Tick tock, tick tock time is drawing near!

Ok, so Christmas is my favorite time of (day of) the year! My earliest Christmas memory happened in 1977. My little brother, Travis, was born on the 23rd of December that year. YAY! Merry Christmas! I got a brother, however I wanted a sister! I was devastated when the call came to my grandma's house telling me that I had a(nother) little brother. NOOOOOOOOOOOO! I hung up on my dad and immediately ran upstairs and bawled my eyes out! Yes, that was December 23.

My mom had to stay in the hospital for a few days, as she had my brother via a C-Section, so if you do the math, guess where she spent Christmas that year? Yup! The hospital. I don't remember much about THAT but what I do remember......waking up on Christmas morning and opening presents with my other little brother, Chad, and my Dad. I unwrapped the BEST present a little girl could hope for!! I got a real working sewing machine for little girls. I was so excited. That was a time in life when you got one 'big' present and then little odds and ends. THAT was my big present! Guess who didn't get to even try it out because mom was in the hospital (she knew how to use it) and dad didn't have a clue what to do with it. Miserable! I seriously remember not liking my new baby brother for awhile after that because he 'ruined my Christmas'. HAHAHA!!!

 

Christmas has always been a great time of year for me. Traditions that were deep in family. Cookies. Church. One of my favorite things to do was to help my grandma decorate her Christmas tree each year. She had these awesome little bell ornaments that she hung on her tree that looked like little people. Elves and angels or something. There might have only been 5 of them. She always saved those for me to put on the tree. I loved those ornaments. After my grandmother passed away, I asked to have them to keep the tradition alive of putting them on my tree. A little bit of my grandmother (whom I miss terribly, especially at Christmas time) lives on each year as I ring each bell and place it on my tree! One day, I hope to have grandchildren who want to help me decorate my tree and those bells will be saved for them to place!

As a child, Christmas was always a hectic day for my parents. We'd have to visit both sets of grandparents and it seemed like we never had a lot of time at any place, but as a child, it was all we knew of Christmas. The hustle and bustle of the day. Family. Love. One year, the only thing I asked for from Santa was a Cabbage Patch Preemie doll. It wasn't just any Cabbage Patch Preemie on my list. I wanted an African American BOY preemie. My best friend's family had been fostering a little boy who I adored. I wanted a doll that was just like Aaron!! I found out later that my grandfather (who was an old school PA Dutch kind of guy) had traipsed all over Allentown looking for THE doll I wanted and did not settle til he found it, although it ended up being a girl. April Priscilla! Another fond Christmas memory of days gone by. Memories of Christmas that make me smile.

My home is decorated to the nines for Christmas! I've got Christmas trees in almost every room, decorations in every room (YES, even the bathroom gets decorated!), and I love to be surrounded by the beauty of Christmas. White lights on the tree, around the door/archways, on decorations; they are the only light I prefer when sitting around at night watching my Christmas movies!!

Christmas music has been playing at my desk since Thanksgiving. I've been wearing Christmas attire since we are back from Thanksgiving break (and I'm sad there wasn't more time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year!). I'm done with the wrapping, the sending of Christmas cards, stocking stuffers have been purchased (slightly disappointed in them this year), and I'm ready to put work in the books for this year (ONE MORE DAY!)!! The dogs have their Christmas collars and bandanas on! I've been told I suffer from O.C.D (Obsessive Christmas Disorder) and to that I say, YOU ARE NOT WRONG!!! I love all things Christmas and sometimes I struggle when others don't share in my affinity for all things Christmas. In my world, Christmas can get here now!!! Hurry Christmas!!!

In my love for all things Christmas, one image will ALWAYS stand out in my memory bank. As a child, we would drive to the next town to visit my grandparents. A storefront on the main street in the town always had a statue in their front window of Santa kneeling at the manger of the Christ Child. It always struck me as profound (even before I knew what profound meant). There was always something about THAT window display that put the meaning of Christmas where it should be. Yes, Christmas is wonderful with the lights, bells, trees, Santa Claus, gifts, music, movies, TV specials, hoopla out the whazoo, but in reality, Christmas is beautiful for the one gift that was unselfishly given to us, in the form of a baby in a manger. The image of Santa kneeling at the Christ Child's manger is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the TRUE meaning of the season.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the blessings of Christmas be with you this holiday season and in the days that follow, as we usher in a new year, new decade.

Christmastime is here

It's almost Christmas!! It truly is my favorite time of year (and honestly, my favorite DAY of the year!)!!! I love all things Christmas! The lights!! The colors!! Santa!! SNOW!! The Nativity!! The Christmas Story!! Bells!! Tinsel!! Garland!! Angels!! Balls!! Music!! Movies!!

Christmastime is here. It's my favorite time of the year for so many reasons. I've been determined to keep it my favorite time of year, despite the hand we were dealt with in the last 3 months. This year, Christmas will be so different, but rather than become all mopey about it, I am embracing the change. 

It will be the first year that there will be no children in our house on Christmas morning. 29 years of waking up to one (or both) of my girls in their rooms, patiently waiting to go downstairs to see what Mama Claus delivered during the night has come to an end, as I knew it one day would. And as much as I knew it would, I wasn't quite prepared for it. There is a part of me that is sad at this thought (because it has always been my favorite part of the day - waking up and heading downstairs and seeing their faces at what was under the tree!!!) but there is also a part of me that is so proud at how wonderfully their lives have turned out. Each living in their own homes, creating Christmas traditions with their families. It's a new Christmas for me this year, but I'm ok with that!

