Once again a new year is upon us and has arrived much faster than I anticipated. It’s funny how time seems to go faster as you get older. Does it feel that way for you? Time has a unique way of sneaking up on us. I finally started a re-read of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens to dive into the festive spirit and I must admit it’s been a long time since I have read it and find it to be a lot of fun to read. Now at the end of this year with Christmas morning upon us, I stopped to reflect about my previous year, this journey I have experienced, and all I am thankful for I may have not recognized as much as I should have.
It was Charles Dickens who said, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” In my life, I have found this to be very true. I believe most people love a good laugh and enjoy good company. That is one of the many reasons I love this time of year. December is full of various holidays for different people to enjoy and cherish. I love talking to people about their favorite traditions and customs they do for this holiday season that makes them smile. Sometimes food is a popular tradition with fun baking recipes, other times its parties or events, and I even had one person tell me of their traditional caroling they do as a family where they live. I love to hear traditions and fun-times like that. So, to share with you I would like to express one-holiday tradition I have and would love to hear more about yours.
In my home, we have a wooden advent calendar. At the start of the month, we write down various things we love, respect, or admire about each other to place it in the calendar and share it each day as the month goes on. This has become a new tradition in my household and one that has been very fun and memorable. Some things we write make us laugh or smile, and it has become something we look forward to each day. I have learned things about myself and how others see me I never would have dreamed of, and in many ways, I feel it has made our connection stronger as a family. I couldn’t help but wonder what other positive things we are not saying to our family, friends, or loved ones? Is there anything being left unsaid that might help brighten someone else’s day? It’s funny how sometimes the littlest, simplest things can be the most meaningful and make some of the very best memories.
For those of you who may not know me, then let me tell you I am a big fan of letting people know how much they mean to me before it’s too late. That is why, I encourage everyone this holiday season to share something positive they love, respect, or admire about someone else in your life. It may have a deeper impact in a way you may never know.
Another thing I would like to share today as I was reflecting through the year is I stopped to think about how life seemed to jump faster than I realized. It was also Charles Dickens who said, “No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.” I would like to take these words to heart and remember to recognize that life is full of opportunities to share and utilize in various ways.
I hope wherever you are and whatever you are doing this holiday season keeps you safe and brings you joy and laughter. I can’t help but wonder what the world would be like if we all could laugh and be in good humor together as Charles Dickens expressed. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
So, to all my readers, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and I hope you all have a very joyous New Year celebration!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |