After a tumultuous year, pause to take stock, and reflect on the true meaning of the season. Holidays are loaded with sugar and sentiment and sometimes sadness for losses are felt so much more greatly at Christmas time. Don’t let the holiday frenzy take hold make time for kindness. You never know what burden that impatient, grumpy, long-faced lady in the line in front of you carries in her heart.
Do not let the twinkle of lights, sprinkle of snowflakes, and razzmatazz glitter blind you to the season’s true blessing.
Take a deep breath. Remember in the big scheme of things does it really matter if the cookies burn, the packages arrive late, the cards never get mailed? The true beauty in the holiday is in its’ imperfections…the crooked tree, the lumpy potatoes, the mismatched socks.
For as much time as you spend shopping, baking, buying, be sure to also pause to express gratitude to people working behind the scenes to pull off the holiday extravaganza… the postman, sales clerk, special aunts, and selfless moms.
As people journey across the miles to gather with loved ones, be mindful of the snowplow drivers, airline pilots, policewomen, firemen and other folks who remain on the job. And doctors and nurses, like our daughter and niece, who forfeit holidays to remain on standby to care for sick kids.
Personally, I want to thank my readers for your loyal following. A writer’s mission can only be fulfilled by sharing ideas with others; you give my words meaning. I appreciate the time you take to reflect, comment, tweet, share and repost my musings.
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other special tradition -I wish you a merry, peace-filled gathering. Regardless of how or with whom you celebrate in your mixed, blended, adopted, foster, same-sex, cross-generational, cross-cultural or whatever other combo makes up your family tapestry, seize the moment and savor it. There is no such thing as a perfect holiday in a one-size-fit-all family.
Regardless of which deity you worship or not, what makes the holiday “holy” is not pretty packages, bright lights, fantastic foods – it is the fellowship. This holiday season cherish your time together and give thanks for one another.
The true value of the season is measured by our human connections.
Our lives are richer because of each other.
A gift to you from us, another French favorite – candied slow cook leg of lamb.
Beautiful, Pat. Wishing you and yours the blessings of the season. Merry Christmas!
Happy holidays to you too. Enjoy all those beautiful grandkids.
Merry Christmas, Pat, to you and yours! I love how you’ve managed to express gratitude to those who normally don’t get much of it. People like the postman and medical personnel. I remember my late uncle (who was a bachelor before that became a lifestyle) used to work every holiday, just so his married-with-family co-workers could have time off. Unselfishness like that can be too rare these days. And who really remembers if the gravy is lumpy and the tree lopsided?!?
Your uncle’s gesture was so kind and generous and I am sure the best gift ever for his coworkers. Happy holidays to you and Domer and Dallas. Do you have snow there?
I agree, Pat. Happy Holidays from across the pond!
Clara enjoy your family time. Wishing you a new year filled with blessings.
Merry Christmas Pat. I loved the pictures of Summit Lake. Looking for a good book. I recommend CARRY ON by Lisa Fenn.
Happy holidays to you too. We always think of your family when we turn the corner off 45 onto Forrest. Thanks for the recommendation. I always appreciate hearing from you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family, Pat. Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2017.
Thanks Helene wishing you and your family a new year filled with peace and blessings.
Lovely Pat ???? You have entertained us all year with your flow of words and wisdom. Enjoy your Christmas and have a fabulous New Year. My life is surely richer with you in it xx
Thanks Rach. I appreciate all your long distance support and feel your positive energy and dancing feet lifting me in moments of discouragement.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family, Pat. I am grateful we know each other.
Oh yes, connecting with has been one of the greatest blessings of blogging. All the best to you and yours in 2017 and wishing you lots of success with your launch of Key Largo Blues.
Well said. Great reminders of how we should reflect and treat each other all year through.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.
Happy holidays to you and your lovely, lovely family.