Twas the night after Christmas...

So, Im sitting here reflecting on the holiday season, and I have to tell you, I feel so grateful. First off, I love this time of year. The energy, the beauty, the lights, the giving. Even though it can get crazy, and people can be off and rushing and feeling the strain, I actually love the hustle and bustle and everything that goes along with the season. Its like an overwhelming need to give, and love and be with people. 
Growing up, my mom did everything she could to make sure us kids had an amazing and wonderful Christmas. She did it on her own, with three kids, and she and my grandmother started traditions that I still do with my own children. When my three older were small, I too was a single mom and didn't always have the means to give them everything they wanted so I had to get very clever. Along with those traditions I passed down from my mother, I started a couple little ones. I made gifts for them at times, planned a very special meal with all their favorite foods, (like mac and cheese and hot dogs), and saved every bit I could to get each child one very special gift. 
I look back on that now, and even though things have changed for us, I still do all those  things. Along with the things the kids get for Christmas, and sometimes they get so much, I give them their one very special gift, I still do the scavenger hunt for them (something I've done since they were toddlers) and I still make them their favorite dishes on Christmas Eve. 
My children can honestly say that Christmas is in fact their favorite time of year also. Because of course, not only do they get gifts and get to eat a lot, but they remember the pure joy of giving, the beauty of the season of love and the wash of joy they have, as I do, of family and gatherings and coming together.  
Even though the season might not always be perfect, as it wasn't always when the kids were little, we love eachother, we put things aside, even for a day, and smile a little more and breath in the air of the Christmas season and our hearts become engulfed in the joy of the energy around us. 
So, my message to you is, love a little more, give a little more, smile a little more and rejoice in the hoilday season! It goes by way too quickly! 

Cheers! 
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