This year will be different in that we won't get our usual texts from California. Bill won't get his hour(s) long Christmas phone call from Billy. I'm praying for peace in our hearts this Christmas day, as we go about our day keeping his memory alive and remembering him with happy memories of Christmases past, thanking God for the Christmases we HAD with him. Different. A new normal.

December 25 will also mark our 10th anniversary!! 10 years of being married to the most amazing man I've ever known in my life (next to my dad!). Not even joking when I say, it feels like we've been together forever. Bill always says we have. We've been together in many previous lives and somehow we always manage to find each other over and over again. I believe that, weird as it may sound. When I first met Bill DeHart, I had no idea what changes he would bring to my life. I will forever be thankful our paths crossed again and that we managed to become one. There is NO one else I want to go through life with than my main squeeze!

10 years ago, when Bill proposed the idea of getting married on Christmas Day, in my grandmother's living room (where he proposed to me 2 years prior), I thought he was just kidding around. I wasn't so sure I really wanted to get married again. I was content with life as it was. As often as Bill would say we would get married one day, I swore it was 'never gonna happen' for one reason or another (we have quite a history there!). We managed to throw together an incredible wedding in two weeks time and we got married in front of the Christmas tree in my grandmothers front living room at 4pm on December 25, 2009 by the Mayor of Bowmanstown and in front of family and two special friends! It was my last Christmas with my beloved Grandma Marilyn. It was the best Christmas of my life up to that point. Every Christmas since has been exceptional. I love all things Christmas and hope to spread that Christmas cheer to those I encounter on a daily basis!

Life in the last 10 years: we've traveled a lot, watched our daughters graduate high school and college (a few times), supported our son in his life decision to move across the country, saw our daughter get married, another one get engaged, experienced the heartache of losing our son, added two dogs to the family, produced a CD for the band (YAY BILL!! FOLLOW THAT DREAM, MY LOVE!), and simply enjoyed life TOGETHER. 

Bill, life with you is nothing short of amazing. You keep me smiling when I want to frown, laughing when I want to cry. You support all my crazy ideas and love me through thick and thin. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know and I am so blessed that you share that heart with me. Happy 10 years (I know I'm early, but the mood struck for this post so here it is!), Babe!!!!

Wishing everyone who has read this blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Joyous New Year. May 2020 be better than 2019!!!

On Thankgsiving and Thankfulness

It's that time of year again! We are well into the month of THANKS, the month where we start seeing the thankful posts of our friends, popping up everywhere on social media. It truly warms my heart when I read other people's thankful posts and I imagine that's what happens when they read mine (assuming they actually read what I have to say each night). What saddens me, is that once December 1 rolls around, the posts stop. If there is anything I've learned throughout my own thankful journey, is that the idea of being thankful should NOT be isolated to just one day (Thanksgiving) or one month (November) each year, but rather, it should be celebrated EVERY SINGLE DAY.

The older I get, the more I stand behind this idea. Mother's Day: why not celebrate your mom EVERY SINGLE DAY? Father's Day: ditto! Honor them EVERY SINGLE DAY! Valentine's Day: my goodness, shower those you love EVERY SINGLE DAY with acts of love and kindness! 

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday (followed extremely closely by Christmas) since I was a little girl. I remember waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the smell of dinner being prepared by my mom. The smell of turkey wafting through the house, mom's mouthwatering orange juice sweet potatoes, the rich aroma of green bean casserole......just thinking about it takes me right back to being a child at 405 White Street!!! I remember getting excited for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, especially the Snoopy balloon AND of course, Santa at the end!!! I remember waiting patiently for my grandparents to come to our house for the meal (and my Grandma Marilyn bringing the delicious filling and Grandma LaRue bringing the pies and pumpkin rolls!!!). Family all around the table together....giving thanks and feeling extremely blessed!

This year, Thanksgiving will be a bit different. Grandma LaRue won't be at the Thanksgiving table. There will be no GOBBLE til ya WOBBLE texts from Billy. It will be a bit different BUT one thing is for certain, we will still give thanks for all we do have and for the time we had with those we loved. I'm using Thanksgiving as a holiday of refocus this year. While we suffered some losses, we truly still have a lot to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving has always been, and will always remain, my favorite holiday. This year, I am putting out this challenge to anyone who reads this blog posting......let Thanksgiving be more than just one day. Keep your gratitude list going in the days, weeks, months, and even year ahead. By focusing on what you are thankful for, you will find even more blessings coming your way. Trust me! Expressing heartfelt gratitude each day, is one of life's greatest joys! I find myself smiling as I finish my nightly thankful posts, just being overjoyed at the blessings I have in my life, even when, at times, it doesn't feel as though I have much to be thankful for! Gratitude is the true heart of Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Resolutions are for the birds......

Well, here we are. It is the final day of 2013. As the clock strikes midnight tonight, we usher in the year 2014. It is with mixed emotions that I say farewell to 2013. It hasn't been a horrible year, but then again, it hasn't been the YEAR of all YEARS for me either. I count my blessings and I realize that I definitely have more to be thankful for than to bitch about, so I guess, in the end, 2013 wasn't as bad as it could have been.

