Christmas moments
creating treasured memories...
“Christmas is the keeping-place for memories of our innocence." —Joan Mills
Recently I was looking through a box of old photos and I came across a picture of myself from the mid-1970s.
I was next to my three-story Barbie Dreamhouse, complete with fancy plastic furniture and an elevator. It was the ultimate gift from Santa and the smile on my face proved it.
The emotional buildup to Christmas morning and discovering what was left under the tree by Santa, was an exciting experience that I fondly recall. Growing up on a dairy farm, my Christmas morning ritual was probably different than most people’s.
I had to wait in my room until my parents and brother came in from milking the cows before I could come out to see my presents.
Why? Because my parents wanted to see the look on my face and watch my literal joy, as I opened my much-anticipated gifts.
I never really understood their reasoning for doing this until many years later, when I became a parent myself. Watching our son, Michael, on Christmas morning… hearing the sound of his laughter and his squeals of delight… as he ripped open his “Santa” gifts…that was my favorite part of the day.
I was also so grateful that Michael has had the experience of sharing some of those special moments with his extended family on both sides.
Family traditions vary from household to household…whether it is specific foods that are made, drinks that are served or music that is played…There is a special beauty in these memories and traditions…
The saying, “you don’t know what you have until it's gone…” especially pertains to many people during the time of year, myself included…Many times it seems while we go through life’s experiences, sometimes we are so busy planning for the moment, that we forget to really enjoy what, and more importantly, who, is surrounding us and sharing that moment with us…
Baking cookies last weekend with my sister Colleen reminded me of that…The joy of baking, creating and sharing…the love of the Christmas “spirit”...A tradition many families share in common…
Many of the happiest moments in my life have taken place this time of year…and I am hopeful that many more will take place in the future.
As life progresses, so do we. Our circumstances may change but the real meaning behind the holiday never does. It will always be a celebration of peace, love and hope…
And as for the present moment, please remember…Each day is a gift…so enjoy it and embrace all of these Christmas moments…as they become your fond memories…
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Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
The story of a wealthy businessman who annually gives out hundreds of $100 bills to strangers motivated a group of Phoenix students to start their own Secret Santa club. Steve Hartman has their story in "On the Road."
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
StoryCorps…
Yelitza Castro makes the homeless men and women she cooks for feel like family.
At StoryCorps, Yelitza spoke with her friend, Willie Davis, about the Christmas meal she cooked for him when he was homeless and how those meals changed his life.
The Story of a “Christmas Carol”
Without question, Charles Dickens' fable of Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the great holiday classics. Since it was first published in 1843, the brief novella has never been out of print, and has been told and retold in countless plays, musicals and films. Mo Rocca takes us to the very streets of London that inspired Dickens, to bring us the story behind the creation of "A Christmas Carol."
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Here’s one of my favorites - The Beatles singing “Here, There and Everywhere”
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….