It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

That's right!  It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Did you forget?  Do you disagree?  Maybe it's time for you to slow down, take a deep breath and remember what Christmas used to be.  Maybe it's time for you to remember the excitement of looking at Christmas lights, pictures with Santa, baking in the kitchen with family, Christmas carols, Christmas carolers, and family.  Maybe it's time for us to stop and remember what the true meaning of Christmas is...and why we celebrate.  Maybe it's time for us to mark some things off our commitment list this year.  Make more time for family, fun, lights, music, and Christmas magic. 

 Go ahead.  Take a breath.  Be still for just a moment.  Take in the joy.  Take in the thankfulness.  Be filled with excitement.  Make Christmas feel like it once was.  Start by looking at the ornaments on your tree.  Were they a gift from a loved one?  Do they remind you of a precious time in your life?  Are they homemade?  Take a moment for these memories.

Take a night out of your busy schedule to drive around with family or friends to admire all the fun Christmas lights.  Maybe it's time for you to break out the lights, and light your own yard up for fun!  Create a little Christmas magic in your front yard!

Sit down with hot chocolate and watch a Hallmark or ABC Family Christmas movie with the kids, hubby, or friends.  Or, for that matter, sit and watch one by yourself!  Make it a feel good one!

Take some time this month to hug on your loved ones!  Enjoy this holiday with those you love just as if it could be your last one with them.  Because it just might.  We are not promised tomorrow...much less next year.  So, soak it in.  Hug.  Laugh.  Reminisce.  Be merry!  Live this holiday like it's your last!

Take some time to give to others.  Not a frantic shopping spree stressing over just the right gift.  Give from your heart.  Create a homemade happy for your neighbor.  Give a sweet framed picture to the elderly lady in your church.  Be a Secret Santa to someone who needs a little pick-me-up this year.

And, take LOTS of pictures!  Pictures tell a story.  Pictures help us relive memories.  Pictures remind us of moments.  Pictures are precious.  Take a second to snap a picture instead of rushing off to the next thing.  Spend a "snapshot" of time creating a memory.  Make a mental note that it is a memory.  When you look back on it, you will smile...because all along you knew...

You were making memories!

After all, what better time to make memories than the most wonderful time of the year!