As I was trying to find a fitting quote, relevant to my thoughts, I found this gem: “If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.” ~Jack Dixon 

WOW! How true this is!!!! Far too often when we look at the New Year and prepare to declare our New Year Resolutions, we focus so much on the results. I believe this is why I found 2013 to be a not so bad year for me. I spent my time focusing on the CHANGE and therefore I see all the results unfolding before me. I embraced a lot of things that truly made me unhappy and rather than complain about them, I tried to see the lesson that I was being taught through it.  In focusing on CHANGE, I was able to better my life. 

I don't believe in declaring my New Year's Resolutions to the world. I don't even believe in making or setting any. Resolutions are simply calendar-driven obligations; and they often address the symptoms, not the cause of our unhappiness, because really, isn't the reason we create these resolutions because we are unhappy with something in our lives. Think of the top resolutions people make: weight loss; money related; spending more time with family; new job. All these resolutions deal with the fact that these areas of our lives make us unhappy. 

Don’t get me wrong…..some resolutions are smart for our physical and emotional health and well-being. Quitting smoking, losing weight, managing stress better—they are all healthy things. But if we don’t address what creates our need to light up, our need to order double bacon cheeseburgers, and our need to worry ourselves into frenzies, will it really help, on one selectively chosen day, to give up everything that helps us pretend we’re fine? It’s almost like we set ourselves up for failure to avoid addressing the messy stuff, the real reason we are unhappy.

Perhaps the best resolution we can make each New Year’s Eve has nothing to do with giving up all those unhealthy things and everything to do with adopting a new mindset that will make it less tempting to turn to them. Adopt the idea of CHANGE. Change your thoughts. Change your behaviors. Change all the negatives into positives. We all have the power to do this.

Rather than focus on what has us down and out, why not take an inventory of what makes us SMILE? What makes us HAPPY? Focus on that and slowly let the all the things that make you unhappy become out of focus. It is the same principal as living more positively. Living more thankfully. It all seems to come together when we want to make CHANGES to our lives.

Don't pick one day of the year to START your journey to a more thankful heart, to a more positive way of living. Make it an ongoing process. Happiness is a journey and not a destination. It is a daily journey and it takes effort every single day. When we start to focus on all the good things we are blessed with, we can no longer stand to be around the negative. It is like a horrible odor you do not wish to smell, a horrible taste you do not want to eat, a horrible sound you do not wish to hear, a horrible vision you do not wish to see, the caustic material you do not wish to touch. Negativity becomes a poisonous toxin in your life that you no longer wish to deal with. Resolve today to become a happier person because of the changes you will make every single day of the rest of your life.

On this New Year's I am simply looking with eager anticipation at what 2014 has in store for me. I know it will be great, because I will not accept anything less. I deserve greatness and greatness I will receive. That is my daily affirmation. It really should be yours, too!!

Until tomorrow, my friends.....See you next year!

Think Thankfully!!!

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Hustle and bustle....and quick fleeting moments.

So, the hustle and bustle of the holidays is coming to a quick close. Last night we met up with our son and his girlfriend for the Christmas exchange! Always a great time with the two of them. They are heading to Maine today for a New Years Eve Wedding of a friend. My Firstborn headed to Long Island yesterday to meet her wonderful boyfriend's family. The youngest's basketball tournament is over (yay for being Tournament Champs two years in a row!!!) and so the long days of sitting in a gym watching basketball has been put on hold (at least until regular season play resumes on January 3!!!). The holiday season (and subsequently vacation time) is coming to a screeching halt right before my eyes.

When I was a little girl, I was always told that as I got older, the time would fly by faster. Never understood it when people said that to me. Heck, isn't a minute a minute and a day a day? Now, NOW I understand. I was so eager to have a nice, nearly two week, break from school to spend time with those I love. I had plans to get a lot done over these days off. Yeah, not so much. Oh, I've enjoyed the time I had with my children, but I see now, how quickly life passes us by. Ferris Bueller was right on the mark when he said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Life is moving pretty fast. The years are passing us by ever so quickly. I have learned to cherish the moments life brings to me, especially ones with my grandma. After losing my other grandma almost 4 years ago, I have often felt as though towards the end of her life, I didn't spend nearly enough time with her. She lived only one block from me and yet, I didn't make it a point to spend the time with her that I should have. Not this time. I have learned to capture all the moments I can with my only living grandparent, my dear sweet Grandma LaRue. I managed to get this gem on Christmas Day.....my beautiful grandma and I. At 85 years young, I know my time with her could be very short lived, although with her spirit and spunk, I have a feeling I'll have her for at least 15 more years!!  She's got things to see, great grandkids to spoil, LIFE TO LIVE!!! She truly makes me appreciate how fleeting our time here is.

Yes, the hustle and bustle of the season is coming to an end.  Hopefully you took some time this holiday season to completely appreciate those in your life. It's not about the gift giving of material possessions, but rather the gift of your time. Don't let the business of the days in your life stop you from reaching out, lending your time, sharing a smile, giving of your heart.

Until tomorrow, my friends....enjoy what's left of the season.......

Think Thankfully!!!!

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....

Image copyright unknown

I have always loved the image above. In a furniture store in the town over from where I live, they have a Christmas statue of this in the window at the holiday season. I have always loved seeing it, because I think it speaks volumes to the commercialism we have all grown to support over the weeks and months leading up to Christmas. What more of a profound image than to see Santa bowing to the Christ Child in the manger. Santa recognizing the TRUE MEANING behind the day in which he (Santa) gets more credit than Jesus.

