The True Meaning of Christmas

Since my last post I have learned some wonderful and very valuable lessons.  

As I wallowed in my self-pity thinking I was the only person capable of providing a wonderful Christmas for my family, God showed me differently.  It was truly a thing of beauty to watch Him work through others to orchestrate what has turned out to be one of the most blessed Christmas seasons I have experienced.  

By disabling me on many levels, I was able to stop long enough to enjoy the help of friends and family who so lovingly gave of their time, treasures and love to ensure the gifts were wrapped, food was prepared and we came together as a family to remember why we celebrate Christmas.  I was slowed down long enough to throw off all of the commercial trappings and spend time truly connecting.

This Christmas has been about letting go and letting God work through others.  I was forced to stop my frantic activities so I would be available long enough to hug a friend who lost someone dear and shed tears with her.  I have had time to pray with and for people whose path has crossed mine in some of the most interesting ways.  To sit quietly and truly listen to what others were saying.  But most importantly, to be reminded that Christmas is about Jesus' birth.  

So, do me a favor and ignore that last post.  This Southern Belle found her Christmas spirit and also discovered how very blessed she is.

Merry Christmas to all and may God's blessings rain down abundantly upon you and your family in the coming year.

Cheryl

My dance card is full ... but what's new?

This holiday agenda has been crammed packed with activity. It started in November when we made the trek down to gather up Husband Unit's family and brought them back to our home for Thanksgiving. While they were here, we celebrated our youngest son's 30th birthday. Two large industrial size, Full Tilt Italian Twirl with a twist of Suthern celebrations in one week.

Whew! Two sets of parents running around, grandchildren running around, kids running around, niece and sister-in-law running around - you get the picture. Frank just sits in his chair and lets the running run around him. He was raised in an Italian family so he's figured it out by now. Me - I just keep trying to run behind everyone and eventually fall on the floor from exhaustion. Frank picks me up, pats me on the butt, says "I told you to let them run themselves out before you try to catch them" as he puts me to bed with drool running down the side of my face.

The celebrations have continued.

1. Early Christmas with our Son, Grandkids, my parents and my aunts
2. Frank's birthday party
3. Christmas Eve
4. Christmas Day
5. Day after Christmas Breakfast

And we still have these celebrations to go...

1. Tea and Cookies at my Sister-In-Law's house
2. Movie Night
3. New Year's Eve at Frank's Aunt and Uncle's place

We have worked in a shopping trip to Bealls and the mall, one trip to the beach, and I got my cheeseburger at Barnacle Bill's last night.

Now, where did I put that phone number for that herbal supplement that gives you energy? I think I need to order the double size.