Blessing and Traditions

Christmas is approaching quickly, does time speed up as the calendar counts down? Whether you are on Bear Creek in Carson, in So Calif and sadly watching the fires, across the country in Indiana or maybe even half way around the world....It comes just the same.

Chestnuts roasting, mistletoe, venturing up in the woods through the snow to find the perfect tree, the house smelling of warm baked cookies ready to decorate, wrapping gifts for family and friends, carols playing in the car on the radio and in the shopping malls, children lined up to sit on Santa's lap

(and of course mom hoping for the smiling picture), lights up on the outside of the house giving a warm glow, decorating a tree by the window with lights and glitter, stockings hung by the chimney with care; all traditions. Traditions that have carried on for years, some are your family moments passed down, maybe Grandma's special secret recipe for fudge or gatherings times for families and friends that make these your traditions personalized.

I have generally stayed home for the holidays and avoided the hussle and bussle of travel, along with weather impacting travel at Christmas. This year is a little different, the perfect gift of all, time. Precious moments in time to spend with my own son and his family and fill my heart with moments to enjoy with my granddaughter. Realizing, whether I am on Bearcreek or in Indiana, the traditions, the feelings of magic are all the same. Even more, I re-discover the sense of pride and joy to live in such a wonderful country. Taking a walk in the fresh air and seeing as I am half way across the United States, still a feeling at home as I see homes displaying our flag. Thankful to be an American and live in the best country in the World and thankful.

But, not all the Holiday feelings are filled with happiness and magic. I hear the same sediments from some of overwhelmed, " I don't have enough time, too much to do, when am I going to be able to shop, bake, wrap........". I have friends with a loved one in the hospital, there are sadly children in the hospital with illness and may be able to have a Christmas break for a few hours to forget they are sick and find a moment of joy. Car wrecks and accidents still occur, they do not take a break for holiday joy. My mind stops to think as I hear a comment, " what a terrible time to have a loved one pass away". Is there a good time?

When Christmas day comes, there still will be those who need to work. Emergency crews of Officers, EMS and Fire, hospital workers and caregivers in facilities, are still needed, some jobs do not take a day off.

So as Christmas approaches, if you find yourself focusing on your own worry, needs, and wishes for something a little more cheerful.....it is a time to think of blessings. If you are sitting in a hospital next to a loved one, you can still be thankful. Listening to other families enjoying traditions and having time to feel sad or alone, step out of that spot and find the joy, the reason for celebration, the meaning of it all. Even the Grinch's heart grew with joy and realized the true meaning of Christmas, finding blessings in others.

Sometimes the best gift, is the gift you can give to others of yourself. Its the gift that keeps giving and comes back. There are toy drives, food drives, adopt a family, volunteer in a hospital, check in with your local Chamber, find a way to give a little to someone else this Holiday Season and you will find you are also truly blessed.