Now, here we sit on December 26 and the big day has come and gone. How many people will start taking down Christmas decorations today? How many people will be packing away their presents and start tidying up the house? The big day has come and gone, but has it, really????

Technically, the Twelve Days of Christmas start with Christmas Day and go until January 6^th. It isn’t a countdown TO Christmas, but rather a count of the days between Christmas (December 25) and Epiphany (January 6), when the Wise Men finally made it to the manger to see the Christ Child, whose birth was fortold to them. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, although many people consider this the case and start using the 12 Days of Christmas as their countdown to the big day. Not I. I start my 12 Days of Christmas on December 25 and end it on January 5, with Epiphany beginning on January 6. 

Yes, I truly do celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas! I follow the way it was meant to be. My Christmas decorations will remain up in my house until the weekend of January 10-12. I will enjoy the Christmas season (despite having to go back to work on January 2!) and ALL it has to offer. Christmas is more than just one day to me. As I looked into the 12 Days of Christmas song, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the famous song about the 12 Days of Christmas was written in England as a catechism song for young Catholics in the days when it was illegal to practice or teach the Catholic Faith.  It contains hidden meanings intended to help children remember lessons of faith. Do a google search on explanations of the 12 Days of Christmas and you will be surprised to learn what each day helped youngsters to remember about their faith.

As I have stated a few times in the past, Christmas meant something more to me this year. It meant more than just presents under a tree, decorations adorning the house, spending time with family members. Christmas was about my renewed faith. Christmas had a special hold on my heart this year, more than it ever had before. I was able to really sit and appreciate the meaning behind Christmas.

From the Christmas Cantata on Sunday evening to the sermon given by our minister’s wife (who is a retired minister as well) on Christmas Eve, I was reminded that it ALL began in a manger in Bethlehem so long ago. Yes, we celebrate December 25 as the day Christ was born, but again, I was reminded that we chose that day, in all likelihood, this was NOT the day that Christ was actually born upon this earth. As I sit here, in the quiet stillness of my house, fireplace aglow, snow falling so peacefully outside, I can’t help but feel consumed by the whole idea that it all started with an innocent child in a manger, born to save each of us.

Christmas has been a wonderful day for me: the marriage to my best friend Christmas Day 2009; the near Christmas birth of my baby brother December 23, 1977; the Christmases spent with family, surrounded by beauty and love; the services by candlelight on Christmas Eve in our tiny church in our little town. I have always loved Christmas, but this year, well, this year, I have wrapped myself around a new idea of Christmas. We celebrate the birth of Christ, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The Christ Child. This truly is the reason for our celebration. He is the reason for ALL our celebrations. To Him be praise and honor given.......

Hopefully, you are spending some time reflecting on what Christmas truly is all about. Hopefully you will choose to enjoy the season of the 12 Days of Christmas. And hopefully you will be filled with an abundance of love, peace, hope, and joy!!!

Until tomorrow, my friends………

Think Thankfully!!!

We Wish YOU A Merry Christmas!!!

From Think Thankfully to YOU....wishes for a blessed holiday season! May the peace and love that came down at Christmas find you this holiday season and may you be blessed beyond expectation. And while you are out celebrating the holidays, please stop and say a little prayer for those in the US Armed Services who are not fortunate enough to be celebrating with their loved ones this holiday because they are stationed overseas or states away from their family. God Bless them, every one!

Today is such a special day for another reason. Four years ago, this very day (yes, I was married on Christmas Day....4pm 12/25/09 in my Grandmother's living room surrounded by the beauty of the day with family and friends!), I married my soulmate, my best friend, my incredible end of the road love. We weathered some crazy storms in order to live life as one, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I cannot image my life without my HoneyMan in it. He is the sunshine to my darkness, the happiness to my sadness, the peanut butter to my jelly, the rock that keeps me grounded, the laughter that fills the empty void. My life has been blessed a million times over because he came into it. It seemed only fitting to become husband and wife on Christmas Day! He truly is a special gift in my life!! Happy Anniversary, my love. Thank you for another incredible year! 

Merry Christmas!!!

Think Thankfully!!

Oh Holy Night! Oh Night Divine!

This has to be one of my most favorite nights of the year. I am eagerly awaiting the 10:45 Christmas Eve services at our Church this year. I cannot even begin to describe the beauty of our little church on this most holy night of the year. I eagerly await the news that Christ, the Savior, is born!!! I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it.

Christmas has moved me beyond words this year. My most favorite Christmas song is Oh Holy Night. I most definitely LOVE two particular versions of the song. One is sung by Martina McBride while the other happens to be sung by Josh Groban. Both have voices that move my every ounce of being. Tears well in my eyes upon hearing the song....Oh Holy Night.....Oh Night Divine!!!!!

To me, this song sums up my feelings for Christmas. And tonight, it is what I leave you with as you prepare yourselves for the Christ Child's birth. It is whatI leave you with as you go about your holiday festivities.

Oh Holy Night

Oh holy night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name

Until tomorrow, my friends......Christ, the Savior is born......Christ, the Savior is born

Think Thankfully!!!

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!

Today is one of those days that is etched in my memory bank....and will be forever! We often talk about days like today. Those days where you remember it like it was yesterday, despite the fact that the reason for the memory might be, oh let's say 36 years ago!!! Yup, my friends, today is a day like that for me!!!

