Monday, December 25, 2006

...Family, friends, and folks I don't get to see nearly enough...


In case you forgot, I am the dreamer of dreams and the wisher of wishes. And of course, this is my favorite time of year, the time of year when wishes do come true and everything is tinged with a hint of magic. My three ideals in life—love, peace, and joy—are the foundation of the entire season.

May you and yours find peace and hope, love and laughter during this holiday season, no matter what holiday you choose to celebrate, whether you celebrate a holiday or not. Believe in the magic of Santa. Drink lots of eggnog, kiss a sweetheart under the mistletoe (even if that sweetheart is your 80 year old aunt), and dance around to the songs you know by heart. Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while and wish them a happy holiday. Get your picture taken with Santa—no, you're never too old to do it. Better yet, grab a friend and both of you do it. Read the Polar Express, and always strive to hear the Christmas bells. Play with a dreidel. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, learn. Make a gingerbread house, and know that I will always find the gumdrops that you try to hide from me. Wish for snow. Enjoy the smell of a Christmas tree. Eat too much and be thankful that you have plenty to eat. Start a new tradition and revel in the old ones. Play dirty Santa…and may you get the best number. Help put together the "some assembly required" presents and take the opportunity to create a lasting memory. Make snow angels. Decorate like Tim Allen and don't be afraid to short out the neighborhood. Wear fun holiday socks. Make candy. Go caroling. Take a stroll through Christmas lights with someone special. Visit your family. Remember that hugs and smiles can be one of the best gifts that you can give or receive. Go to a kids' Christmas play. Don't be a Scrooge. Watch the Charlie Brown Christmas movie. Surprise the unexpecting. Give of yourself.

After the stockings are hung and the Night Before Christmas read and the kids are asleep, remind yourself of the true meaning of Christmas. Smile to yourself and know that you are loved and remember those that you love.

This is my wish for you: Comfort on the hard days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the rain, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits are low, beauty in all that surrounds you, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, and love to fill your life.
All the best to you and yours,
Fruitcake

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Merry Christmakwanzakah!

...Family, friends, and folks I don't get to see nearly enough...

In case you forgot, I am the dreamer of dreams and the wisher of wishes.  And of course, this is my favorite time of year, the time of year when wishes do come true and everything is tinged with a hint of magic.  My three ideals in life—love, peace, and joy—are the foundation of the entire season.
May you and yours find peace and hope, love and laughter during this holiday season, no matter what holiday you choose to celebrate, whether you celebrate a holiday or not.  Believe in the magic of Santa.  Drink lots of eggnog, kiss a sweetheart under the mistletoe (even if that sweetheart is your 80 year old aunt), and dance around to the songs you know by heart.  Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while and wish them a happy holiday.  Get your picture taken with Santa—no, you're never too old to do it.  Better yet, grab a friend and both of you do it.  Read the Polar Express, and always strive to hear the Christmas bells.  Play with a dreidel.  And if you don't know what I'm talking about, learn. Make a gingerbread house, and know that I will always find the gumdrops that you try to hide from me.  Wish for snow.  Enjoy the smell of a Christmas tree.  Eat too much and be thankful that you have plenty to eat.  Start a new tradition and revel in the old ones.  Play dirty Santa…and may you get the best number.  Help put together the "some assembly required" presents and take the opportunity to create a lasting memory. Make snow angels.  Decorate like Tim Allen and don't be afraid to short out the neighborhood.  Wear fun holiday socks.  Make candy.  Go caroling.  Take a stroll through Christmas lights with someone special.  Visit your family. Remember that hugs and smiles can be one of the best gifts that you can give or receive.  Go to a kids' Christmas play.  Don't be a Scrooge.  Watch the Charlie Brown Christmas movie. Surprise the unexpecting. Give of yourself.
After the stockings are hung and the Night Before Christmas read and the kids are asleep, remind yourself of the true meaning of Christmas.  Smile to yourself and know that you are loved and remember those that you love.    
This is my wish for you: Comfort on the hard days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the rain, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits are low, beauty in all that surrounds you, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, and love to fill your life.
All the best to you and yours,
Caitlin