It’s two days before Christmas and I have plenty left to do. Grocery shopping (which you know I hate), present wrapping, cooking, baking, cleaning, writing my Christmas cards (yes, I am behind) …
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It’s two days before Christmas and I have plenty left to do. Grocery shopping (which you know I hate), present wrapping, cooking, baking, cleaning, writing my Christmas cards (yes, I am behind) and somehow finding time to sleep. Ha! I have a feeling I will be awake to hear the sound of prancing reindeer hooves on my roof. I asked Santa for a personal assistant, but I’m not sure that’s in the elves’ wheelhouse.
With all the flurry, sometimes it’s easy to overlook the true meaning of the Christmas season. Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who was sent to earth to save us from our sins. There really is no greater gift than that. It’s quite mind-boggling, when you really think about it.
I have also taken time this holiday to count my blessings, because that too can get lost in the hustle and bustle and stress of everyday life. It’s tough to feel grateful when you’re being blasted from your warm bed at 4:30 a.m. by a screeching alarm clock on a cold winter morning. I’ve made a conscious effort this year to replace crabby, complaining negative thoughts with a positive one. As Mary Poppinsish as that might sound (and I am no Mary Poppins), it has helped.
I find myself noticing small things more, things that bring me quiet joy. A hot cup of coffee, a beautiful sunrise, the neighbor’s Christmas lights, the fact that my dog didn’t eat the bathroom garbage for two days in a row. That’s a record. When all the little things in life are added up, they become part of a big, beautiful feeling.
Since I don’t think I’m going to get that personal assistant for Christmas, here is my wish list for everyone. Santa might not be able to help with it, but maybe you can help with a couple.
Most of all, I wish for you all to be healthy, happy and successful in 2024. Merry Christmas, Journal readers! I am grateful for you.