December has arrived. It is a time for reflection, family, friends, and frenzy – whatever holiday we may be celebrating. I personally celebrate Christmas in my home. The holiday brings reminders of long held traditions and special memories. The tree goes up and the ornaments come out. The lights sparkle and carols play in the background. Memories abound as each ornament is carefully unwrapped and lovingly placed on the tree. I pop in the movie Miracle on 34th Street and reflect on those special “intangibles” that Fred Gailey cherished. It is those very “intangibles” that top my Christmas Wish List again this year.
Kindness The world sometimes feels like it is spinning at a more continuously rapid frenzy. It often appears that people have lost touch with one another and the commonalities we share. I want to embrace the goodness of humanity and the happiness and support we can provide to one another. I appreciate the little kindnesses bestowed by others and work to spread kindness to others as well.
Joy This year has brought so much unnecessary strife and painful loss to so many. The anguish cannot be ignored or forgotten. Yet I want to maintain my childlike belief in the goodness and the wonder of things unseen – things like Santa Claus and the Christmas Story. I want to be one of those who help to spread that joy and perpetuate the positive. I would like to help soften the edges of the difficult experiences in life. If only for a moment, I want to help put joy into someone’s life each day.
Love Most importantly, I want to cherish every moment with my friends and my family – whoever and however that family came into my life. I want them to know how much they mean to me and take time to make new memories with each of those that I love. I want to embrace the love for our fellow man that is palpable during this season and carry that feeling in my heart each day of the coming year.
And what about you my dear readers?
What is the holiday that you will be celebrating this year? What are the special traditions that you most enjoy? What will be at the top of your “wish list” for this holiday season?
Wherever you are, and whatever you celebrate, may your heart and your home be filled with the kindness, joy, and love of the season and gratitude for all those special things that you hold dear!
Christmas always brings out the traditions I grew up with: certain foods and cookies, some of the ornaments I cherish and the happy memories of those no longer here. I remember my kids when they were little and still proudly display some of their holiday artwork in my fridge.
I anxiously look forward to new traditions as I spend time with my sweet baby granddaughter. Seeing the holiday through her eyes brings back the magic.
Karen,
I believe that grandchildren are a parent’s reward for parenting! Enjoy your cherished traditions and the new perspective from her eyes-and always hold onto the magic of the season!
Kathryn
Everything you said above…. particularly trying to inject random acts of kindness and mindfulness in my social world that seems to be shattering. I just want to leave a soft footprint that marked me fulfilling my purpose. We will be starting our first year tradition with my 5 year old twin grandkittens—— the Wizard of Oz. DVD ready, ruby red slippers and jammies! I can’t wait!
Kat,
Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts. Life is full of changes, and we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing the best we can. Enjoy your new traditions-and your holiday season!
Kathryn