Thursday, December 1, 2016

The Joys of the Holidays

The Joys of the Holidays

I am only two months into my new blog and I already missed the month of November.  Therefore, I am going to combine the month of November and December together and title it, "The Joys of the Holidays".   This was all part of the plan. 😊

This post is going to be personal in nature.  Although I am NOT a fan of winter weather I am a fan of the holidays this time of year.  Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to give thanks for the many blessings I have in my life.  I must admit, I am blessed way more than I deserve.  I have the most loving and supportive family, healthy and happy children, and a career that I love,

I have fond memories of Thanksgiving meals of the past- eating brown and serve rolls and brown beans with my grandparents and cousins who I didn't get to see a lot. Now that I am grown, I am thankful I still only have to "show up" and eat. My mother and mother-in-law do all of the preparing and we just do the feasting.  I love that my children get to have the memories of going to their grandparents' house and being with their cousins on this special holiday.  I  know that one day they will look back, just as I do, and realize what a special time these moments were.

This year my mom, sister, and I ventured out on Black Friday for our 20th year in a row.  This is such a fun day for us and we look forward to the time together each year.  The first year we went my sister was expecting my niece and we had to be at Wal-Mart at midnight in order to secure a holiday barbie. We were successful on that trip and we were bit by the bug and have made it a tradition since.  Oh, the memories we have made and the stories we could tell.

Which brings me to Christmas- my most favorite of all holidays.  As a child I know I waited with much anticipation about the gifts I would find under the tree, but as I look back I can't recall but only a few actual presents I received (i.e. Cabbage Patch Doll- which is a great story about how my dad secured one of those hot items).  However, I DO vividly remember the times I spent with my family.  I remember the candy my grandmothers made, the singing we did in the car on our trips to our grandparents' house, the chirping bird on my Granny's tree, and exactly the spots each person sat year after year to open presents from one another.  I remember walking down on Christmas morning to view what was under the tree as a child and the special memories I created as a mom watching my young children do the same thing.

Due to the fact I love Christmas so much, I got married on December 23rd and had a beautiful wedding filled with Christmas decorations. This year Greg and I will celebrate 21 years of marriage. The years have gone by quickly and our children have grown much too fast for our liking, but the joys, memories, and fun times we have shared together will forever live in my heart and mind.

Lastly, the New Year's holiday.  My favorite part of New Year is the feeling of being able to start fresh.  It is a wonderful time to reflect -I can learn from past mistakes and make goals and plans for the new year. It is a refreshing feeling as we get a new start knowing the possibilities are endless.

I understand the holidays are difficult for some and it is hard to find any Joy within this time.  I pray this will not always be the case and that all are able to find happiness within the holiday season.   I wish you joy, peace and comfort. May 2017 be filled with good health, happy times, many friends, and lots of wonderful memories for you and your family.


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