Thinking Out Loud
'Tis The Season

December 19, 2013
By: Diane Szczepanski

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly."
Andy Rooney

Wrapping paper, bows, cookie crumbs, tissue paper and excited children and well let's face it, us excited adults too. Is there anything more glorious than Christmas morning wearing our new pajamas in a living room that is a land mine of toys and empty boxes?

As we get ready to celebrate the birth of the Lord and the arrival of the big guy in the red suit, we take a moment to pause and reminisce on the year behind us, as we look to the year ahead with the hopes and promises it brings.

We fondly remember and raise a toast to those that are no longer with us and reflect on their missing presence in our holiday gatherings.

If we have grown children, we miss the flurry of activity in the household, but we find ways to still delight our big kids who will always be our babies.

If we have young children, we get ready for the marathon toy assembly we know is coming and if we don't have children, we enjoy the buzz and excitement of nieces and nephews and young cousins.

It's a magical time of year, whether you spend it quietly or with a loud chaotic mob of assorted friends and family, or whether you celebrate in your own way and own spirituality.

The winter wonderland and glow of festive lights remind us to slow down, give thanks and spend a little extra time relaxing.

Skip doing the dirty dishes and have an extra cup of coffee while the celebration is in full swing. You'll never get another chance better than the present to make wonderful memories for the future.

May your Holidays be bright and beautiful, dear readers, and may your time together this season be sweet.