I was 4 years old (actually 4 years and 10 months old) and it was almost Christmas!!! My grandparents lived in this tiny little house on Railroad Street in Bowmanstown. As I mentioned in a previous blog posting, one of my favorite things to do for as long as I can remember was to help my grandma decorate her Christmas tree! It never had to be just right for her, as each ornament was placed with love no matter where it ended up! If there were a ton of balls on one side and nearly any on the other, oh well!!!  But I digress. Let me take you back in time in this blog.....let's go back to December 23, 1977.

My brother and I were taken to my grandparent's house because my mom and dad had to go to the hospital. You see, our "Christmas gift" that year (among other presents) was a new sibling. I remember praying hard for a sister. I wanted one so badly. At 4 years old, I remember telling anyone who would ask me whether I wanted a brother or a sister, "I want a sister. I already got a brother!" Yes, I wanted a sister so badly that......

.......when the phone rang as we decorated the tree, I ran to answer it. I always thought I was a big shot when grandma let me answer the phone. "Hello Everett's" I said in my most polite 4 (almost 5) year old voice. "Hey kiddo! Is grandma there?" It was my dad's voice. Excitedly, I asked, "Is the baby here? Do I have a sister?" And then, much to my heartbreak, the reply came in, "Yes, the baby is here. You have a little brother."

That was all I had to hear. I hung up on my dad (I know, I know, but to this day I am still sorry about that) and I ran upstairs and crawled under the bed and just cried my eyes out. My poor grandma still didn't know what was happening!! As she came to comfort me with her always loving arms and way of talking to me, she made everything better. It was at that moment, my grandma made me realize how awesome it was to have another brother, because it meant I was still her only little girl!!! Ohhhhhhh yeah!!!!!!!

My dad did eventually call back and tell the world (well, my family) that my little brother, Travis, was born. Anyone who knows me, knows just how special he is to me. He was my first best friend. He is still one of my best friends. He is my hero. Yes, my Christmas that year was a little bit of a downer (I got the sewing machine I really wanted from Santa, but I had to wait til Mommy was home from the hospital with my new brother to use it because Daddy had NO CLUE what to do....oh well!!!), but in the end, I've had 36 years with the best brother a girl could ever hope to have!!!

Happy Birthday, my little brother. May you be blessed in the year ahead with peace, love, and safety as you deploy once again......

Until tomorrow, my friends.....only two more sleeps til Santa arrives!! 

Think Thankfully!!!

How silently, how silently, The wondrous Gift is giv'n!

This evening, I had the distinct pleasure of attending a Christmas Canata, performed by the Christ Evangelical Free Church in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. At the beginning of December, a co-worker of mine gave me a beautiful postcard invitation to the performance. She encouraged me, saying that she truly believed I would enjoy it. I immediately put it in my calendar, promising that as long as nothing family related came up, I would be there. I am so incredibly glad my calendar remained clear!

The title of the Christmas Cantata was Bethlehem Morning. It was created by Russell Mauldin, Sue C. Smith and arranged and orchestrated by Russell Mauldin. The story within the singing took a look at what it must have been like on that first Christmas morning. As I have stated numerous times, this particular Christmas is exciting to me. I am eagerly awaiting Christmas Eve services at my church and the announcement of the birth of the Christ Child! I can't ever remember this feeling. I am almost 100% sure it is because of my renewed sense of faith in Christ Jesus. I have come to see things a lot differently since I walked back into my church a few months ago (this time for good). 

We started out the evening singing two beloved Christmas hymns (The First Noel and O Little Town of Bethlehem), which seemed to really uplift my already soaring spirits for the Christmas holiday. Afterwards, the performers took the stage and the magnificent performance of the cantata began. It wasn't until the 3rd number, the Bethlehem Manger Medley, that the waterworks appeared in my eyes. In singing their version of O Little Town of Bethlehem, there was a brief period in the song where they sang the lines: I come to the manger, I come in surrender. This is where my life begins. This is where my life begins. You pour out Your mercy, You shine in Your glory. When I come, when I come to Bethlehem. I couldn't help but be moved by those lines. I instantly felt as though it was being sung directly to me...to my heart. 

I came home from the cantata and immediately found the song (not performed by the cantata tonight, but a professional recording of it) on YouTube. Listening to it again, brought me to tears all over again. I'm still moved as I sit here listening to it and writing this blog tonight. 

At the conclusion of the cantata, the minister of the congregation (forgive me, I didn't catch his name), gave a wonderful devotional about how Christ has to be born IN each of us in order for us to fully come to His saving grace. He spoke so passionately about the idea of Christ being born for us, but having to be born IN us, I was truly moved. It was just what I needed to start my Christmas week. I needed those words uttered by a man I have never met but somehow managed to speak directly to me this evening.

I like to think that through my whole Think Thankfully journey, my relationship with my Lord and Savior has grown stronger. I no longer wake up on a Sunday and think of reasons why I don't want to go to church, but rather I eagerly get ready for Sunday Services. I smile on the walk up the block to my church, ready to greet those who join me in worship. Our congregation is small in number, but large in heart. There is a genuine feeling of affection among the members of our tiny church family. I feel at peace. I feel at home.

I come to the manger. I come to surrender. This is where my life begins.

