Simple things mean more than anything

This week has been full of emotion for me.  Every Christmas is filled with this.  There are moments where I feel so enthusiastic about the season.  Then, like a train wreck occurring within my heart and mind, it quickly changes to melancholy bah humbugs for all!

This year has been filled with so many wonderful and terrifying experiences.  I have been so blessed to have second chances at embracing a new relationship instead of being terrified to even try. I have been so blessed to step out and find new opportunities within the professional and personal realms of my life.  And for this, I have also suffered heartache and heartbreak.  A friend told me the other day I had enough occur in 2010 it was like I had lived several years in one.  In all those moments, it has always been simple moments where I am with my kids, my family, my friends, my "lad" that have meant the most to me.  In those small moments where if you are not paying attention you may miss what is surrounding you.

Christmas within our current society makes me incredibly sad.  Once a time to spend moments with our families, it now seems it is about the BBD - Bigger, Better Deal.  We are searching for the bigger gift that can clutter the homes of those we are purchasing for.  We have lost the sense of reality, attempting to spend beyond our means all in the name of the season.  We have become individuals more concerned about the holiday baking, wrapping, and decorating than we are with the people we are doing these actions for.

I am one of those people who believes something I can make from my heart is worth more in the eyes of the receiver than the dollar amount attached. This concept may not always be shared with those receiving my gift, but it is my way of sharing with them how important they are to me - my time, my hands, my mind, and my heart all being used to encompass what they are to me.  Simply put - simple things mean more than anything to me.

And to this simple girl who just wants to have her family and friends happy, to find happiness herself, to discover love, joy, and peace within all her actions, I would implore anyone reading this to also do the same.  Hug your loved ones until they let you go.  Never forget to kiss the love of your life every night, regardless of how rough the day was.  Never forget to say thank you when someone opens a door for you, offers to help you, or does something beyond your wildest dreams.  Never forget to love each day for what it brings you, but not dwell on yesterday, or focus too much on what tomorrow may bring.  Love each other in a way that echos from every wall within your home, and saturates the air.  This is what Christmas should be like - this is what we should all strive to have within our daily lives the other 364 days of the year.  Simple things that change our hearts from callousness to thankfulness.