Friends & Family

This time of the year everyone seems to bustling about buying into the consumerism ideal and glitter of the holiday season. They are so absorbed they forget to say please or thank-you, they forget to be courteous and considerate drivers and they forget that family and friends are more that about buying the latest, greatest whatever. They forget the true meaning of Christmas. I'm sorry but this is one of the things I detest the most about the holiday season and it will always put me in a horrible mood so I deal with it by avoidance.

I love spending time with family and friends anytime of the year but during the holiday season it always seems a bit more special. Last week we visited the kids in Wisconsin knowing for the first time since our kid was born we physically would not be present Christmas day. Since then we have talked several times on the phone and will be calling Christmas day because even though we won't be there physically we will be there is spirit. Christmas morning the phone will be passed around amongst the sibs and their spouses spreading the love that no present could ever replace.

Times are changing so it is easier for Grandma and Grandpa to travel this year than it is for the kids with little ones. We will wake once again to the excitement of little ones because Santa came. In our eyes we will relive the memories of Christmas mornings when our kids were little while forming new memories as the little ones discover their meaning of Christmas. Oldest grandbaby was home this weekend. Presents under the tree were all toys and Grandma's Christmas lights had to be on even during the day. Still pushing Grandpa's button to turn him on [a mole on Grandpa's neck that when pushed springs him into Grandpa mode] and helping Grandma in the kitchen as well as sampling Grandma's homemade cookies were the high priority. I have to tell you there is no present in the world that could replace the memories of raising our own kids then being able to share in the lives of our grandkids. Family is something so many take for granted without realizing what a true blessing they have!

Friday night we hosted a larger holiday party for friends. It would have been larger but the weather did not co-operate. One couple in attendance has been friends since the time we were double dating all those years ago before we got married. They are still our best friends and we wouldn't have it any other way. If you talk about old friends being gold this couple is 24 carrot in every sense of being friends. They have been there through all the ups and downs. Their kids played with our kids and all the kids remain friends. Like us, their marriage is strong and they work hard to be good, supportive examples to their kids as they begin their lives as grand parents. They are a true blessing in our lives that could never be replaced! Other friends in attendance are what we would consider both gold and silver because we haven't known them as long but they would drop everything to come to our aid if we needed it. They bring warmth, laughter, support and companionship into our lives. Friends are blessings that just can't be replaced.

So in this time of holiday hustle and bustle, stop to count your blessings. Your family and true friends don't care whether or not you can give them a gift. They don't care if you they drop by and you are still in your pj's or if you have gourmet coffee or if you even brushed your hair. They care about you! They care about how they can help you, how they can support you, making you happy, how you are doing and simply sharing in your life. And that is a true blessing. The best thing you can give in return is to be a caring and supportive family member as well as a true friend. Share your smile, your compassion, your advice (in small doses), your support and simply share yourself.

Happy Blog Your Blessings Sunday, the last one before Christmas. May you enjoy all the blessings your loved ones have to offer. May you repay those blessing ten fold! It is the greatest gift you can give and it costs nothing :)

Garden Gnome
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