Until tomorrow, my friends.....my Christmas wish for you on this night is that if you are struggling with your faith, feeling a bit discombobulated over the whole thing, you will look up, see the star, and remember how silently the wondrous gift was given to us on that first Bethlehem morning.

Think Thankfully!!!!

I'm Mister Snow Miser: I'm Mister Heat Miser

I am a HUGE fan of the Christmas specials by Rankin and Bass. From "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" to "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" to “Year Without A Santa Claus” to "Little Drummer Boy", Rankin and Bass Christmas specials have never failed to please the inner child in me.  On a shelf in my living room, all my Christmas movies/specials are proudly displayed, but my favorites, are the box set of Rankin and Bass!!!!! Normally, we watch them all as we decorate the house for Christmas. I just love opening up the box and watching them ALL!!!

Due to the impending nasty weather we are forecasted to receive tomorrow, thus causing the cancellation of the Annual Christmas Party (that had been 39 consecutive years strong), I decided to write about the Miser Brothers today: Heat Miser and Snow Miser, from "Year Without A Santa Claus". You must remember them (along with Jingle and Jangle the little Christmas elves)! The two brothers just don't get along. Funny when I look through my newsfeed on the wonderful book of Faces, how many people I see who either love summer and hate winter or vice versa. It’s like we have our own little battle of the Miser brothers before our very eyes. In the summertime, people complain about the heat and how much they despise it and then when the winter hits, there are complaints about the cold and snow.

It is this exact debate that prompted the question: Who is really the better of the two Miser Brothers?  Is it "Mister 101" or "Mr Ten Below"?  Hopefully we can settle this once and for all, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the answer is as simple as, “To each his own.”

Let’s take a look at Brother Number 1. Snow Miser, aka "Mr. White Christmas", lives in the North Pole and enjoys the cold.  He sits on an icy chair and has icicles of snot (which I always thought was quite gross) growing off his gigantic, ski slope nose. He sings and dances about how much he loves snow, white Christmases, and is even referred to as Mr. Ten Below. And now let me introduce Brother Number 2. Heat Miser, aka "Mr. Green Christmas", lives in, what appears to be, the bowels of Hell itself. While eating fire and turning everything he touches into molten goo, he basks in the fiery glory and keeps his icy brother's snow from affecting the South by turning it in to rain. He, too, sings of his love of all things heat, melting things in his clutch, being referred to as Mister 101. Both are creepy, yet insanely adorable Rankin and Bass characters, who are loved by so many people.

I’m not sure which I like better, so for the sake of which Miser Brother is the better of the two, I will vote neither. I enjoy both summer and winter alike. I love basking in the sun on my pool deck, sipping adult beverages with those I love, wearing shorts and tank tops, buuuuuuuut I also enjoy sipping hot chocolate on my couch, wearing baggy sweats, and watching the white flakes float to the ground, creating a beautiful picture of freshly fallen snow.

Right at this moment, I am a tad upset with Mr. Snow Miser for his timing of the next snow storm about to come our way. I wish he would have waited a bit so we are ensured a White Christmas, but……

Until tomorrow, my friends…..let us be thankful for the changing of seasons, the beauty each one brings to us and let us NOT become our own Snow or Heat Misers.

Think Thankfully!!!

These are a few of my favorite things.....

I've had my decorations up for over a week now. At first I was a bit nervous about that. Would I become tired of seeing them? Tired of the lights? Tired of the festive nature of my house so early? As I said earlier, I am very much into the Christmas spirit this year, more than any other year I can remember. I decided to take the time to talk a little about my favorite decorations, because my favorites mean a whole lot to me!

First of all, there is my nativity. I absolutely LOVE my Willow Tree Nativity set. It started as a gift from my daughters and was completed for my by my wonderful husband. When I look at my nativity, I truly think that Willow Tree captures the essence of what Christmas may have looked like. It is quiet, humble, holy.

Another of my favorite decorations came to me from my beloved Grandmother. When I was a little girl, I would always help her decorate her tree. My favorite things to place, ever so carefully, on her tree were her bells. They came in a Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and angels. I always made sure the angels were placed high enough on the tree, in a spot of honor. The bells have always been a favorite of mine. When my grandmother passed, I searched high and low in order to have those bells for my own Christmas tree. This is the third Christmas they adorn my tree. They are placed ever so closely to the hand crocheted snowflakes she made for me when I had a house and tree of my own. I love looking at my tree and seeing glimpses of my past come to me in the form of ornaments.

The last of my favorite decorations sit upon my mantle. A perfect spot for these gems! When I was a very young girl, my other wonderful Grandma had a neighbor whom I loved to visit. I would hop across the porch, cross the neighbor's yard, and go visit Mrs. Bryan. Helen was a wonderful lady who shared with me so much. She told stories and simply loved the inquisitive little girl I was. Helen had a son who was challenged. She had no grandchildren of her own and so she treated me as the granddaughter she never had. I was always given little trinkets and gifts when I visited, but it wasn't until I was a little bit older that she gave me the ornaments. Helen had MADE the ornaments with her mother and grandmother (we assume they are well over 150-175 years old) and she wanted me to have them. Each year, I proudly display My Special Ornaments. They bring a certain old fashioned Christmas into my home.

In taking the time to share these three favorite decorations of mine, I've done more than simply share.....I've reassured myself that there is no way I could ever get tired of the decorations for this holiday season. Perhaps next year, I will decorate even earlier......yeah, probably not! I still think the Turkey needs HIS day!!

