had

This year taught me that slowing down is not failure.
It’s healing.

Looking Forward with Hope

As Christmas arrives and a new year waits just around the corner, my wish is simple:

May 2026 bring gentler days.
May it bring health, calm, and sweetness — the kind you feel, not just taste.
May it bring courage for anyone still fighting their battles.
And may it bring joy in small, everyday ways… even in a tiny kitchen in Bangkok.

Thank You for Being Here

To everyone who visited Popsicle Society this year — even when I couldn’t post much — thank you.
Your presence means more than you know.

Here’s to healing.
Here’s to hope.
Here’s to Christmas magic and New Year light.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from my little Bangkok kitchen to yours. ❤️

Wish you all a Magical Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


42 responses to “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 🎄”

  1. cedar51 Avatar

    Lovely to hear from you, although not exactly lovely to hear of your medical issues.
    Yes it’s a strength when we are faced with things we don’t expect. But your written words show that your strength is intact just on a very slow ride.

    Happy holidays

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you!

  2. Thistles and Kiwis Avatar

    Wishing you a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2026. Thanks for sharing your news

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you! Same to you!

  3. Sadje Avatar

    Wishing you health and peace , always Ribana. Hugs

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you! Same to you dear Sadje!

      1. Sadje Avatar

        💞💞💞

  4. arlene Avatar

    Sorry to hear about your health Ribana, I am a survivor. May you always be blessed.Merry Christmas.🧨🎄✨️

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you Arlene! 😍

  5. indigo Avatar
    indigo

    ciao Ribi non vedo loro di fedrti fra qualque giorno
    ti voglio benissimo e spero che l’anno 2026 sarà un anno bellissimo per te
    ciaooooooooo ❤️❤️❤️😘😘
    indigo

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      ❤️❤️❤️😘🤗

  6. derrickjknight Avatar

    Thank you so much, Riba. You may not know that I have been receiving treatment for bladder cancer and hopefully I am clear, too, as you seem to be. Have a happy Christmas yourself

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Sorry that I rarely manage to visit and read nowadays your blog Derrick. I’m sorry to hear it, but I’m glad you’re clear now! Let’s hope we’ll remain this way!

      1. derrickjknight Avatar

        Indeed. No problems – I have more time for blogging

  7. RasmaSandra Avatar

    Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year to you and yours!

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you! Same to you!

  8. Looking for the Light Avatar

    I’ll pray you cancer has been removed, it must have been a frightening journey. I know who much you like to create and cook in your kitchen, you’ll find a way to make it work. Have a blessed Christmas.

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much! Very appreciated! 💕

  9. ajeanneinthekitchen Avatar

    Merry Christmas to you as well, and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Good luck with everything. We will all keep you in our prayers.

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much Jeanne! Very appreciated 🙏🏻

      1. ajeanneinthekitchen Avatar

        You are very welcome. 🙂

  10. hitandrun1964 Avatar

    Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. May all good things come your way.

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much! Same to you!

  11. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

    God bless you with renewed health moving forward. I wish you so much good and a peaceful new year after such a life upset. Very Merry Christmas to you♥️🎄.

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much! Very appreciated!

  12. ourcrossings Avatar

    Thinking of you and sending healing vibes to you, my dear Ribana. Wishing you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year 🙂 Aiva xx

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much dear Aiva! Wish you the same and all the best in everything! 💞

      1. ourcrossings Avatar

        Thanks so much 🥰 xx

  13. Awakening Wonders Avatar

    Wishing you health and happiness in 2026!

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much! Same to you!

  14. deepanilamani Avatar

    Wishing you warm wishes and sending Healing Energies to become healthy again. Love me <3 <3 <3

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much! Very appreciated!

  15. Ellen Avatar

    May the new year bring deep down joy and healing.

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much! Same to you!

  16. daneelyunus Avatar

    Happy New Year 🎉

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you! Same to you!

      1. daneelyunus Avatar

        🙂🎉

  17. Lynette d'Arty-Cross Avatar

    So sorry to hear of your health issues. I wish you a very healthy and happy 2026. 😊

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you! Same to you!

  18. Blogging_with_Bojana Avatar

    Oh my, so sorry to hear that. And I wondered why you disappeared….
    Sending lots of hugs your way, take care of yourself, and most importantly, pace yourself. Listen to your body, and slow down. Everything can wait, health can’t.
    Hoping the next year is much kinder to you. Hugs and kisses.

    1. popsiclesociety Avatar

      Thank you very much! Yes, sometimes life has other plans for us, but I’m trying my best to overcome each challenge and look forward to a better year 💕

      1. Blogging_with_Bojana Avatar

        Let us hope. Just pace yourself, ok? 💕

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I’m Ribana

Welcome to my journey of food, travel and inspiration. I love traveling, cooking and enjoying this beautiful nature. I am a nutritionist, pastry chef, recipe developer, food writer, and ultimately a passionate home cook. I curate and develop recipes that are high on nutrition. I develop and test cost effective, nutritious meals using quality ingredients to help people improve their everyday eating experiences.

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