Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas....

or Hanukkah, or Winter Solstice, or Kwanzaa... what ever you celebrate, take the time to appreciate the true spirit and nature of the season.




This is a picture from the last Christmas I celebrated with my Destiny. It was right after a big ice storm. My girl had been very ill for quite sometime- she had been diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure in April, and she was living out her last days, being loved and cherished every moment I had her. It was a really stressful time for me. I was up with her every hour on the hour for weeks on end carrying her down my apartment stairs because she was so weak. I was administering sub-q fluids daily. She was on copious amounts of medication. She had stopped eating regular food, and what little nourishment I did get in her, I had to cook for her. I had spent all my extra money on her treatments, and I wasn't able to get my family and friends the presents I wished I could have gotten them. It just didn't feel like Christmas to me. I questioned my decision on even getting a tree, I mean, what was I thinking? Forty dollars on a tree when I can't even afford to get my family Christmas presents? But it was tradition... and I was talked into going. As I recall, my sister lent me the money.

Yet on the day we went to get the family Christmas trees... an annual tradition we have carried on for years and years, Destiny trotted down the icy road with my nephew, she pranced around as we cut down the tree. She even picked out the tree by leading me straight to the ice encrusted tree... it gleamed and sparkled in the sun like diamonds. It was breathtaking.


Oh how I cherish this moment of sweetness I captured through my camera lens... and I often wonder what she was whispering in Santa's ear? What was on her Christmas list? What were her last wishes? Had she accomplished all she had set out to do in her life?

If this was your last Christmas, what would you ask Santa to bring you? Surely the list would include things like more time with loved ones, more romps in the snow, more time to snuggle and watch the glimmering Christmas Tree.... more time to say I love you.

You might wish for more time to complete tasks undone, but I have a feeling most chores would be easily laid to rest, your work here would be complete, and you would be allowed to focus all your heart and soul on what really matters - the ones you love.

I remember decorating that Christmas tree. I remember Destiny watching as we hung each ornament. As we hung the ornaments on the tree, I noticed how beautiful each one was - I told Mike stories of where I got each ornament, or who gave it to me, or what year and significance each one had... it seemed each one had a story of someone I loved. I remember being overwhelmed and grateful to have that wonderful day with Destiny and my family. For that one day I had my girl back. She even ate a big bowl of chicken and rice that night. Hallelujah! I have a feeling I know what she asked Santa for that day.

The Holidays can be a stressful, overwhelming, busy, bustling and crazy time of year.... but take a moment - perhaps right now - to just be still. Watch your babies sleep in their beds. Take in the sights and smells of the season. Hold hands with your sweet heart. Say I love you to the people in your life who need to hear it. Practice a random act of kindness. Give thanks to your Maker for all the blessings in your life.

And imagine what your life would be like if you did that every day.

Have yourself - a merry - little - Christmas.

Joy-Prosperity-Abundance