Merry Christmas Eve

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the world, and I am. . . . . . . .

What are you doing this Christmas Eve Day?  Many of us are racing through stores either to purchase that last gift or two; or at the grocery store picking up the last minute item you forgot to complete tomorrow dinner.

I recall as a young child how exciting it was knowing Santa Clause was going to visit this very night.  What will he leave under our tree?  Oh how I wanted to go to bed early in hopes Christmas morning would arrive sooner.  As a child our family would normally attend church and then after the service we would go to my aunts home.  My father came from a large family so all our aunts, uncles and cousins would be there.  We would eat dinner and anxiously await to open the many gifts under the tree.  So many beautifully  wrapped packages waited to be torn open.  I was the child who didn't just rip or tear my presents open, I would methodically separate each piece of tape which held my gift together; piece by little piece until my gift was exposed.  I don't know the reasoning why I did this, but I know I always enjoyed watching my siblings open their gifts.  Their eyes all wide with excitement as they tore their packages open.  Even today, I enjoy observing others open their gifts. I rather give than receive gifts.  Deep in my psyche, anytime I receive a gift, I always feel there is an unwanted expectation attached to the present. I adore my husband because he knows my feelings on this, and we do not exchange gifts with one another.  Rather we treat ourselves to a wonderful crab leg dinner.  No gifts exchanged at our home.  Because we do not live close to any of our children or my granddaughter, I do not get the pleasure of watching them open their gifts we have sent them.  I do enjoy the excitement in their voices when we speak on the phone when they thank me for what I have gifted them.

Where ever this Christmas Eve finds you, enjoy the spirit of this time of year.  Do your best in 2014 to recall the love and excitement you'll feel these next few days and bring these wonderful feelings into every day in the new year.  You won't be disappointed.  Smile at strangers; as this may be the only smile they will see that day.

Intricate shaped snowflakes, Snow Globes, Sleigh bells, Hot Toddy

What do you visualize when you imagine the Christmas season? I see beautiful ice crystals as the ones below:

I can not forget a winter scene snow globe or Sleigh bells

Or how about something to keep you warm as in a hot toddy?

These are some of my favorite images when I think of Christmas. Quite times watching snowflakes quietly drifting from the sky above.

Where I reside now, I don't see many if any snowflakes making their individual escape from the sky. I'm not complaining though, because when I lived in the mountains in Colorado, I had my share of snowflakes, and even the thrill of experiencing 'blue' snow. Being so frigid where I was, the snow at times actually was a beautiful aqua blue color.

Now, I have the pleasure of sipping a hot toddy and escaping in my memories of Christmas's past.

No hustle and bustle for myself and my husband. We enjoy peaceful moments of one another. Gifts and Malls? Not for us. We are lucky enough to have one another, we do not need a holiday to give one another a gift. I believe visiting with loved ones is the best gift we can offer one another. It's not about the fancy wrapping paper and bows, it's about being true to yourself, your friends and family.

Where ever this holiday season leads you, enjoy, relax, don't overspend, and spread the holiday cheer with your genuine smile.