Hey everyone! This will be my last post of the year, but I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas before taking a break. For the last couple of years, I have written a Christmas message to enclose with our Christmas card. It's not your typical holiday letter, and I thought I would share it with all of you this year. I hope you enjoy it.
Merry Christmas One and All
Christmas 2015
It is again time to celebrate the joys and wonders of Christmas, say goodbye to 2015 and look with anticipation to the new year. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see things the way children do, where time moves slowly as they anxiously wait for each and every moment? Adults always seem to play catch-up, usually trying too hard to create something memorable. We cling to traditions and try to stall the passage of time, even as we see it slip silently away. Maybe now is the time to simply enjoy and savor what is now.
Many of us have started planning and writing our yearly missive, filling it with a detailed recap of what is going on with our children and grandchildren, and sharing how busy the year has been for us with trips, accomplishments, and contributions. Are our family and friends truly eager to hear all of that? I don’t know, perhaps they would just like to know that our family has the same struggles and concerns, the same “ups and downs” in life that they have. Maybe they would rather know that we haven’t been so wrapped up in the busyness of our own lives, to think of them often and hope they are doing well.
This past year has had much joy, but also more than enough heartache, illness & loss. Maybe now is the time to be more thoughtful of those who are experiencing pain and sadness, and offer them extra helpings of kindness and tender care. Perhaps a sweet note sent in February, June or September would brighten their day.
As we look to the approaching new year, perhaps we should try to see it through the eyes of a young child, where there is joy and excitement in the simple things of each day. Maybe 2016 will be the year that we become more mindful of the needs of others, and take the time to give of ourselves more freely. Whatever the new year holds for each of us, let us see it as a gift of new possibilities and hope; let us be present and not waste it.
May 2016 be a Happy New Year!
Beautifully written, Carol! Such a great reminder to savor the moment. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
xxoo Shelley
So beautiful, Carol! Living in the moment is so important. Enjoy your Christmas and hope you have a wonderful 2016!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, this is just beautiful and it perfectly captured how I am feeling this year. It is the first year that traditions are being broken with my daughter living abroad. I will be on a plane on Christmas day and my hubby and so are taking a little road trip of their own (for which I am so happy). Everything is different but I am embracing the change and realizing that this is just the first year in which we will experience changes and that's ok! This year we chose to spend less and do more for others. I signed us up for another charity and I helped fund Christmas for two needy families in our area. We do need to let others know that they are not alone in their struggles and try to be a blessing to others. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful letter. I used to write one every year and somewhere along the line, it fell by the wayside. I need to start it again though. You are a beautiful inspiration my friend. I am praying for you and your cancer journey and hope you and your precious hubby enjoy a wonderful Christmas day together. Hugs and Blessings, Vicky
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, Carol. Merry Christmas to you and the very best wishes for a healthy 2016!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful message & one I'm taking to heart. I wish you & your family a wonderful Christmas. I hope you get to spend lots of time together.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful message, Carol! Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Cristina
Blessings & a very Merry Christmas to you & yours, Carol!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Carol
Carol, what a beautiful letter and wonderful reminder to us all. I have to tell you that we receive a Christmas letter every year from a certain family member that nearly makes us nauseous when we read it. It's basically a brag letter letting everyone know all about their travels, things they have acquired through the year and basically it's all about them. Your letter is a shining example of what a year in review should looks like. You are such an inpiration. Once again, I wish you a very Merry Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Carol! Hugs, :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Carol! xxx Maria
ReplyDeleteWell said Carol!!! Wanted to pop by and wish you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Hope this season is full of peace, joy, and good health!!! Hope you have a great New Year to you too! Cheers and big hugs and love your way. PS Thank you for the beautiful card Carol. What a lovely surprise.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful message.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a very happy New Year!
Laura
White Spray Paint
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to stop by before this year closed to let you know how happy I am for you that your treatments are all over and you are closing the chapter on that book.
You have remained so strong, vibrant, beautiful, articulate and have given hope to many.
It is my joy and gift to know you and I am sending you great big Texas hugs!
xo
Jemma
I am just catching up after the holidays and wanted to say thank you for your support and visits to my blog. I am SO happy for you that your treatments are over and now you can get a break! You have inspired me and so many others on your journey. MANY blessings to you in 2016!
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