Merry Christmas everyone!
Well, I just received my first Christmas Card this week – thank you Richard and Kaori from Japan!
I love Christmas time. Its a great opportunity to connect with people you haven’t connected with for quite some time. Let them know you think about them, value them and love them. Also, to share laughs, memories and lots of food with those close to you.
For many, Christmas is a stressful or even sad time.
It can be full of expectations not met, memories of loved ones who’ve passed on, the financial burden of expenses you have no money for, and the frustration of not being able to find that perfect gift for the special people in your life. I fall into these category far too often.
Today, during a season typically full of anxiety, disappointment and exhaustion; the simplicity of the Christmas message brings love, joy and stillness to my heart.
So, for me this year… something different. There will be no long Christmas gift lists, no Christmas card mail-outs, or cookie baking. Rather, I commit myself daily to being more generous with compassion, understanding, patience, love and of course smiles to everyone I meet.
To everyone, my loving family, precious friends (old and new), and wonderful business associates and loyal clients, I wish you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas with all my heart. May it be spent with the people you truly cherish, full of moments to be remembered as blessings, and overflowing with love and quietness of spirit. Emmanuel, God is with us.
~
December 6th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Good for you! Merry Christmas, Jen. Since the kids are older, it’s been easier to simplify and get back to basics – the stuff that matters. I seriously got to the point where I dreaded the holidays and missed what it was all about. Good on you for reminding us – early on – where to focus. Thanks!
December 6th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
That was really nice Jeanette! Christmas is going to be a nice relaxing and quite time for James and I to sit back and feel blessed to be able to move forward with our lives of sound heart and mind after a such a difficult year.
I love the feeling and memories associated with the lights of the Christmas tree and the smell of warm fruit cake with marzipan. Makes me all warm and squishy! I wonder if that comes in zero calorie incense? Woot! Woot!
Happy Holidays
December 8th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
@ Amy – you’re very welcome, and good for you! I know its easier for families whose kids are older… the Christmas celebrations require less planning and resources compared to when they are tots! Looking back, my parents put more into Christmas when we were little too… I’m grateful for it. Enjoy!
December 8th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
@ Liesa – so glad to hear it! Lets hope for a coming year that will make up for some of this past year’s challenges. Mmmmm… fruit cake!! Always zero calories in December!