I’m grateful for many things this holiday season. Rather than taking up a bunch of valuable time and getting all sentimental, I’ll go right to this week’s list. Today I’m thankful:
1) for Christmas Trees. I love twinkling white lights and the way our tree holds over thirty-some years of collected treasures. It’s an eclectic display of ornaments, that’s for sure. Every December when I listen to Christmas tunes, drink hot chocolate, and decorate our tree, I can’t stop smiling.
2) that my mother –who has spent the last few winters in Arizona with her new husband–will be home for Christmas this year. Yay! Our Christmas Eve gathering will enjoy a lot more hugs, love, and feel much more festive with her near.
3) for red poinsettia’s. Fessler Nursery is within a few miles of our town. The 6” potted plants are huge; the blooms gorgeous. I once heard that poinsettias were highly toxic and refused to have them in my home when the kids were little. It
turns out that is an urban legend. Poinsettias are for the most part: harmless. I’m thrilled to strategically place a few of these colorful plants throughout my house to brighten my space and disposition.
4) for friends and family who we will see and spend time with this Christmas. But I’m also thankful for friends and family who live far away but are in our thoughts and hearts–despite the distance. Merry Christmas to you all.
5) for tradition. My Dad established many traditions during his life and making his special fudge recipe at Christmastime was one of them. Yet I haven’t made his fudge in years. But for some reason, ever since Thanksgiving, I’ve had a hankering for a batch of his rich, creamy chocolate concoction. Finally this weekend, I broke down and made his recipe. It seemed like Dad was present during the stirring and the pouring and the setting up of the fudge. I could feel him smiling down from heaven. Miss you Dad, but thanks for all the awesome memories.
6) for Josie’s seedless clementines from Trader Joes. “Seedless” should be self-explanatory.
7) that we were able to spend time with Lindsey and Nick this week as we celebrated Nick’s 36th birthday. Yes, he says he realizes he’s getting old. Just like the rest of us.
8) that an unexpected expense didn’t ruin Christmas. I recently returned home from a vacation. My welcome back gift? The thermostat inside our house flashing 53 degrees. A local furnace technician diagnosed the problem as a failed circuit board that could be replaced for a mere $675. At one point in our life, hearing such news would’ve been devastating. We’re now in a better place, and although I wish we wouldn’t have had to make such a repair in the month of December, I’m incredibly grateful we had enough to pay for it without turning our holidays upside down.
9) that (so far) we’ve not been adversely affected by Target’s security/credit card breach…and for the 10% discount we received off our entire purchase today. That’s a double whammy of grateful in my book!
10) that my Christmas shopping is done; the presents are wrapped and placed under the tree. Christmas is easy street from here on out.
My first book will be coming out September 26, 2017. If you are interested in learning more about Loving Lindsey: Raising a Daughter with Special Needs, please click here.
Dear fellow bloggers and readers: I hope your holidays are filled with joy and peace and love. You’ve made this an incredible year. I can’t adequately express my gratitude for your support of Out One Ear and Lindsey (and Nick, too.) They love hearing your comments and feeling that people around the globe care about them. You not only warm our hearts today, but every single day of the year. Thank you so very much.
