Christmas!

I love Christmas!  My family celebrates Christmas, so that's the holiday season I love, but Happy Holidays, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, Solstice, etc. to you!

I love Christmas for so many reasons.  I like that it's cold outside and warm indoors - by a fire, in a sweater, in a chair, under a blanket, reading a book, drinking a warm mug of cider..... those are the images that come to mind.  I like that it's an occasion for many family get togethers.  Cousins you never see all gather in one place with aunts, uncles, and grandparents (if you're lucky!), catching up, eating delicious food, and spreading the good cheer.  I like giving presents!  I don't like the commercial side of Christmas for the most part, but I do like giving and receiving presents.  I like putting thought into it, wrapping it, writing cards.  I like bringing new things back to my apartment and thinking of the person who gave it to me every time I see it.  I like the food!  I like a meal where gravy can go on every item on the plate.  I like turkey and wine and all sorts of vegetables in their mashed/pureed form.  I like pies and Christmas baking! 

I like an opportunity that smacks me in the face and reminds me: you are so unbelievably fortunate.  It sounds cheesy, but I do have that moment at Christmastime.  How couldn't I?  Warmth, family, presents, food?  So many things that I am blessed, lucky, and fortunate to have, and that are not had by all.

That's why I was thrilled when my girlfriend suggested she and I find some opportunities to volunteer over the holidays.  Not only is it something special we can spend time doing together, but it's something we can do to show we are thankful for how blessed we are.  You can't control where you end up on the fortunate scale, but you can control how aware you are of your blessings.

Happy Holidays!!!