Until tomorrow, my friends......may you have certain decorations or traditions that help you remember the Spirit of Christmas, the Wonder of the Season, the Beauty of it all..

Think Thankfully!

BAH! Humbug!

"Bah," said Scrooge, "Humbug!"

"Christmas a humbug, uncle!" said Scrooge's nephew. "You don't mean that, I am sure?"

"I do," said Scrooge. "Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? what reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.”

I think we all remember this particular part of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Whether you enjoy the original from 1938 (starring Gene Lockhart and Reginald Owen) or the 1951 remake (starring Alastair Sim) or the 1984 television version (starring George C Scott - which is my favorite), or finally Disney's version in 2009 (starring the voice talents of Jim Carrey), this particular Christmas story is one everyone has heard, everyone can relate to, and some even refer to themselves as Scrooge around this time of year. 

Have you ever really asked yourself why Ebenezer Scrooge disliked Christmas so much? Most people think Scrooge (or to be Scrooge-like) is all about the money. They think that Scrooge distance people due to his insane love of money. This is not true. When we dig deeper, we realize that.

As a boy, Scrooge was abandoned by his father, who blamed him for the death of his mother (she died giving birth to Ebenezer). At a young age, because his father couldn't stand to have him around for the painful reminders he brought, Ebenezer was sent to an all boy's school. During the Christmas season, while the other children went home to be with family, young Ebenezer was left on his own at school. As he got older he began to crave money, and valued only that. Love was only important if it made financial sense, which in turn cost him his only true love. He even began to look down on "old-Fessiwig" who loved Christmas and celebrated it with all the enthusiasm of a child. Scrooge thought Fessiwig was foolish. He became increasingly consumed with money, and Christmas. The ultimate symbol of "giving" and love, was nothing but foolish time that caused poor people to be happy and grateful for what they had (Ebenezer thought this was stupid because in his mind they had nothing). Christmas became the enemy of everything he thought had any real importance (making money, saving money, greed).

So why do some people in this day and age still feel the need to refer to themselves as Scrooge, or to act like a Scrooge when Christmas rolls around? Some become a Scrooge because they don't HAVE a family. Maybe they are estranged or just too far away to be together. Then there are those people who lost their family due to divorce or death, leaving the holiday to only be a painful reminder of happier times. Maybe they have their own 'Ghosts of Christmas Past' and wish to escape that sadness and loss. Facing the holidays without someone you love can put a painful tug in the stomach and tears in the eyes.

The financial strain of our pitiful economy at this time of year might definitely create many variations of Scrooge during this holiday season. Perhaps Scrooge became tired of all the forced happiness and relentless cheer that accompanies the holiday season and finds it to be insanely commercialized and materialistic, filled with annoying relatives and stress. Maybe even YOU have had your own Scrooge moments when you felt that way.

In the end, Ebenezer is reminded that the true gifts in life, are gifts that money had nothing to do with: time spent with family or those we refer to as family, loving and being loved (remember how hard his nephew Fred tried to show Ebenezer how loved and wanted he was?). 

Until tomorrow, my friends, perhaps you can find a way to give someone in your life who is a little like Ebenezer Scrooge at this time of year some holiday cheer. Share a smile with someone who does not feel the festive spirit as others do? Maybe invite them to go for a ride looking at all the pretty decorations around and perhaps, in turn, you could bring a smile to their faces.

Think Thankfully!!!

I'm not a child, but my heart can still dream.....

One of the Christmas songs playing on the radio during the Christmas season is called My Grown Up Christmas List, sung by Amy Grant. Many say this song grates on their nerves when they hear it. Some will say it is the most overplayed Christmas song on the radio. I happen to think it is a beautiful song, with a profound message. The song isn’t necessarily about HER wants at Christmas time, rather the list in the song is directed towards the world, "a world in need" to quote the lyrics. The most profound part of the song are the following lines:

No more lives torn apart.

That wars would never start.

And time would heal all hearts.

And everyone would have a friend.

And right would always win.

And love would never end.

This is my grown-up Christmas list.

And everyone would have a friend.

Christmas is a time for wishing for good things, a time to ask for things we wouldn’t normally ask for any other time of the year. Children write their lists for Santa and include all the latest toys, electronic devices, and much, much more. But what about adults? Did you write a list for Santa? Did you ask Santa for anything this year?

On Friday, I prompted my students to write letters to Santa and our Elf, Charlie, would deliver them to the big guy. While my students were hard at work (which still amazes me!!!), one little boy came up to me and so seriously asked me, “Ms Allyson, aren’t you writing a letter to Santa? How will you get presents under your tree if you don’t tell him what you want?” I asked that young boy to get me the stationery and I, too, would write my own letter. I found it hard to do. Write a letter to Santa telling him what I want for Christmas. You see, I am an age in life where I really do not want for anything. I have everything I need: healthy, successful children, a loving relationship, my family….these are things Santa can’t really deliver.

I wrote my letter, and it went something like this:

Dear Santa,

My name is Ms. Allyson. I love having Charlie in our classroom

I really don’t know what I want for Christmas this year. I guess if

each of my wee ones get what they want, I will be happy. As you

know, this is my favorite time of year. Thank you for being such a

wonderful man.

