Christmas is just a week away, and the festive activities are in full swing. We may have to accept that it could be a green Christmas, but I’ll take that over a blue one! If you spend your time reflecting on what’s missing, you mayoverlook what isn’t.

I was given a gift recently; the gift of time. My son was away visiting family in Quebec, and I had an open house and a Christmas potluck gathering to go to. A few days before, it was cancelled and I thought about going out, or inviting people over, but decided not to. It was good to have some alone time, a ME day, as my sister calls it. So after the open house, where I picked up some wonderful gifts for loved ones, and had a chance to catch up with friends, I headed back home and took it all in.

This time alone gave me an opportunity to reflect on things, sort through gifts, catch up on some laundry and housework, and then get comfy and watch the sappy Christmas movies I have wanted to watch.

The tree at home is up and looks great. It was a struggle at first to help the squished branches look attractive again,but once the lights, garland and decorations were added, and of course my beautiful tree-top angel, it felt like Christmas again. The twinkling lights & the fireplace cast a warm glow over the room and the festive decorations, adds to the ambiance. Yes, being alone occasionally is okay. I started to plan out the projects I want to work on, and it was good preparation for when Brad leaves next year.

I was tempted to go the takeout route, but instead made some comforting spaghetti and had leftovers for the next day. I poured through some cookbooks for ideas and will begin baking this weekend.

 

I unplugged for the weekend and it felt good. So many things have been on my mind and it is such a busy season, that it was a surprise gift to me. Sure I missed not getting together with friends, but we will reschedule after the holidays when the pace slows down. Sometimes you just need to catch your breath and relax.

I also heard from some old friends recently. It came about when I needed it most. I needed to vent and laugh and remember all the good things in life. We did the “remember when” and ‘can you believe” and caught up on all the things going on in our lives. It felt good. I even received some surprise Christmas cards in the mail.

There is so many things that happen in life. You may not be where you want to be, or may have lost someone you love, or had your heart-broken, missed out on a career opportunity, didn’t get something you hoped for, and didn’t get the answer to your prayers. But maybe you did and don’t know it yet.

Yes, sometimes life’s disappointments are really unknown gifts. Cherish the people that matter, let go of the ones that hurt you, embrace change, make reasonable goals, remember to laugh and smile and live. When you reach a crossroad in your life, take time to decide what you really want and have the courage to go for it.

This column/blog, stemmed from a loss and it was a gift. I love to write and it has reconnected me with my creative side. I love hearing from people who tell me they read my column and enjoy it. Thank You. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!