Love,

Ms Allyson

The kids asked to share their letters, and so we did. When I read mine, the kids all looked at me and said, “Ms Allyson, that’s not a real Christmas list. Why don’t you ask for a new car?” It was at that moment that the teaching kicked in and I explained that as you grow up, the things you want for Christmas aren’t necessarily things that Santa can bring. I explained that the best gift I could get, would be for each one of them to be happy and content with whatever Santa brings them, but that I hoped they each got at least one thing on their list. Whether they understood the point right there in Room 101 on Friday, I do not know. They are, after all, still wee ones. But I know, in my heart, that one day they will get it. Perhaps it will be when they are old enough to fully appreciate the song, My Grown Up Christmas List.

Until tomorrow, my friends…..may we always remember that we can all wish for things on Christmas, because after all, we have the Spirit of Santa in us, and we have the power to see to it that we have those dreams that will come true!

Think Thankfully!!!  

Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus....

Today's blog was inspired by a photo I saw on a friend's Facebook page yesterday. Her granddaughter wasn't so sure about being alone, sitting on Santa's lap. The face was priceless, but what was even more wonderful is, that for years on end, as long as I can remember, the Santa whose lap she was sitting on, was her very own grandfather. My friend captioned the picture to say, "Cali wasn't so sure about Santa by herself. Lol. Some day she will realize who he really is!" It made me chuckle. I almost said out loud, in the voice of Lucy from the Santa Clause movies, "GO FISH YOU ARE SANTA!", (which happens to be one scene that will always make me tear up!)!  I still have to smile when I think about the jolly old St. Nick, himself. Santa Claus! Who doesn't love Santa?! I mean, of course, little ones are usually terrified when they are plopped onto the lap of this stranger, of this big guy in a white beard, white hair, red suit, and jolly HO HO HO. But....when they realize who and what Santa is....it is instant LOVE!

Santa! Remember when you were a child? The anticipation of Christmas was one of the best feelings ever. I remember always going to my maternal grandparent’s house on Christmas Eve for the family celebration followed by Christmas Eve services at church. It was a great way to pass time so that we weren’t clock watching! Oh the anticipation!!! When we would finally get home from church, I can remember my parents would always encourage my brothers and I to go ‘right to sleep’ so that Santa could come, because after all, he only came when we were fast asleep!!!! And much like many children around the world on December 24, I remember never being able to fall asleep that night before Christmas. I'd try my hardest to stay up all night long waiting for Santa Claus, pretending to be asleep when my parents would check in on me. I would sneak out of my bedroom and lay at the top of the stairs, looking down into the living room where our Christmas tree stood proudly, just to check to see if Santa Claus delivered the presents yet. It is all still very amazing to me: as a child, you never seem to catch your parents putting the presents under the tree, but yet, there's some point in the middle of the night when you’d wake up, sneak out, and WOW! there they were. And then I became a parent……

I tried my hardest, as a mom, to instill a love for Christmas in my daughters. We kept some holiday traditions I grew up with and created some of our own. One of my most favorite traditions centered around Santa. Christmas Eve, I would allow my daughters to sleep downstairs on the living room couch, in hopes of ‘catching Santa’. I remember my mom first telling me that this was not a good idea. What if the girls woke up while I was doing my job? What if it ruined Christmas for them because they would realize that there is no Santa? WHAT? No SANTA? Oh, but I challenged, there IS a Santa!!!! Santa Claus is in all of us. We all have the most wonderful power to become Santa. We all have the power to make somebody's holiday. And while the idea of my girls sleeping on the couch on Christmas Eve never ruined their belief in Santa, once they did become too old to really believe, I think I did a great enough job of instilling in them the idea that the SPIRIT OF SANTA CLAUS lives in all of us. My girls are now 16 and 23 and they both still look for gifts under the tree from 'Santa'. They still leave treats for Santa before they go to bed on Christmas Eve. They still become filled with childlike wonder on Christmas morning, when they come down the stairs (they no longer sleep on the couch) and see under the tree. Christmas doesn't have to be a downer just because someone doesn't believe in Santa. It is up to each and every one of us to make sure they believe in the Spirit of Santa Claus.

Aren't the holidays all about giving and sharing love, giving a gift to somebody just because you feel like giving and not expecting anything back? Isn't that what The Spirit of Santa Claus is all about? Santa gives gifts all over the world in some of the least likely of places. All he receives in return is an occasional cookie and a glass of milk (or at our house, ring bologna and beer!), but Santa just gives and gives with no expectation of a return gift. I remember one year, at our family Christmas party, my daughter decided to give Santa a present when he gave her the presents there with her name on them. It was certainly not something Santa expected and I am pretty sure it was something Santa has never forgotten.

This (and every) holiday season, you have a wonderful opportunity to let the Spirit of Santa shine!!!!!! We're almost two weeks away from Christmas and you have the opportunity to bring the Spirit of Santa to all the people in your life. Everyone you see or encounter on a regular basis – show them the Spirit of Santa. You already know what the best holiday gift you can give is: giving the gift of you.

Which brings me to my favorite reminder of the Spirit of Santa Claus…..I post this for you. Read it and never forget! He lives, he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now..... nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. I believe in Santa Claus....I will always believe in Santa Claus!

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. 

[See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Until tomorrow, my friends……let the SPIRIT OF SANTA CLAUS spring from you! You’ll be so happy you did!

Think Thankfully!!!